Iain Mclennan: THOUGHTS/NEWS/TRIVIA

Thanks to al who have sent mail regarding issues about music and people. It's always gratifying to hear anothers opinion or experience, particularly when things have been going less than well. Not that it's a world changing circumstance as we all go through our rough patches. However this year I have felt to be a particularlarly disappointing one personally. The positive is life goes on and with that fresh idea, in the creative sense can be most uplifting.

To those of you who have called and written, I am most grateful and happy to say that slowly I'm getting back on my feet. Boring to say the least. But the learning curve of life has no boundaries. People are people as we all know. We have choices to let others get the soft spots or not. Damaging it is. Seriously damaging as to feign ignorance is a ploy obvious to all.

As you may have noticed I'm deconstructing the Studio so I can create a more live acoustical sound. It worked for "Faith" so I don't want to lose the ambience I have already. More the point, I simply am getting rid of certain frequencies that bug me. Certain Mid Range and Bass frequencies that make things a little hard to capture in their raw state. Standing Waves, which sit directly behind can be a pain. As can the sounds that find their way through Door seals, window seals and the Doors which separate the Mixing Room from the Live Room. I'm also building small isolation booths for different instruments. By that I mean letting the sound out without any other sounds getting in. Most important for acoustic instruments which rely on a natural ambience. If there is little resonance the is little sound, it's as simple as that.

We shall see what we shall see, otherwise, it's time to go bush.

Once again thanks for the kind words and simply said, I'm most grateful.

As things improve I shall keep things up to date.

My best to all.

Cheers,

Iain

UNFORTUNATELY, AS SPIKE MILLIGAN BRILLIANTLY SAID... "I TOLD YOU I WAS ILL." ILL I AM, BUT AM MAKING PROGRESS.

IF YOU TRY TO DO TOO MUCH, THE INEVITABLE HAPPENS.

THE ALBUM IS ALMOST COMPLETE, HOWEVER, AS I HAVE ALLUDED TO PREVIOUSLY THE RUG HAS BEEN PULLED FROM UNDER MY FEET. NOTHING NEW.. JUST TIRESOME AND DISRESPECTFUL. COMING FROM THE MOST UNEXPECTED AND A PLACE I ONCE FELT HAPPY.

I SHALL BE BACK AND HOPEFULLY THE NEW ALBUM "DISCONNECTED' MAY REACH THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BEEN SO KIND.

TO ALL, YOU ARE MY LIFELINE AND FAMILY. IN THAT, MUSIC REMAINS HONEST AND TRUE.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AS I LOOK FORWARD TO A NEW LIFE AND THE CHANCE TO EVOLVE WITH NO HINDRANCE.

CHEERS,

IAIN

I regret a personal interference requires me to be away. The point is, to keep going against all odds. Including those I believed to be the very support, foundation upon which we place our greatest trust.

You may face up to all your mistakes. Make amends if necessary and turn your life around.

There are many, that we just cannot please.

The album is on the shelf. Complete. String arrangements and some Harmonies are to be added.

To all my new and old friends, another unnecessary wall to confront. Perhaps this will improve my craft. To be better than I know I can be and like all, search for improvement and the joy that only music can give.

This site will remain. The Guest-book has and is most amusing... EXCEPT....... I do not subscribe to any links regarding Pornography. This is a Music site for all, not a dumping ground to solicit illegal Links. Unfortunately, I shall have to turn it off. See Links Page if you require help in any way.

There you go... for those who know, I'll see you soon.

All the best to such a supportive and genuine lot from all corners of the World.

To me... This is a success.

Cheers,

Iain

Just a quick note to catch up. Slowly but surely after 9 months... I can get my foot in the door of the studio.

Amazing who'll do what. When. I mean really just fuck off.

The band is crackling. I'll see you soon.

That's it.. got to go.

Hope the Pics of absorber helps Eric.

Cheers,

Iain

For months I've been re thinking and at last begun work on re building the studio.

I received an email the other day from a young bloke in Texas. His question? "What does Laid Back mean?"

The simple answer is feeling the melody of the particular song. Without that, you won't feel the dynamics. The two & fro of the rhythm. Much is done with click tracks, as you mentioned. The problem is people tend to give you the down beat.. As in 1. Think of any count by catching the + (1). It's a breath. Prepares you mentally to lock into and control the tempo, dynamics and anyone who may be pushing or "Laying Back" too far.

There's is no playing behind the beat as it doesn't sit. Get the feel from the singer, if he/she is uncomfortable with phrasing, it's your job to pull everyone back to the groove. Call
it what you like. I prefer Musical.

That all there is...

Cheers,

>p>Iain

Well, there's not a lot to tell. Particularly from my point of view.

Prior to Xmas, I was on schedule. New songs were coming and the flow was go. Bang!

Just goes to show how an upheaval can beat you down. I think some folk get off on it.

