Diamond Days at Rough Diamond Cafe 7th Jan 2018

 

Luke Watt

 

Woodland Hunters

 

Rohan Keert and Pete Bird

Fifteen minutes of fame Crossley -- Dec. 1st 2017

Don Cowling

Jon Clegg and Nick Theiss

Olivia

Trev and Mel with Heidi Gass

Nancie Schipper

In Full Swing

Geoff Kilminster

Lex's Shed at Port Fairy Show Nov. 4th 2017

Koroit carols 2017

Journey on a road less travelled

By Matt Neal. Warrnambool Standard 8th July 2006 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard  2006.  All rights reserved

Alan Leishman (with back to camera) playing saxophone with Tabasco Jazz


The journey of Alan Leishman from war-time working class England to his current peaceful existence in Dunkeld is a strange and circuitous one. He’s played jazz in English castles during the swinging sixties, received threatening phone calls from the Iranian parliament while working at a Tehran newspaper and cycled down Afghan mountains by moonlight. It’s safe to say there are few other people living in Dunkeld that have seen as much of the world as Alan. Born in 1941, Alan was raised in Surrey in bi-lingual household by his French mother and half-French father. When he was a youngster Alan watched as his dad decided to do the patriotic thing and signed up for the Navy, almost getting killed when a German U-boat sunk his destroyer off the coast of North Africa and left him treading water overnight. Alan recalls visiting his relatives the south of France after the war and playing in the ruins of houses bombed by the German army. While there, a 5 year-old Alan began painting landscapes of the southern French countryside under the tutelage of his artistic older brother. Back at school his knack for drawing improved and he was soon inundated with requests from his fellow classmates to draw pictures of submarines, fighter planes and warships. In the meantime he’d also developed a passion for music, graduating from harmonica to, as his Dad put it, “a proper instrument” — the clarinet. It seemed natural he would end up at an art school and at 15 he enrolled at the Farnham School of Art as a young student in the senior part of the school. It was there that his music took off too. “Once I got to art school I found a few guys who could really play and we got ourselves organised into a jazz band. “Our drummer was right into modern jazz. He called up one day and said ‘you’ve got to hear this Charlie Parker record’. So I cycled round to this guy’s place. Listening to Parker play was “a sort of Road to Damascus” awakening — “a light went off in my head — it was like when rock guys hear Hendrix for the first time”. Throughout the ‘60s, he played in a range of line ups and found himself viewing a side of English society he would have otherwise never seen, he said. “We played at a lot of posh places and private parties. I remember playing at one for this stunning blonde girl... it was her 18th birthday. She was this groovy chick she had cigarette in a cigarette holder and straw boater hat.” She was Patti Boyd, who went on to marry George Harrison. We played at a millionaires party on the west coast of Scotland that cost 10,000 pounds. We played in castles. We played in Lord Scudamore’s 15th century manor — he was a nice bloke,” he said. By 1966, Alan was enjoying a lively existence playing in jazz and soul ensembles at night and drawing storyboards for TX’ commercials by day. But then his life changed when he read the book Full Tilt -- Dervla Murphy’s tale of her bicycle journey from Ireland to India. Alan always had a passion for cycling. “I wanted to do what Dervla Murphy did but obviously she was much tougher than me. It was an incredible feat and she did it on a single speed bike, which meant she had to walk up a lot of mountains. I was going to try to get to Greece or Istanbul. I had a few training rides and off I went.” Aside from one train trip in France, Alan managed to cycle from England, through France to Italy, down the then Yugoslavian coast and across to Istanbul. Then, in 1968, Alan set out again from England, this time making it to Istanbul before heading to Tehran. He made the entire journey on his bicycle, having made a pact with himself never to get off and walk his three-speed bike, no matter how steep the hill. His sense of adventure led him to a group of tourists bound for Kabul in a landrover. He loved it, taking bike rides out to surrounding villages occasionally or enjoying local customs, including “hash the size your shoe heel for US$1”. I can’t be like Bill Clinton and say I didn’t inhale. (Kabul) was on the hippy trail on the way to India and Nepal. There as a lot of drug taking.’ Maybe it was the hash, but Alan and his new American buddy Shailer decided to ride their bikes 230km north-west across the mountains of Afghanistan to see the Buddhas of Bamiyan - two giant statues carved into a cliff face 1500 years ago, only be destroyed by the Taliban a few years ago. On the second day of their journey they saw few people and noticed every vehicle that passed them soon came back again. They took shelter under rocks when it got too hot. Their food supplies started to run dangerously low as they cycled on into their third day. “Late on the afternoon of the third day we saw the reason why those cars had been going back past us -- the road through the mountains had fallen into a river and what was left was impassable. There was just a tiny ledge of tarmac.” With not enough food to turn back and a town at the end of the road they had no choice but to press on. The pair grabbed their packs, and with their back to the mountain, stepped slowly along the 50-metre long ledge. ‘It was certainly a six metre drop -- enough to break your arm or leg or skull it was dangerous.’ Having carried their packs across, they walked back and got the bikes before negotiating the ledge for a third time. “I remember it well because it was my 27th birthday,’ he laughed. Hungry and tired, they reached the village later that day, pigging out on potato, okra, beans and bread and reached the statues soon after. ‘There were two of them, there in all their magnificence, carved into the face of the rock. The Taliban used them for target practice.’ Shailer and Alan parted company, with Shailer heading back to Kabul and Alan riding on to Mazar-e-Sharif, the third largest city and the closest place he could get more money. With only US$1 left to his name, Alan entered the bank in Mazar-e-Sharif to cash his travellers cheques, but the bank would not accept the English pound. “Your dollar is good, sterling is bad”, the clerk said in English before offering Alan a ridiculously low conversion rate for his last US dollar bill. “I started getting angry. I was realising I was in a serious position as it was too far to the next bank”. He was directed upstairs to a supervisor, who restated that the bank did not accept pounds. “I lost it with this guy and I yelled “this bank is shit and so are you””.

