with Darren Lowe

Daylesford musical outfit, Square Wave Bounce, play a collection of dreamy  beats, synths, grooves and rhythms.  

A three-piece outfit that produces electro-pop, synthwave and dreambeat songs using analogue equipment, such as Roland Juno synthesizers, Roland drum machines and Korg samplers and effects.  

Ivan Carter provides the drums, rhythms and leads, Fe Porter is on vocals and glockenspiel and Cameron Saunders is on bass.

Other guests have included Maarten Stenakur , Michael Groth, Ruby Carter and Harriet Carter.

Square Wave Bounce will launch its first single in two years, Jayne Goes, at Radius  Gallery in Hepburn Springs on Saturday, April 5.

You can find further details on the Radius Gallery  website.

Jayne Goes can be listened to via https://ditto.fm/jayne-goes

Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford  Spa Country Band – Saturday, March 22  Back Alley Sally – Saturday, March 29  

with Darren Lowe

Stella Savy Avek Frer, Leavers Hotel, Creswick, Friday, February 28 

Stella Savy’s singular blend of funk, soul, reggae and ska is unlike any other performer in Australia.

Her original music is influenced by her Seychelles heritage – the sounds of the islands fused with reggae and ska guitar rhythms.

Her original material showcases her talent as a songwriter and vocalist. Her expressive and soulful vocal style captivates audiences all over Australia.

Stella has been a professional musician for over 20 years. A multi-instrumentalist, Stella is a renowned percussionist and vocalist. 

During the course of her career, Stella has worked with musicians from all over the world and the Avek Frer (with ‘brothers’) line-up is world class – with her musical brothers fully committed to the groove.

Andrew Vincent on double bass and Lesley Fromholtz on drums form a mean rhythm section, Bryn Hills on trombone while Wayne Parker adds pure groove and melody on guitar to Stella’s original roots-based tunes. 

by Darren Lowe

Neil Young and Crazy Horse – Forest Hills Stadium, NYC, May 14, 2024

I have been beyond excited for these gigs, a trip to the Big Apple aside, a chance to see Neil with The Horse was a reason to alter and amend accommodation dates, leaving a month earlier for this trip.

Joining Neil Young Archives as a paid member allowed access to a pre-sale, so after a second show was announced, advice from family, friends and one Rhythms editor was ‘what am I even thinking about?’ when a second show went on sale Forest Hills Stadium is a converted tennis stadium, with an intimate feel to the venue, obviously outdoors, a slight problem on the second drizzly evening.

The Love Earth tour experience featured an array of environmental groups in the entry to venue, with information and signing people up to mailing lists.

Support act Reverend Billy preached in an evangelical format, with a 10-piece gospel choir complete with duelling Hammond organs.

Neil and The Horse played a two-hour concert each evening with a varied setlist, so by going both nights I heard pretty much any song I could’ve hoped for.

Both concerts featured extended and gloriously fluid versions of Cortez the Killer, complete with lost verses. Cinnamon Girl, Like a Hurricane, My my hey hey, amongst the permanent structure of the set
Scattered, dedicated to David Briggs was beautiful both nights.

There was a deep dive into Everybody knows this is nowhere on Tuesday, with the title track and The losing end.

Technical difficulties hampered the sound on Tuesday, with glitches during Neil’s acoustic set of three, with us possibly being shortchanged by a song or two due to blackout during Human Highway.

This continued during the final song, pre-encore, My my hey hey, but the band played through.

Sedan delivery and Rockin in the free world rounded off the spectacular, no frills, dare I say ragged show, with both Neil and Micah Nelson breaking two, or three guitar strings each.

Sadly, Nils Lofgren chose touring with Bruce and the E Street band over Crazy Horse, but Micah’s guitar provided a lovely shredding interplay with Neil.

The band were in magnificent form, intros to songs and seemingly moments of extended improvised jamming mesmerising.

A number of songs were added/interchanged on the Wednesday night, with Dangerbird, Down by the river, Sugar mountain and I am a child in the acoustic set highlights.

In fact, the band returned for an encore of Roll another number unexpectedly with many of the audience having left the venue.

Neil’s playing was still fantastic, despite describing difficulties with some hand ailments.

The US concert experience was interesting for someone who hasn’t experienced this for a few years. From the unrestrained hooting, blatant and persistent unofficial t-shirt sellers and the presence of young people, younger than me anyway, actually excited by Neil and being familiar with his material, made this a different concert experience.