Slowly regrouping as the mental toll has been severe. Not in terms of losing it... that happened before I saw daylight. For me, it's about staying around. No matter what. I have found, it doesn't pay to believe anything re promises or the like until they are forthcoming. Easy to say as your into your third year of a new recording. I don't think.

Regardless, digging out another few tons of clay and Sandstone won't hurt. Mainly to create isolation rooms for amps that really have to push some air. It's not too difficult to double glaze each section. Using one door to open another area and close off whatever you choose. The band can see one another, unless I'm playing the instruments and each player can alter their fold-back mix.

At present however, I'm concentrating on my animation. Never done it before, so it's "Catch & Kill".

Cheers to all,

Iain

Love it or loathe the words. They're the words most taken for granted when it comes to Rock N Roll & basically in our own lifestyle.

The main routine and discipline life & living it regardless of what is thrown our way.

For the Musician to achieve anything, these two words are most like to keep you in the business of music and also the ability you're going to need to continue doing what you love.

If your to achieve the step from bedroom, fete and general cheap party band. I can hear the murmurs now. If the word "Cheap" sticks in your mind? Good, If you're thinking about money and fame. Good luck. Because two words are the only words that will help when you fuck up. It's a given. Travel and constant touring takes a heavy toll on both the body and mind.

None of us are prepared for this. In fact the preparation needed to get to this stage is many years of without. Today we've not only got more than ever before in terms of instruments. Affordable to most levels. Mind you when it comes to Pro level. Your demands are far higher on what instrument you can afford.

When you think of the many instruments you have traded in to help upgrade to a finer instrument a few times, you begin to realise that routine for one is going to be stashing a small sum of money where you cannot attack when starving and saving. Pretty much impossible as when you find your axe, that's it! By this stage your stash is stuffed. Usually through a lot of beg, borrowing and Bank Interviews you'll have your axe and be motivated once more to push the envelope when it comes to practice and live work.

Just to remind you , routine=each day. Every day. Discipline on the other hand is practical side of doing it. Not for one day. The rest of your life.

No Jail term. A chance to challenge and create something of your own. One day when you least need it. Many years of recording etc may come back to haunt you as playlists move with Generations and can remain ear candy for many ready to move on.

Regardless of My Space and so many free sites. Remember writing blogs. Catching up all detract from your writing time.

Cheers,

Iain

"Over time, water this place to dream.

In Sunrise a Sunsets.

So to sleep we all must go.

Distance. Dear. Hi. Love. No.

A thought? Know? Two Days?

Gone again another Slipper?

Rules are rules yet gamblers do

To know a mind requires a fool.

So be it that comes will go

To whom or what so still alone.

Nothing ventured so they say?

Off to hide another pain,

Though to be let alone remain.

Wander. Wonder a simple dream,

Not all are blessed some live without.

Dare not speak. Make no sound

What was shared remains unfound.

May your dreams cast no spell

Throw those fears into the wind

As they are yours

Safely guarded this wishing well.

My want. Your need

Is safe with me.

Iain Mclennan july 2008/Co

Many may not be aware of this gentle man's contribution to the Acting/Arts world.

Such pioneering days when radio stirred imagination and thought Stage. Screen and of course in your very living room via TV. Syd's stage.

Back & White (remember that?) A quiet yet such a passionate man. Syd died this morning in Mona Vale Hospital. Sydney Australia. Oddly enough, the very place my Son was born.

For all those who know or have met Syd, please feel welcome to leave any memory or experience you may have enjoyed in your travels.

All messages will then be privately passed onto Liz, (Syd's Loving Wife) and two Daughters Prue & Sal.

This Man taught me about living, ageing and acceptance. R.I.P Sydney Conabere

As I write, the Sun is bright and the sky cloudless over Sydney,

Yep, it's July. Six months. Today of all days I made the decision to read every paper. No mistake. As an observation the words "Murder" "Family" "Crisis" "Bible" "Terror" "Children" "Anger" "Style" "Allegedly" "Warning" "Family in Crisis" "Axe Murderer eats a calm Breakfast" Imagine how the Breakfast felt as it was consumed to provide energy for the said Axe Murderer?

Strange Headline in my view. Of course... I had to read about this person .

I've been around. Seen a few wood chopping events. (Tasmania leads in this field of sport I believe).

Never have I seen an axe murder. Must be for those who may lose an event, you know a tent, quietly lit. Almost seductive. Inside... absolute chaos. Axes, reaching to grasp a carefully removed chip off the old block. Handles, mute. unbalanced staggering as if drunk. In search of a head. Any head. One head removed to replaced by another gives me cause for concern.

Can you imagine being a "Sword?" finally honed and in the experienced hands, able to shave your Teeth?

What of the actions this Axe has been delivered after time after time winning becomes a loss as the blade smoulders in steam, heat agitated by that grind stone only to make it angry, sharp & lethal.

