A versatile vocal musician, Miguel’s wide-ranging multilingual repertoire is influenced by folk and world music, political satire, Irish Gaelic, environmental causes, trade unionism and the responsible enjoyment of alcohol. His own song writing is similarly wide-ranging and voices the vital concerns of the peace activist, the family cat, or anyone in the welcome grip of passionate attraction. His often elegant and intricate melodies are delivered in a lyric baritone that is powerful, subtle and expressive.
Miguel is an experienced, choral director and composer, and a leader of singing sessions. Over many years his contagious enthusiasm for promoting community singing, whether live or recorded, has brought many people together to share and learn new skills and insights.
At the turn of the century Miguel’s love of traditional folk singing led him to celebrate its honoured traditions, its people, and its egalitarian ideals with a song called The People Have Songs. Naturally it has a fine chorus! Continuing the inclusiveness, he made it the title track of a two-volume anthology of Sydney’s trad singers. Its forty-two songs reflect much of the feel of being at a really good session (without noise drifting in from the bar!). The album encompasses traditional, non-traditional and unpublished original songs: a range that reflects the diversity of the people involved and stands as a testament to the openness and breadth of the folksong tradition at its best. The song has enjoyed an enduring popularity in the many sessions Miguel has led or participated in over the years.
Miguel at John Dengate's wake
Chris Maltby - from Margaret Walters -
He went to concerts, festivals and sessions for years, quietly enjoying the music, never putting himself forward unless it was to help arrange or pack up the chairs. And then, one day, there's a gap in proceedings and out he comes with a traditional song you haven't heard for yonks, and he knows it thoroughly, needs no prompting. Jaws drop and you think "What a good voice!, and has he known songs like that all the time? Why didn't he tell us!" That's Chris Maltby for you.
Of course, in no time, he was courted by the Ecopella Choir (he was
Green!) and the Roaring Forties (he had a beard!) and both groups
continue to be amazed at the number of songs he already knows and the
speed with which he can learn new and quite difficult material.
Chris is also a long-term member of the Bush Music Club & famous Tempe Tipsters (Bob & Margaret Fagan & friends) provided the music for his wedding
Chris at John Dengate's memorial concert. Chris is also a long-term member of the Bush Music Club & famous Tempe Tipsters (Bob & Margaret Fagan & friends) provided the music for his wedding
Duke's Place - Australian songs in concert & session
usually 2nd Fridays, 7.30 for 8pm start - evening ends 11.30
$10, bring a contribution for supper
Bush Music Club
Tritton Hall, Hut 44
Addison Road Centre
142 Addison Rod
Marrickville
enquiries Sandra 9358 4886
www.bushmusic.org.au
http://bushmusicclub.blogspot.com.au/
(Sandra Nixon photos)
Duke's place, named after our honoured early member Harold 'Duke' Tritton (1886-1965), is the place to go once a month for a great night of Australian songs in concert and session. Duke was a powerful singer who supplied BMC with many songs he had learnt in his younger days while working as a shearer and at other bush jobs. He was also a songwriter and poet giving us songs that have entered the tradition such as Sandy Hollow Line and Shearing in the Bar.
Duke Tritton drawing by Hottie Lahm
*****************************************************
No comments:
Post a Comment