The bank’s manager, hearing the yelling came over from his desk and asked the supervisor to translate. Then the bank manager went back to his desk and pulled out a revolver — a full-blown .38 calibre Browning or something. He said “you go out”. I had to take my short-changed dollar and he followed me with the gun at my back down the stairs and out of the bank. I think I must be one of the few people to be taken out of a bank at gunpoint.

Alan took a bus as far as he could afford and found himself about 150 kilometres from Kabul.

The temperature was in the mid 30s by the time he headed off on his bike up the mountains and through the Kotal-e-Salang pass — a 3.3-kilometre king road tunnel almost 4000 metres above sea level. About four hours after leaving the tunnel, he reached a village teahouse. “The people at the teahouse were amazed to see this bloke on a bike coming out of the mountains at 10 o’clock at night”. Spending the last of his money on bread, Alan rode on the next day, eventually getting a lift with a US peace corps jeep about 30km from Kabul.

Alan and Shaller eventually rode onto Pakistan, where Alan got dysentery.

“I counted one day and I went to the toilet 21 times”, he said, adding he lost one stone. I was so weak I had to go back to Tehran. “If it happened over here I would have been in a hospital”.

After returning to health, Alan found a job at the Tehran Journal, one of the few English language newspapers in Iran. He worked as a sub-editor and cartoonist, occasionally taking calls from the Iranian interior ministry commanding certain events not to be reported on. “There had been an outbreak of cholera on the border with Afghanistan and one or two people on our side had died. The guy from the ministry said “you are not to print anything about this”.

He returned home to England on Christmas Eve 1970, picking up a job at a local paper where some of his Tehran buddies worked. A few years later he “got bit friendly” at a Christmas party with an Australian woman named Jan who worked at the paper. “You know how it is. It was one those romantic-comedy clichés”, he joked. Jan and Alan were married in 1978, with Alan meeting most of her family for the first time on an Australian holiday in the early ‘80s. The pair moved Down Under in 1987. Nowadays, Alan teaches a couple of days a week in Ararat and Hamilton, having also taught at Warrnambool College and Timboon P-12. He paints when he can and plays regular jazz gigs around the district, including about once a month at the Hotel Warrnambool’s fortnightly jazz nights. From his tiny studio in the backyard of his Dunkeld home, you can see the Grampians — one would have thought he’d seen enough mountains to last a lifetime.

