George's Groupies

I had to laugh the other night. Luckily, I happened to check what was on the Ovation channel and discovered that a George Benson concert was about to start. I love George Benson. Probably has something to do with the fact that he was usually on our record player every other weekend and I have a happy memory of my father dancing around doing his little "de dah dah doo de dah" dance as he walked through the loungeroom with George in the background.

What I found so amusing and touching too, was his audience. They just loved him. It was a bunch of 50-60 somethings, all up out of their chairs, doing their little "on the spot" dances. The women in the audience were completely under his control - smitten by his romantic lyrics and smooth gorgeous vocals - leaning out to touch him and grab his hand. The highlight of the show was when one overcome by lust, grey haired granny, jumped onto the stage and started gyrating up against George. The look on Mr Benson's face was priceless. His eyes popped out of his head and he politely sidled away, eyes pleading to security for help. I'm not sure that he'd ever quite experienced something like before I'm sure his usual performance stage is taller than granny leaping allows. The camera panned away subtly, and when it returned, George was gyrating-grannyless again. What a shame. It was the best laugh I'd had all week.

Aaaaah...just enjoying "Love Ballad" for the third time in my headphones as I type.

Anne-Lise

Little morale boosters

I've just found out that my EP, I'm Alive, has been getting some airplay on European radio. My glamaphonic music has been heard across Spain, Germany, Austria and the U.K. How exciting.

Another little thrill was to discover that I'm a Martian Music favourite this week. Martian Music Favourites 14 Nov 2006. Other favourites at the moment include the John Butler Trio, Lior and iOTA.

Martian Music is a digital music store that specialises in Australian independent music. Explorate, liberate, groovitate!

My influences...I'm finally realising who they are

By accident, I happened upon a live show of David Bowie's Glass Spider tour on the Ovation channel tonight. Hmmm, I thought as I watched...what great bass. Hmmm, hints of funk and soul, but still not quite either of those genres. Then I thought...hmmm, I like that bass. I like that sound. Then I remembered back to my teens and listening to David's 80s stuff on rotation on my record player, like Loving The Alien, Absolute Beginners and the like. Hmmm, you know, that must have had some effect on me cause as I was listening, I could hear traces of chord progressions and slightly unusual song arrangements that occasionally pop up in my music. Now, in no way am I comparing my sound with David Bowie's, goodness no, but I can see now some influence from him in there.

This also made my poor old brain tick a bit harder. What is my sound? Where do I fit in? Why do I have to pigeon hole myself into one particular genre? I guess that's where the Glamaphonic side of things will allow me to expand my musical horizons. I do have a lot of ideas that I haven't really delved into yet, so why place boundaries on myself? I'm never going to have mass appeal, so I may as well push myself into my darker more experimental side. Speaking as a fan, of the most exciting factors for me in Roxy Music was their experimental stuff. Their music didn't quite fit any one particular genre. I suppose now it's coined Glam, but at the time, it was just good innovative stuff. Then again, they did prosper in the 70s, when music was expected to be filled with originality and creativity.

Anne-Lise

Life isn't fair

I've been really saddened this weekend to learn of Belinda Emmett's death. Belinda was a talented actress and singer (rarely do the two combine) whose life was cut short at 32 after an heroic 8 year struggle with cancer, which she succumbed to yesterday. It just doesn't seem right that someone can battle for most of their adult life against an insideous disease that eventually wins and overtakes life. Throughout her fight, Belinda was the public epitome of strength and resolve. It's impossible not to admire. My deepest condolences are with her family and husband.

Anne-Lise

EP Launch + band search

I've never been one to do things simply. Generally, I like to take the most complicated and unusual route possible. This isn't really by choice. It's just the way my mind works I'm afraid.

Hence, I am in the process of organising the launch for my EP I'm Alive, quite a few months after its release. This also means that I am tackling the lack of band situation. As much as I enjoy being the centre of attention (only occasionally), even I think my singing the EP acapella would be a tad boring and over the top in self indulgence.

Finding the right band is probably the most difficult thing of all things to do in organising this EP launch.

I'm working on some ideas now. I've been sending out feelers to the musos I know, asking them to send people my way. There doesn't seem to be a huge field to choose from at the moment, but I shall stay proactive and patient.

Alas, I feel my ideal of having a great band that cares about me and the music might be a pipe dream now. Sadly, this also means that I won't be able to gig as much as I'd like as I will more than likely be employing session musos per gig. What it does guarantee though, is my music being performed exactly how I want it, and one of the most glamourous sounds you'll ever hear.

Venue has almost been decided and will be in the inner west of Sydney. Making the final decision over the next week or so.

Will keep you all informed on the progress.