OK? What if the axe has no instinct or want to destroy the very timber carefully shaped, balanced against nature. Once the Head freshly honed and ready for action is placed carefully, a perfect fit.

No longer the once passive Tree from which it came. In the hands of a skilled Axe-man. Carefully placed in a new home. Warm Leather. Another remnant of Life. The Axe is now being re invented. Re housed after careful shaping to suit the hands of the Axe Man.

to be continued... as we all are. Who suffers? Anyone? Any Thing? The Handle. Blade. Axe Man? See ya. If I'm to build a shelter, I'm responsible for all I use. The beginning to End is a process of understanding, Love & the gut wrenching ache of forgiveness......

The light has been off for hours. I can hear every sound. Heater in the corner needs a drop of oil.

p>Since touring as a musician, on one hand it's the Gypsy. The other, a place, When you commit to Music as an education, challenge and what's more... never ending.

If perhaps you ruff it (and you will) most days entail: 1. Getting up. 2: Getting Down. 3: Getting out. Sounds pretty easy to me... I don't think.

Like any addiction, you have to feed it. You chase the freeways at times silent. At times a bunch of kids going to camp. Camp is 12 hrs away. 7 days & nights a week.

Play well. Play hard. No matter what... PLAY. We need to celebrate our existence. There are no rules as to enjoying being you. Well... there is one for Sanity's sake one rule: BE YOU, no matter what. As everyone else is busy and won't notice. Play one note. Utter one sound. Music. Language is an art.

Get to know your art. Perhaps your heart may survive.

11 Hrs to go.

Cheers, to every Horses Arse on each and every Highway.

Bell. View. You.

More than a surprise. More a light that confirmed in my mind the existence we closely guard in respect to ourselves & others.

Almost as if another part of one another. Free and independent to enjoy the Dirt, Sand and very Earth we tread.

p>I am a very lucky Man. Regardless of misfortune. Mistake or Destiny.

History. Well understood. Another reason to ignore and tolerate our wants and needs.

The pleasure of giving of yourself is a vulnerable place without experience. Regardless experience at times is vanquished. Logic remains as do natural instincts. If there is to be any independence established and the freedom to continue as an essential and natural instinct/belief.

Questions can be more intrusive than I could have recognised.

I know more and miss my friend. More a wish than a miss.

Find the dirt. Stamp your feet to your own dance. As I shall discover "The Salsa"

Love & Cheers to all,

Iain

Hi all. Hope Life and Living is the charge that propels you.

Banging my head against the wall last night, I came to a major decision. NOTE: (Don't try this at home as Banging of the Head against immovable an immovable object is not for the Non-confrontationist. Understand one thing. They, unless both perceptive and self possessed will have no idea as to what you are stalking about.) Don't waste your time as time will tell it's all as it is perceived. What you think you are shows. Shows exactly... that which you lack.

Footy, Football, Rugby and of course the insanity of "Road Rager". Don't ya just love it? All these young guys going "BIFF"... "Bam"... just like the good old "BATMAN"?

Of course these guys are clearly ahead (as it were) of their time.

My head Banging session was only short as after the first attack against the Wall. I was thrown back... Ooooooou... fuck...ch! Sometimes our Brains need a jolt to deal or not deal with. The Brain being so Malleable it is vulnerable to all external via: sight sound taste feeling etc. Hardwired. Yet flexible enough in it's vulnerability to be moulded. Switched off. Brainwashed. You name it. They are doing it now and have been since the word "Philosophical" came to be.

Great ingraciator to those in the KNOW/SECRET friend or pick up joint. My my we have really moved ahead.

Someone, if not Millions.

Back to the main subject. I have decided to seek advice on reconstructing my Studio. With the thought mainly being

1: Acoustics.

2: Less is so much more.

Ergonomics and last, but not least; THE MUSIC.

As time passes, work to me never stops. Melody and Rhythm are a part of me. If this Genome or whatever (Crack.... Smack! Thank you Mistress) was possibly created in a Cow for example. Instead of seeing Cows as merely beautiful creatures would become a powerful creative force, No longer prepared to remain in the box of "Cow Dung".

Yes, those old Sunday Drives looking at other peoples homes would now become extinct. As Cows were performing their own creative endeavours. Imagine.. we'd have Anti Cow Performance protests as Sunday Drives became exactly what they can be. Mentally disturbing. Viewing those who have HUGE homes and of course those beautiful 100 year old Mining Cottages. That have remained untouched and loved by their owners. I'm sure this type of person is the type I'd like as a Manager. A Partner in the name of Australian History. If you're doing it for a pay check, fine that's what you do. We all choose regardless. If we do not stick to those beliefs, we will more than likely eat ourselves in the name of another Rule. Another old self doubt... IF ONLY..... WHAT?

So Debt and Borrowing is the name of the Game. Gamble or Not? For me? Put back in to what you are creating.

After having several Businesses, I learnt a lot about the "Real World".

