August 15th, 2022Spanish flair, virtuosic Paraguayan guitar and a few goosebumps
CLASSICAL guitarist Clancy McLeod grew up in Alice Springs and moved down to Victoria when he was 15. He spent quite a few years of his childhood travelling through the desert with camels and a wagon – the family were cameleers. Clancy said it was a magical start to life and gave him a deep love and connection with the natural world which he channels through his music. With his home now at Mt Tarrengower and a concert happening soon at The Convent, Clancy chatted with Donna Kelly.
Donna: When did you start learning guitar?
Clancy: It all started because my dad was an amateur mandolin player and no one would play with him. So I said I would and lucky me, I got a guitar for Christmas when I was 10. Unfortunately my dad lost interest in his playing so we never formed that band.
Donna: When did the classical part start?
Clancy: I was about 12 and my mum’s friend lent her a CD of John Williams, I think it was Favourites For Classical Guitar. I was blown away by how good the guitar could sound and I just had to be able to do that. A few years later I learnt my first song from the CD Austurias by Albeniz and as previously agreed by my parents I got a guitar upgrade upon completion.
Donna: Can anyone be a musician or is it inherent?
Clancy: I strongly believe anyone can be a musician, it’s a matter of hard work and dedication, four to five hours a day for 10 years gets you there. I think the part that’s inherent is a musician’s personality, their ability to captivate and transport an audience and truly breathe life and magic into music and send goosebumps down your back. That’s a rare thing and no amount of training will help. It’s a bit like how a great impressionist painting will convey so much more emotion and meaning than a photograph taken by me.
Donna: You are playing at The Convent on August 21, what can people expect?
Clancy: Quite a few heartbreaking melodies, some Spanish flair, a bit of virtuosic Paraguayan guitar and hopefully some goosebumps.
Donna: Why The Convent?
Clancy: I think The Convent Gallery Chapel has pretty much the perfect acoustic for classical guitar as well as being a beautiful space. The right acoustic allows the guitar to transcend itself and you might not even be aware that it’s a guitar you’re listening to.
Donna: What do you see as your future?
Clancy: I love performing and I’ve got so much to share so I’m hoping that the stars will align and I’ll be able to keep doing this all the time for years to come. Right now I’ve hoisted the sails with the 13-concert series I’m doing across Victoria, it’s been a huge effort to organise this and all I can do is hope that the wind blows!
Donna: Do you play other instruments?
Clancy: No I don’t, but I’d love to play something that would go in a gypsy or Balkan band, that’d be so fun!
Donna: I looked at your website and you seem to be very environment focused?
Clancy: I think as a society we’re heading towards an ecological cliff and it seems like we’re all just obsessed with our own dreams of success and recognition. After the Black Summer fires I just couldn’t keep on with trying to be the most successful guitarist, I actually just want to communicate with my audiences, to share what I’m feeling. This program A Dream In The Forest is a collection of songs that speak to my grief at the destruction of the natural world, they’re songs of love and loss for the forest and country.
Donna: Oh, last thing, has anyone ever said you bear a striking resemblance to another performer?
Clancy: Never! Just kidding, when I was studying in the UK people genuinely thought I was Ed Sheeran.
Where: Convent Gallery Chapel
When: Sunday, August 21, 2pm
Booking: $25 via Convent Gallery (03) 5348 3211
Website: clancymcleodguitar.com
Image: Cailin Rose Photography