Photos from Andy Alberts' "Country Legends" night 19th Nov. 1999 - Royal Hotel

 

Michael Schack and Duncan McKenzie

 

Jon Emry

 

Sophie Barratt, Michael Schack, Wendy Goyen, Hannah Schack

 

John Hudson, Lyn Eeales

 

"Just Country" - Murray McDowell, Peter Bird, Danny Grigg, Andy Alberts and Lyn Eales. John Emry (drums) is obscured

 

Ken Smith

 

Wendy Goyen, John Hudson, Lyn Eales

 

Michael Schack, Sophie Barratt, Marty Atchison,
Hannah Schack

 

Sophie BarrattMichael Schack, Marty Atchison,
Hannah Schack

 

Ruben Shannon

Songs for good health

Warrnambool Standard 17th November 2017
A VARIED line-up of southwest musicians will do their bit to promote the importance of men looking after their health when they hit the stage at Warrnambool’s Mozart Hall tonight. The occasion is the annual Movem-Bool concert which is now in its eighth year. The concert is being organised
by the Tin Shed Singers in conjunction with the Movember Foundation. Port Fairy entertainer Roy
Carson will host the night while Nicholas Place from South West Healthcare will give a brief presentation on men’s health. Joining the Tin Shed Singers on the bill will be a wide range of performers. These will include pianist Jonathon Cox, Celtic collection Lex’s Shed, Lynne Moloney & the Teacher’s Pets, world music singing group Khinkali, emerging singer-songwriter Susan Malikoff, Trio Incognito and Likely Celts. The concert begins at 7.30pm and will run through to 10pm with an interval where a monster raffle will be drawn and a silent auction held. Prior to the concert, a feast
will be on offer with sausages and soup the big-ticket menu items. Tin Shed Singers member Philip Shaw said Movem- Bool was a hot item for south-west performers. “We have so much talent to call on each year for this event,” Shaw said. ‘We are in the position now where we have to turn some performers away because there are more wanting to play than we have places on the bill for. “We already have people on next year’s list because of the overflow from this year. “It’s a good problem to
have, it means we have so many talented people that want to contribute to such a good cause.” Mr Shaw said music provides a great platform to not only raise funds for the Movember Foundation but also awareness of men’s health. “Men’s health is a big issue and we need as many people as possible getting the message out there to men to look after themselves,” he said. “Over the years since this
concert began, we have raised $8000 and hopefully also an awareness for men to take their health seriously.”

Teacher's Pets

Senior to shine bright

Warrnambool Standard Friday 20th Nov. 2017

THERE will be dinner and a show at The Dart and Marlin in Warrnambool on Saturday night. Former Woodford singer-songwriter Leah Senior will be the star of the show. Senior will take part in a
question and answer session. It has been a big year for Senior, having played at the Brunswick Music
Festival and the Corner Hotel in Richmond. She also launched her Pretty Faces CD.

Musician plays his final notes with dignity

By Matt Neal -- Warrnambool Standard July 10 2006  - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard  2006.  All rights reserved

WARRNAMBOOL guitarist Lee Ronald lost his battle with cancer on Saturday night.  He was 25.His family and friends yesterday remembered the teacher-musician as a unique talent with a heart of gold who refused to let his illness destroy  his passion for music. Despite constant  treatment, Lee continued to play with his band The Circle K. He performed his last gig on May 9 at The Loft. His family and friends yesterday noted the significance of the time of his death - 7.07pm on 07/07/07. His brother Eric told The Standard yesterday the number seven was regarded by Lee's family as being a symbol of perfection and completion - ``something so suited to Lee,'' he said.``He was all about his music and his friends.``Even in his dying days, he poured so much into his friends ... he had a heart of gold.'' Lee worked at Noise Music teaching guitar students and repairing guitars. Eric said his brother always commented ``the fact he was getting paid for it was a bonus''. Bob Wake,  who also played  in The Circle K, said Lee was a talented musician. ``He was an awesome musician and guitarist and an awesome person.'' Mr Wake said.  One of Lee's favourite gigs was  at the Criterion Hotel  last November when The Circle K was joined on stage by  Heidi Gass and Adam B Metal, who filled in for Lee's vocals.  Days later, Lee was being treated  at Melbourne's Peter Mac Centre.

Lee Morgan

"Lee goes original" -- Warrnambool Standard 25th March 1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999. All rights reserved

‘Some people are saying it is country music, I would call it a soulful sort of rock’

Lee Morgan is looking forward to showcasing his original brand of music tonight.