The added, very vocal, excitement at The Knicks’ lead at the end of the third quarter, in wonderfully rich New York accents only added to the experience.

Unfortunately I couldn’t get tickets for Sierra Ferrell, about three blocks away from my accommodation in the East Village.

by Darren Lowe

The Rolling Stones – Metlife Stadium, NJ, 23/05/2024

A nasty, weekly weather forecast, was the focus of my and Susan’s attention preceding this very major concert, and was the main reason for our extended trip to The Big Apple.

Thankfully, thunderstorms and very heavy rain were all over by midday. The Stones played two
concerts at Metlife Stadium, a short 20-25 minute journey by coach from the port authority.

We attended the first Thursday evening after purchasing tickets when the sale went online at some ungodly hour. Stressful but we managed to get floor tickets.

This was an absolutely mind-blowing concert experience. The best stadium sound I can remember with a fantastic view, and a great, vocal and excited US audience. In fact, the walk from bus to entry was my first live view of the tail-gating phenomena.

Rows of people with full camp and BBQ set up with beverages and a different Stones song every
few metres at full volume.

This was a major event, in a city with a lot of major events, which was a talking point over the next few days as we walked the streets of NY in Stones’ logo t-shirts.

Jon Batiste, with a 10-piece band including back singers and dancers, gave us a wonderful 45-minute support set. The multi-instrumentalist was a consummate showman with his funk infused, New Orleans-inspired set.

Fantastic musicians, back up singers/dancers and a taste of how the catwalk was to be used. We were closer to the action than I can remember in any of the umpteen times I’ve seen The Stones.

The Stones came on stage about 9.25pm with a glorious, intense exciting build up including Mick’s silhouette through the very large rear stage curtain.

As has been the cast throughout the first few gigs of the tour, the band opened spectacularly, with Start Me Up.

Now, as I’ve said to many friends in the past few days, I really don’t care how old these guys are anymore. This gig was amazing.

To the set list soon but the musicianship is astounding, possibly among the best gigs I’ve seen the
band play.

Mick is often remarked upon re his fitness, but it really needs to be acknowledged, as I know it always is, that he is of a certain age, running about on stage for two hours while singing! Incredible.

For the first time I can really remember, I was able to distinguish the separate playing of Keith and Ronnie, they are in remarkable form.

Listening, waiting, knowing when to back-off. That fabulous loose Stones sound. Clear, crisp, particularly on Jumping Jack Flash and on their acoustic interlude where we got to hear the very exciting You Got the Silver.

The touring musicians, many long term, were exemplary. Chuck Leavell, Bernard Fowler, Matt Clifford, Darryl Jones, Tim Ries and Karl Denson have all played with band for extended periods.

More recently there has also been Steve Jordan, since 2021 and Chanel Hanes since 2022. As usual, she blew the house away with her part in Gimme Shelter.

Despite playing hits in the bulk of their set I don’t see them as a nostalgia act, as they are still playing remarkably well and with 60+ years of material to draw from.

Being in New York, sorry Jersey, we got Shattered and Miss You and the fan voted Wild Horses. Nice choice. And a sprinkling of early hits including Get Off My Cloud and Paint It Black. I personally loved hearing It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll.

You know it’s a great gig when you are on a high the next day, exciting, glorious rock sings, still played with passion and enthusiasm after 62 years.

Next edition – Neil Young and Crazy Horse at Forest Hills Stadium, NYC.

Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
Saturday, November 4 – Learning To Fly – A Celebration Of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers were a special kind of band. A band that sustained a decades-long career while never compromising.
Together for over 40 years, they scored iconic rock ‘n’ roll hits in each one of those decades,
earned 18 Grammy nominations and entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Tom Petty will be remembered as an extraordinary singer, songwriter, and band leader. His career included hugely successful solo albums and time as a Traveling Wilbury. The Heartbreakers recorded 13 albums, along with collaborations with Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash.
From early FM radio favourites such as American Girl to the anthemic Free Fallin’,
and the swagger of Mary Jane’s Last Dance, Petty’s songwriting continued to reveal layers.
Learning To Fly – A Celebration of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers is set to be
yes, a celebration of all things Petty, performed by some true fans. Josh Owen, Dan
Lethbridge, Rick Plant, Ben Wiesner and Adrian Whitehead have played with the likes of James Reyne, Buddy Miller, Missy Higgins, Glenn Richards, The Audreys and more.
Together they will back some of Melbourne’s finest in Nick Barker, Rebecca Barnard, Charles Jenkins and Rob Craw (Huxton Creepers).