In fact, I believe this to be the process of Maturity. Self containment. Goals and the drive to live as freely as possible.

Hoarding. An illness. A way of remaining in the past and retaining flawed attitudes with the belief that everyone Must DO.

It's an old question: Why? Answer, if it is not hurting others. "WHY NOT"

That was and supposedly is the role of Education. Stop the judging and start the doing. WHY? Because, if you can not do it... don't. You're playing with peoples lives. Who wants to be patronised by those who don't know zip? I don't walk into your office, walk around chewing chips and taking mobile calls for 2 hours only to sit down and write a critique. I couldn't or could give a Rats. What you do is your business.

I like Business. ONLY since I've come to understand the Legalities of the Illegalities. So to sell all I own to enhance any joy of living, balance (All we hear & say Oh Yes.. then do nothing and wonder what's wrong?

Work wise? We all know the saying... Blah... work hard and... oh piss off!) It's true. But who needs some goon telling you. No respect. Their lack of it obvious as the same story dribbles from what has become a "SELF BELIEVING ROBOT"

Setting attainable goals is the only way to to remain your own person. Free of having to ask any more. Offers rarely exist. No one trusts no one.

Knowing, if you have chosen well and don't quite make it... those incredible Cows will not run. No. They'll congratulate and encourage you to keep the pressure on.

That pressure of working 24 hrs a day, knowing full well there is know race other than that in ourselves.

When you've had nothing. I mean NOTHING-GONE. There's no way to go but up.

Lofty words? No, experience and I pray you are never pushed into that place of having no idea of where, what or how you got on Earth or WHY?

It just is. Not happy?

Think of external forces at work against internal rules and integrity.

All is for SALE..

Cheers,

Iain

Below. you will notice Paul's Bio. Impressive to say the least. What's more impressive to me is the fact I was sent to All Saints College Bathurst. For what reason, I'll never know as it removed me from all my friends. Including teachers. Who. to this day remain friends.

What went on at that place was interesting and I cordially observed in hope that I may find that which would make me normal? You know, people have got incredible audacity to assume someone is broken, thereby making the wonderful decision to remove me from happiness, ie get me out of the way.

I insisted I take my drum kit. What do you know? Accepted. My arse. You pay big money to go to the Private Area.

Boring, sport oriented. Four mile run morning & evening. The WORST was being in a same sex school. For the life of me regardless of so called Education. Life interaction with our fellow man/woman is normal. This wasn't.

Like any Night Mare. It remains with you despite being asleep or awake.

Interesting set up. Just like Hospital. That's the way I treated it. After another year, whatever was supposedly wrong with me would be fixed. Ah Ah... The first morning everyone in the dorm woke. The look of confusion and sadness on some of my fellow prisoners.

Everything was gone. Once again, a suitcase to do Solitary. No body new no body. The dorms were like Air-plane hangars with huge a glass front wall. You could be seen at all times. I could feel myself being repaired daily as the reality of being shunted or disconnected from my friends and home. The worst? I was very much in love. I'd fallen head over everything for an artistic, no bullshit and most beautiful Woman. The first person to let me be. Love me for who I am. Not what they wanted.

Angry?

The odd thing was on particular days of the month parent visiting days were organised. No one asked us as car after car arrived with all the trivial: "All we've done is worried.) Why not leave me where I was happy, Now I think about it, I spent more time in Hospitals under baby oil and close scrutiny than at home. Very vague memories.

I was dropped at school after a three hour drive. I sat in the gutter next to this wire haired guy. That was it. George & I became a friends instantly. Love of surfing, music and general mate stuff,

Once a month Parents and Care Takers, one of whom was Sir Frank Packer. George's Dad had been Honoured with the First Military Cross in Vietnam. George loved his Dad and told stories via letters he had kept sent from his Dad. Only one word describes what I heard from a young man's letter to his son. "Confusion". No one new anything about anything. Bunged on a plane... the rest is History.

There were two teachers who actually bothered showing any interest in me as a person. Denise Speed. My English Master, taught me more than most. If I'd been dreaming out the window, he's remark... "Mclennan? When you ready to join us mere mortals... Go for a walk. He knew the time I needed outside. He also involved me in very simple things. Like, replacing the Registration sticker in his car. Sounds trivial, He involved himself as an equal, presented questions on a Life method. One by one we had a chat a questions.

Having my Drums with me was a plus as all this education was to me was choosing from a re-strictive and narrow field of subjects.

