The Warrnambool Gang

Transcribed by Michael Schack from information supplied by Dennis Taberner on 23rd August 2003 as background information to an LP recording "The Warrnambool Gang".

This album arose from the mutual love of folk music among a group of friends from Warrnambool. In 1966 a couple of students from the Diploma School of the Warrnambool Technical College (later to become Warrnambool Institute of Advanced Education & Deakin University) started to learn guitar and take a keen interest in folk music (it was the sixties after all). A college engineering trip to the Gordon Institute introduced the lads to the five string banjo. Along with a couple of  friends, the "New Folk" were formed - Peter Lawlor, Shane O'Keefe, John Ferris and Dennis Taberner. Saturday nights saw the group having a quiet one in the "Town and Country Bar" at the Warrnambool Hotel with instruments and songs. The group made their own fun and the friends that gathered around to enjoy the music soon saw a ready willing to happen anywhere, with the songs carrying on after the 10 pm close. Pubs, flats, church socials, the original Gallery Club - now the Liquid Lounge - saw more songs and camaraderie. The New Folk sang at the inaugural Portland Trade Fair (support for Johnny Young, Judy Jacques and Lucky Starr) around 1967 or 1968, and the Warrnambool Gang crossed Western Victoria from Casterton to Horsham and as far north as Swan Hill. Gig currency was rarely folding and more usually liquid in jugs. The album was recorded in 1970 or 1971 in the upstairs area of the Western Hotel/Motel. Local audio wiz Bruce Henderson recorded the album on one Saturday afternoon The enthusiasm of the recordees was fueled by some of the house product as he afternoon progressed.  The New Folk were: Peter Lawlor (guitar, vocals), Shane O'Keefe (5 string banjo, vocals), John Ferris (bass, vocals) and Dennis Taberner (guitar, vocals) Mem & Tab were: Mem Benning (vocals), Dennis Taberner (guitar, vocals), John Dolman played 12 string guitar.

Album tracks: Reilly's daughter / The New Folk -- Bold O'Donohue / The New Folk -- Wreck of the old 97 / The New Folk -- Four green fields / Mem & Tab -- Turn around / Mem & Tab -- Flight of the bumble bee / John Dolman -- Malaguena / John Dolman -- Me & Bobby McGee / Pete Lawlor -- Gentle on my mind / Pete Lawlor -- Strangest dream / Assembled multitude -- Greenback dollar / Assembled multitude -- Brennan on the Moor / The New Folk.