Words: Darren Lowe

Following its sell-out success last year, Winter Sounds is returning to Daylesford in August with a great line-up of Australian artists performing in a range of local venues.
From August 17-20 the line-up including Mo’Ju, Gareth Liddiard, Jen Cloher, Tex Perkins & Matt Walker,
Adalita, Watty Thompson, Jess Ribeiro, Martin Frawley, Leah Senior, Coda Chroma, Skyscraper Stan and Jarrah Olive will play gigs around the region – Daylesford, Glenlyon, Bullarto and Clunes.
Winter Sounds is produced by the team behind the successful Riverboats Music Festival and supported by Visit Victoria and the event’s director Dave Frazer says: “Winter Sounds is about providing audiences with the opportunity to experience extraordinary performances in extraordinary spaces, and we are so excited to be rugging up and returning to the Daylesford region this winter.”
For one of the unique shows in the series, take the train to the Bullarto Hall for sets by Gareth Liddiard, Adalita, Martin Frawley and Jess Ribeiro. After a half hour journey through the Wombat State Forest on the Spa Country Railway, wander up the bush track to Bullarto Hall, where the fire drums will be roaring and the Mountain Goat tinnies will be on ice.
Alternatively, audiences can take a leisurely drive to Clunes, where Watty Thompson and Leah Senior will perform in the Clunes Town Hall.
In Daylesford, the phenomenal vocals of Mo’Ju, supported by Ballarat’s Coda Chroma, will play the Daylesford Town Hall on Saturday night, while Jen Cloher and Tex Perkins & Matt Walker will take over St Peter’s Catholic Church for two evening concerts.
Both buildings will be spectacularly lit by the team from RTR Productions to showcase the buildings’ architecture. Tickets on sale at www.wintersounds.com.au

with Darren Lowe

Newstead Arts Hub and Newstead Live will present two events in June featuring Australian singer-songwriter, Fred Smith.
On Friday, June 2, Fred Smith and band will present his new show, Sparrows of Kabul at the Newstead Community Centre from 7pm.
Then on Saturday, June 3, from 10am to noon, Fred will hold a songwriting workshop for young aspiring songwriters and musicians in year 9 upwards with a maximum of 20 participants.
Newstead Live is also calling for youth volunteers who are interested in gaining
experience in live performance management. Volunteers must be 15 years or older.
Details are available from Kelly Skinner at nedkelski@yahoo.com.au or 0448 234 758.
Links: https://events.humanitix.com/sparrows-of-kabul or
https://events.humanitix.com/songwriting-workshop-with-fred-smith
Gig Guide
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford
Thursday, May 11, 6pm – Bud Wilkins
Friday, May 12, 6pm – Mijo Biscan
Sunday, May 14, 6pm – Adrian Deakin (residency)
Thursday, May 18, 6pm – Oceanique
Saturday, May 20, 6pm – Beth Winter Trio
Sunday, May 21, 6pm – Adrian Deakin (residency)
Odessa at Leavers, Creswick
Auld Alliance – Saturday, May 27
Dave Graney and Clare Moore – Saturday, June 3

with Darren Lowe

CresFest 23
From little things, big things grow. This festival went leaps and bounds toward
establishing itself as a fixture on the music calendar in its second year, demonstrating
a level of professionalism, confidence and maturity which was admirable and a credit
to all involved.

This year ironed out a few glitches, ticketing being more streamlined and the
sheer volume and good nature of volunteers helping to run the festival to make the
spread of venues feel inclusive, unified, with a strong, palpable, sense of community.
Creswick had some beautiful venues and performers were suited to the room, the
audience and the acoustics.