Enter Paul Paviour. A man gifted enough to give us a sketch to run with...All arrangements were scored by Paul. Knowing full well that most of us couldn't keep up with reading and in my case, I just went off. All this in The Bathurst Cathedral... Sensational as the band went nuts with Paul out the front Conducting, what in fact was a living growing piece of individual expression. Only a very musical person can be so generous. Becoming apart of what was simply happening, More like A Big Band on fire.. improvisation from all Instruments in the Band. list Paul Paviour - Musical Biography
Paul Paviour is one of the senior Australian Composers and has resided in the Southern Tablelands for the past 27 years. He is well known as a teacher, examiner, adjudicator, accompanist on both organ and piano, and composer.
His early years were spent in the UK where he was a graduate of Trinity College, Royal Academy of Music, Royal College of Music and London University.
He is one of the country's leading authorities on hymn tunes and church music and is a senior church musician having held professional posts for over 50 years which have included being organist to the Royal Navy Home Fleet, Director of Music of Bathurst Cathedral, and since 1975 with Goulburn Cathedral. He has also been Director of Goulburn Consort of Voices for 27 years and Argyle Operatic Society for 21 years. He was also artistic director and conductor for the consecration of Bathurst Cathedral (1971) and the opening of the New Parliament House, Canberra, in 1988. For both of these events he wrote several significant works. For the visit of Her Majesty the Queen to Canberra in 2000, he was commissioned to write the 'Te Deum' for the main Festival Service.
Paviour's compositions cover all forms of musical creativity. Being in and working with amateur societies and organisations, a fair amount of his output is concerned with works for choirs, orchestras and stage show societies.
Recent performances have included the overture 'Stop Press' and 'The first Hundred Years' both written for the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra; 'Te Deum' for the choir of Canberra Grammar School and sung for Her Majesty the Queen in 2000; the suite 'Splice the mainbrace' written for the band of the Australian Navy, 'Moreton Bay' for Pittwater Concert Band and 'The Glories of this Noble Sound' for the consecration of the new rebuilt organ at Lindfield NSW.
He is a composer who feels very strongly that the culture of any country is not in the heavily subsidised flagship companies but the choirs, orchestras and community organisations in every town and city and country. It is to this end that his professional career has been heavily involved. Not for him the ivory-towers of so many creators.
Apart from the performances already mentioned, other significant performances include the cantata 'All Systems Go' in Wakefield Cathedral (UK) to celebrate the inauguration of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales, the opera 'Caroline' by the LiedeTafel Theatre Group in 1982 and 1988, the musical 'Sauce for the Gander' at Theatre 3 Canberra in 1984 and the choral motets 'Walking towards each heart' performed in the presence of His Holiness Pope John Paul II in Rome in 1982.
Bearing in mind his devotion to amateur performances and School and College music-making, he is always happy to work in these areas and to stimulate interest in people of all ages performing together in choirs, orchestras and stage works.
Works at present being undertaken are a choral/dramatic work on the life of St Paul; a viola concerto, and several chamber works for various combinations

I've just got to say thanks to all who remind me this: When in trouble. Don't run toward it. Run for help. If your doing this, keep doing so until you find a connection. There are many with letters after their names.

Perhaps the more letters = Less Life Experience. Many are thinkers. Full of ideas yet replicate over and over what has gone before.. for some reason the thought to become interested in your thoughts and ideas is a natural one. No one can fake the genuine article unless you let them perceive what you know both makes them feel comfortable, free of responsibility and the Major-Gauge=CONTROL.

DON'T FORGET

If someone in the name of ADULT/Friend/Lover is dangling carrots. Offering only to remove. Accusing. Questioning. If they ask you how to fix the mess they have created. Be very careful. I correct myself I mean more Careless and Aware.

I hope you weave and wangle throughout the turmoil created by the external/people/bullies.

Remember "Sticks and Stones may break my bones. But words will never hurt me?."

What a load of bullshit. A MYTH... Obviously Sticks and Stones will cause some damage. Damage you can see. Prove exist. Even which angle and by which implement may or may have not been used.

Who sees the emotional rips & scars. Constantly re opened over a Lifetime. You may get ill. All sorts of signs are well recognised World Wide.

You don't learn this stuff from a book. So, regardless of the Music, the more I discover, the more alone I become. The positive? Keep walking as there are many ahead to find and learn from.

Yep, "it's a long way to the shop if you want (another) Mcl) sausage roll."

Cheers to Fears,

Iain

How can you describe such a thing. An unknown. Isn't a Miracle some sort of enlightenment perhaps? Thinking to myself as one generally does. A Miracle is the end result of shifting attitudes. Digging your way out from a seemingly bottomless pit. Surviving. A Miracle, to me feels more like being relieved of some burden. Found a way through.

"It's a Miracle. A Miracle!" In those who view the end result it seems to me that the event against all perceived odds diminishes the fact that some thing or one has been displaced and fought tooth and nail every doubt, experience, dream or reality to hit top soil. These are purely thoughts. How many times have you been drawn to the known in complete blind faith. When the time comes... you know how long the journey has been . To move in any direction there's a toll. Not money. Time.

Keep digging, especially when you recognise "The Broken Reality" Gulliver Smith, kept me thinking for many years as bit by bit the reality and pure joy of existing pushes you further upwards. Many sleep. So be very quiet, as just above you is more light than ever seen. To me it's a Miracle (an end result.. no science. No normalising or equalising please. Just pop your head up through the soil and take it in.

We all paint on the same Canvas. Perhaps the end result will be a Miracle. What's that word or those words? Peace & Love? To me... that's Random. Thanks for reminding me kids.

Cheers,

Iain

PS: Sometimes, the cheese you cut sustains you. Cheese is known to go off.

Just a thought...

Ok, this may have been thought of many times. Knowing full well that Man, in his kindness must have Wars, Kill, Maim, Rip off & Rape?

We are subject to constant War. The War/Experience in Life. Internalise, a defence of sorts will at some stage when you need every ounce of self to remain balanced. Each to his or her own See-Saw. In hope the other is not planning to remove themselves at a moment of vulnerability, IE: when at a our highest peak. The See-Saw at it's highest peak, excitement and laughter and that sense of security are removed as support jumps off in laughter as we fall to Earth. Our trust and hopes kicked. To the entertainment of those who constantly dismember you. Precisely at the time you are offered the choice of Living to discover your own happiness. A happiness based on trust, Not forgetting to return for another helping at some other moment.

Over the last seven years I've been studying Law & Psychology. On Line in my time. No degree or letters will be issued & legally my studies/re education won't be recognised. Thankfully. As I am a Musician. Investigation involves the knowledge & truisms of the Human Race. Race we we do do. Comparing. Judging. Withholding. Betraying. Coercing and last but not least... Loving. Some over time reduce the burden by investigating themselves before assuming their judgement or view is the one & only .. (complete with blinkers). A little narrow in my view. A self delusion as to measure oneself with anothers supposed weaknesses is hardly an equation, equal, minus or plus.; to the sum. Knowing this diminishes any doubt or questioning you may have within yourself. Opinions flurish. Gossip carefully re reported. Edited in self serving glory.

Sorry, the word, is either heard too often or not at all. A convenient time to withhold once again or relinquish any responsibility. Few may take in the impact of remarks, off handed slurs delivered to all & sundry. Though important we all are. So precious are we that defense and attack become one and the same. A war within to present the without. My last few comments allude to my own war. Each and all have the war within. To deny experience would be foolish. Each his or her own experience. Knowing the rules is paramount. Keeping the rules a secret? If you don't know... be well aware there may be a new experience about to entertain us, thought & "The Experience." Words, like Mathematics become secrets and are used to elevate power in the name of Money and our favourite, hidden wicked thoughts. Wicked?

Test your wickedness. Present an illusion that is acceptable in anothers mind ..... anothers mind. Sub Plot. Creative thinking gone haywire in the name of survival. Expose the nerve. Not surprisingly the war within is constantly at war without. Without the knowledge of experience, we can only choose one track. A choice. Not all tracks lead to the same place. We all get to a place. What remains is consumed with relish. For what? Gratuity. Look what I did. Therefore I am..... What? Time in continuum. Your moment on Earth. Work. Consumed articles & the Big Hope To Grope. A large amount of Money.

In my experience. When a time came, a problem. We see this all the time. A coin or note being placed in tin cups. Donation. When someone offers to help. There is no thought involved. A natural action. Usually from someone who has little in way of finance. But spirit beyond the very concept of Money.

Perhaps the aim is to present a friendly target to those in the know. Let them take aim and shoot. Not with a Gun. Oh no. It's far too easy.

Each person to be issued with a high calibre, self loading, self timing in fact all on Auto. No thought. No opportunity to question or pace the rhythm. I'm running with this as I can see it as both tragic and humorous.

Shoot. Click. Return fire. Shoot. Click. Both have fired on Auto. Rapid explosions of light burnt to film.

The catch is. After each has shot his or her quota. They must now down their weapons. Remove the unexposed cartridge and proceed to a "Critics Assessment Room." Palace, if you will. Each Critic has experienced and survived to guide and give another point of view. Like it or loathe it. All shots fired are exposed. Those who have captured the moment of dance in a moment. Balanced. Breathing on the page. Are then judged by the dowers in live. Not the un-doers. Get my drift? A perfect, Artistic race. All willing to share the ups and downs of Life.

Think about it. We maybe here and now. For some reason everyone has become so self conscious, to me it fees like we have returned to the 50's. However all is presented in colour. No light. No shade. In your face. I'm up. Your not.

Why subscribe to such a waste of thought when to do after the thought takes and can not do without action. Into the Arena. Take your picture. But look very carefully at what it is you have frozen on paper. Inscribed on your mind. To remember. Knowing full well, there is no fear in taking action as we can observe and agree. It was the best at that moment. We don't own. We observe and take notes. Get bored. Get out. Meet. Speak and if, just if a common experience is found with another? Take your shot first. Of the living breathing.

Breathing is a shared experience as we all know with each breath that we are together equally in our understanding.. This is but a moment of existence. If you feel you may get another chance, fine.