Upstairs The American hosted a lovely opening ceremony then a constant stream of solo, duos and bands. I was lucky enough to hear Greg Champion, pictured, entertain a roomful of admirers followed by Cat Canteri with her heartfelt personal tales of inner city gut-wrenching material, where you could
almost hear the audience holding their breath.
Archer, as always, is mesmerizing, channelling classic US mavericks such as Hank
Williams, somehow incorporating Americana seamlessly into Outback Australian
yarns, where it all makes sense. Combine this with Appalachian songstress, picker and
two step dancer, Martha Spencer and you have a perfect combination.
Leavers Hotel is an amazing venue, often reaching capacity early but you wouldn’t
change a thing to affect the ambience, even if you can’t always get in.
The Town Hall held a range of acts in a traditional concert set up. The town’s
community centre, primary schools, churches and halls all became functioning
performance venues. There were plenty of free gigs in The Farmers Arms pub and at
various outdoor venues.
Sound was impeccable at all venues with stage managers running the gigs like
clockwork. The word was out with impromptu jams occurring on the street and in
the pubs with a distinct Celtic flavour.
The organising committee should be commended. Arising bravely in a nervous,
not quite post-Covid environment, we now have a fully-fledged, mature and inspiring
local festival. Make sure you get there in ’24.
Gig Guide
Daylesford Hotel, Daylesford
Friday, April 14, 6pm – Ania (piano sessions)
Saturday, April 15, 6pm – The Martini Set
Sunday, April 16, 5pm – Rosario De Marco
Thursday, April 20, 6pm – Don Morrison
Friday, April 21, 6pm – Kim and the Meme
Saturday, April 22, 8pm – Isabel Rumble
Sunday, April 23, 5pm – Katankin
Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn
Friday, April 14 – Stevie Rigby & guests
Saturday, April 15 – D’Arcy Spiller & guests
Friday, April 21 – Honeyfields & Corn Nut Creek
Friends for over 20 years, Honeyfields’ bond was forged through sitting around
kitchen tables or campfires singing and playing their favourite songs and tunes.
Formerly known as The Beenies, they have performed together at major venues and
festivals across Australia.
Bound together through sisterhood with a spiritual connection to nature,
Corn Nut Creek’s Danielle Vita and Tanya Bradley are storytellers whose original
songs draw upon the traditions of Appalachian music. They were finalists and
awarded Jurors’ Top Five in the 2020 Blues and Roots Radio International Song
Competition.
Saturday, April 22 – Stewart D’Arrietta – Tom Waits for No Man
Wombat Forest Vineyard
Saturday, April 15 – Annual Locals’ Day – Music by Jared Brentnall, 1pm-4pm
Got a gig? Email news@tlnews.com.au

with Darren Lowe

Palais-Hepburn, Hepburn
Saturday, April 1 – Ukulele Death Squad
The Ukulele Death Squad has grown bigger and better since its 2017 inception,
bringing a frenetic energy to the uke with their own flamenco, R&B and folk style.
Saturday, April 2 – Fanny Lumsden
ARIA Award, eight times Golden Guitar, AIR award winning Australian
artist Fanny Lumsden released her third studio album, Fallow, on Cooking Vinyl
Australia/Red Dirt Road Records, which took out Best Country Album at the 2020
ARIA Awards, and swept the field taking home five CMAA Golden Guitar Awards
including Album of the year, Female artist of the year, Single of the year Fierce, Video
clip of the year and Alt Country Album of the year.
Friday, April 7 – Reg Cole Quartet
The Reg Cole Quartet is an original jazz/soul/Latin outfit which formed in
the mid 90s while its members Zac, Sergio, George and Justin were all studying at
Melbourne University. They were regulars at venues like The Uptop, the Nightcat and
released a number of recordings. After a long hiatus the guys have recently re-formed
and are recording an album of new tunes which they’ll be performing alongside some
of their more popular pieces from the 90s.
Saturday, April 8 – The Rechords
A dynamic trio on stage, The Rechords demonstrate a passion for all things
Americana when it comes to the music they deliver, whether it be celebrating the
songs of artists who have influenced their journey or putting their all into the songs
they’ve created with the flavours of early country, rhythm & blues, rockabilly and alt
country.
Sunday, April 9, 2pm – CloudWine Music
CloudWine Music is an Australian acoustic duo consisting of Pri and Troy, two
musicians who have combined their talents to create a unique and soulful sound.
Their music is a blend of classics and modern hits, stripped back to their acoustic
roots and infused with their own unique style.

Odessa at Leavers Hotel, Creswick
Sunday, April 2 – Sunday Sesh – The Cartwheels (Dave & Wendy pictured)
Thursday, April 6 – Ernest Aines and Simon Phillips
Saturday, April 22 – Piano Wizard and owner birthday bash
Farmers Arms Hotel, Creswick
Sunday, April 2, 3pm – Lake Mist
Got a gig? Email news@tlnews.com.au