For me, to repeat the movie in the name of living is not the track I, if it were my place to choose, possibly......... I'd keep writing.

With each shot we take another is being taken. To withhold your image is a waste, As perhaps, one day you may not be able to see it

As they say... "There's a Book. A wealth of experience. In each. Time to re load. Take Aim and fire a bunch of experiences in Song, Imagination and kindness. If we have become indifferent to images thrown in our direction. No tears fall as we see more and more of a sub culture being exposed infinitely. Hours, seconds are gone. What remains can grow. In that we all participate regardless of any self serving, controlling, kind or otherwise. The label becomes "Over Sensitive" ... In other words. Tell them nothing, as through experience they are well aware and demanding when it comes to a Labels Description.

If you aim. Shoot well. Discover. Uncover a truth you can live with. For just a moment.

Cheers,

Iain

Seb was sound asleep after a massive shot of Morphine to to relieve a severe Migraine. Woken by the loving voice of a trusted elder. Seb hears the words "get up, we'll be late for the Dentist. So what thought Seb, barely able stand after not only the Migraine but the shot to contain.

However up he got and fell into the cold shower. The Dentist? he thought, after 3 days of seeing things as the light pieced painfully through open Curtains. In no condition to go anywhere Seb slipped back into Dream Time. Bang Bang! upon his door and the demand to bring his Duffle Coat as it was 29 degrees and by the tone of voice Seb got the message.

The heat became intolerable. Throat swollen and barely breathing, Seb sat dreaming unaware of what was coming. "Do your top button up', was the new command. Hostile and ugly. No comfort or nurture. Fools expect you to do as they say as they expose their pathetic and cruel nature. Sadistic commands and belittling remarks.

The impact of the full fisted blow to Sebs face broke five bones in his face . Recover? Seb never did nor will recover and the broken bones remain painful physically & mentally to this day.

From that day Seb's view of the World and those who inhabit it changed forever. All security was diminished. All feelings of safety and trust gone as Blood dripped a constant yet numb reminder of how a control freak could stoop so low

There was no apology or it seemed regret as this overweight tub of Lard stopped, did a U_Turn and began to backtrack.

It felt like days had passed as Seb's eyesight faded into another dream.

Years later I bumped in my good friend.

In his eyes was such pain and confusion it left me speechless. Asking how he was and had been doing Seb answered: "Nothing. Nothing at all."

It was true. When I first met my friend, it was on. Gifted and charming and hell of a funny guy. New exactly what he wanted to do and set about it to the astonishment of those who tend to judge intelligence by numbers. Well below par were they in the Brain Department. Devoid of any original thought or insight.

I still see my friend. He no longer sees himself as a worthy person. So broken in spirit by those who felt so threatened by this man. Relentlessly they set about to destroy any life force.

I love my friend as friends do. Needless to say, i have no feeling or interest in those who threatened, bullied and criticised him. In days of of old those who supposedly cared and loved and were responsible would be dealt with instantly. As to their cowardly and shallow care to present to Society their normality and compassion.

Hardly sad in any way regarding their demise, Seb is regaining himself. Both a pleasure and pain to watch as they say..... "Time waits for no man."

Don't let anyone try to control you with games. Especially Money as in itself it is harmless. In the hands of those who seek to control it's a Time Bomb. In others a chance to help those less fortunate.

Hold on to your self esteem and get away as quickly as possible as you are not safe from those who want what they don't and have no right to posses. Life after life? Heaven & Hell? My friend is Heaven yet wears a private Hell. Unforgivable and certainly a waste. As there was so much more to come and be left for all to enjoy.

On another note I shall be out of action for approx a month. Carpal Tunnel problems have struck my right hand. Finances have dried up. Time marches on as somehow we hold onto our dreams as those who can don't and those who cannot pitch in with support and good will.

Cheers,

Iain

I'm sure I was dreaming. The weather was clear. The Harbour grew like the Sun as darkness covered Circular Key.

Somewhere, Harry Connick was preparing for the show. Doing whatever. He & the band warming to the one & a half hours chance to hit the zone.

The tickets a gift from a dear friend who knows my love of Big Band and perhaps in some way new this may be the last chance to see another of the greats.

Hopeless me sitting still at any concert. My routine is so geared towards the Night. Equipment... etc.. Gigs. To actually go to a show is a big one.

Our seats were above stage right box b. A direct line of sight to the show.

Lights up. Band wanders on and of course Harry, relaxed & focused. A quiet thank-you and into that mystery of what will be. I love his style of piano playing. Percussive. An animal. Untamed after years of trainers & Teachers hands. Sound wise, the piano sounded excellent. Still, the acoustics in the Main Hall remain another entity and the place takes on a Boxed Sound. More slap & reverb as walls reflect etc. Connick made brief mention of this. Let it go and got on with the music.

The show was dynamic and carefully slung together. Some of the finest musicians on the planet, blowing in front of you can be life affirming. Lift you to another place. As that's where you tend to go as a musician. That place where every day living, pain especially, dissipate as the Brain starts pumping extreme amounts of adrenaline into your system. To level you out, in come the Endorphins. Allowing you to utilise the energy and allow your body to extend further. For Drummers in particular these Chemicals can be a nightmare. A tempo can become a horse race as the body naturally responds unless disciplined. My way of gauging this was to watch myself in my mind. As if to step away for a bit and let the body relax. Everything then moves into another zone. I imagine it's like the pain threshold all sports people, especially long distance runners are adept at channelling this pain until they hit the other side. Earlier I mentioned that prior to the Encore, Harry started to find that other place in his character. The acerbic wit and my intuition tells me a chance for him to get a little closer to people. Thoughts popped in and out. Commenting as he strolled across stage on how happy he was with his new hair gel. A throw away and of course you like the guy even more.

The voice I'd only heard on cd. Live, it sounded better. Phrasing is punctuated with bops, call outs. Anything that allows Harry the chance to get further out and into the Music. The Band are so tight. I mean Tight as in blowing or strictly arranged parts. usually leading into an impro as the band had a chance to get rolling.

The man is gifted with so many traits. His humour comes in fits and cycles as the serious & ridiculous collide in his mind. His thoughts may have been spoken on many occasions. Yet you felt all was new and fresh. Each newly punctuated, re invented with some neurotic, self depreciating thought or gesture.

Most of the crowd wanted to party. Let that New Orleans Spirit take over for a while. I was with them. Unfortunately my foot tapping, supported by thousands of others was not appropriate for a lady sitting in front of me. I got the Shhhh treatment. I felt the Black cloud rising but ultimately I thought; "let her suffer." Poor thing, especially with that monstrous Road Smash of a Hair Style. Like the Tower Of Pizza, I wondered who or what lived inside. She just couldn't enjoy herself.

Harry? He really let's it out. Wants the interaction. The feedback and cheek that make each night something unique and special. As if he's waiting until the crowd warm and settle back.

Harry Connick plays it all. Generous and respectful to a band to kill for.

Talking to the crowd about this and that and before the final number he let go. This is the part of HC I like to see. The sense of the ridiculous is maintained. His sense of self, well in place as he "jutht goeth thow Craaazy". A sense of.. hey?! I'm just getting up... come on , let's party. A couple of People were leaving as he spoke, left of stage. A classic remark and he was in Stand Up Mode. He may well have been exhausted, yet I felt this guy could go all night.

The Band shone. Dynamically beautiful with a Horn section, which at times reminded me of the Late Great Buddy Rich_ Big Band. The driving power of a Big-band is it's Dynamics. The punches of Brass & Rhythm. The pure force and articulation.

The Musicians, like all good players, all had a character which HC spot lighted on occasions.

THE BAND MEMBERS.

HARRY CONNICK, JR.... piano, vocals

NED GOOLD.... alto saxophone.

JERRY WELDON.... tenor saxophone

DAVE SCHUMACHER.... baritone saxophone

ROGER INGRAM.... trumpet

BIJORN WATSON.... trumpet

MARK BRAUD.... trumpet

JEFF BUSH.... trombone

DION TUCKER.... trombone

JOE BARATI.... bass trombone

NEIL CAINE.... bass

ARTHUR LATIN.... drums and the wonderful LUCIEN BARBARIN.... trombone & percussion. Plus a feature spot. Some great dancing and a beautiful voice.

What a night (See Pics) and as I thought, just the inspiration I needed to get my act together and get this Studio where i want it. Get on with the Music.

Thanks Harry & such a Band.

Of course thanks to Michael Coppel and Harry Connic's Manager: Anne Marie Wilkins for bringing the show to town.

Cheers to all,

Iain

PS: Not forgetting all the Crew..

L15 December 2006
LESLILE LIMBURN

Hi ..Ian MClennan?? the origianl Mondo rock drummer..?? i recently for the first time got to see Mondo rock at the Countdown concert and at Souths Junior earlier this month..was a great night..great songs ..great playing..i grew up in the NT in the 70s and 80s and missed out on seeing a lot of great aussie bands...apart from Skyhooks who came to Alice Spring in 1976..that was a great night..but i had all the records and tapes of em'..an one of themn was a true classic..''Primal park'' by Mondo rock..this also coincided with me learning to play the bass..and the amount of time i must have spent learning the bass line to ''Question time''''Searching for my baby'' !!! and the other songs on that lp..a great rythmn section of yourself and Simon Gylles..i recently put some of those songs onto my Mp3 player and lstent to em' on the way to work on the train...classic stuff.. id like to say a thank you to yrself ..Ross and the outer guys that made up that band at that time..Mondo rock Mk 2 might have had the big hits..but the Primal Park one was for the me the greatest..

best regards..

Leslie

''they'll be draggin' the river..oh no..searching for my baby''