LEE Morgan is a familiar face at pubs around Warrnambool, revving up crowds with covers of rock ’n’ roll favorites. But tonight will be a rare chance to see Morgan in full flight, playing his own original songs with a backing band. Tonight’s gig will be the second in a regular fortnightly event at the Gallery nightclub to showcase Warrnambool’s young musical talent. Morgan will be joined on stage tonight by Mixbowl (fresh from recording sessions at Motherlode studios), Toe-jam and newcomers No Exit. The singer-songwriter says he has great fun playing covers solo for pub crowds, butplaying his own songs is definitely preferable. Young original talent in the Warrnambool region sometimes gets lost in a scene that is so dominated by cover bands, which is why the Thursday night Gallery gigs are so important. Cover bands will be appearing, but anyone with original material will have an opportunity to play it. “I think it’s agreat initiative”. Morgan takes every opportunity he can to play original music, including festivals, benefit concerts and pub gigs in Melbourne. The Australian Roots MusicAwards male artist of the yearsays he takes on a lot of different influences to create his musical style. “Some people are saying it is country music, I would call it a soulful sort of rock.” Morgan says his songs come out of his own experiences. “I just write as an individual, I’m not political. “I write about things that mean something to me at the time, I definitely write about reconciliation — I know what I feel in my heart.” After producing only a handful of copies of his debut CD, Laura Lee and the Stranger, Morgan says he still has enough material to fill several albums — as for many other artists, it’s a matter of finance. He says he’ll continue performing around Warrnambool and taking on as many opportunities as possible to showcase his own songs — in the south-west, Melbourne or wherever he’s invited to play.

"Roots winner to host radio show" -- Warrnambool Standard 2nd July 1999 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 1999. All rights reserved.

Australian roots music awards winner Lee Morgan will host his own show tonight on maverick Melbourne radio station Nu Country - 94.9 FM. Morgan presents an eclectic mix of Koorie music and personal favourites from his vast collection from 10 pm to midnight. The winner of the best male vocal section of the Warrnambool-based awards in January also  has his award winning CD on high rotation on the station's play list. The good news for Morgan's fans is that they can hear his two-hour show live on the Internet at www.nucountry.com.au. Nu Country's teenage technician Rorie Ryan has pioneered worldwide broadcasting in cyberspace on the Northcote station. Station programmer, David Dawson, born and bred in Warrnambool, and a journalist for 34 years, recruited Morgan and other Warrnambool presenters Michael Schack and Mark Struth to host shows on Nu Country. Another regular presenter this week was former 3WAY-FM president Barbara O'Neill whose two sons are holidaying in Warrnambool. 

Warrnambool Standard 13th July 2018 - ©Copyright Warrnambool Standard 2018. All rights reserved. Lee Morgan at the Loft
Lee Morgan knows plenty about playing live music in Warrnambool. Growing up in the south-west, Morgan was a constant on the local gig circuit, playing as a solo act and as a member of a collection of bands at venues such as the Criterion Hotel, The Cally Hotel, the Whalers Inn and the Lady Bay Hotel.  Tonight he will be back on stage, this time joined by a band of friends for a show at The Loft. As one of the region’s most prominent indigenous performers, it is fitting Morgan should be stepping into the spotlight in what is NAIDOC Week. A grandson of the late Banjo Clarke, Morgan continues to lead the way in indigenous music. He has been a member of the Black Arm Band, telling stories of indigenous people through song alongside performers such as Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Neil Murray and Shane Howard. These collaborations have been on stage and in the recording studio. Morgan has also spread his talents into the community through his involvement in a program where he visits indigenous men and women in prison and teaches them the joys of music. He has also delivered similar programs into schools.  Much of this work was done during Morgan’s 20 years living in Melbourne. He has been back in the south-west for three years and is keen to hit the stage tonight. “The band we have has been thrown together for this gig,” Morgan said. “But we have all known each other for a long time and played together so I’m confident we will put on a great show. “We’ll play my original songs with a couple of fun covers as well. My genre is guitar-driven country rock with a lot of energy. “It’s great to be playing live music in Warrnambool.”

This photo of Lee Morgan and Raff Marino was taken at the Warrnambool Hotel on 11th October 2020. Photographer: Rob Quantrelle

More freedom for good cause

Written by Matt Neal -- Warrnambool Standard October 13th 2017

TWENTY years on from the release of her EP Freedom, Warrnambool-based singer-songwriter Fiona Kershaw is relaunching it for a good cause. First released in Brisbane in 1997, the five-track EP has been expanded into a 14-track album for its re-release at The Loft in Warrnambool on Sunday from 3pm. As well as showcasing Kershaw’s talents and a star-studded line-up of guests, the launch will be used as a fundraiser for Beyond Blue. She will be joined by Gabby Steel, Bruce Campbell, Bronson & Tina, and The Likely Celts. Kershaw said the EP was recorded live and demonstrates her “alternative groovy folk songs, her unique and diverse guitar styles, clear distinct vocals and heartfelt lyrics”.

Band's stellar rise to the top

Written by Kellie Scott, 2nd Oct. 2013 - Published by the Warrnambool Standard - The story "Band's stellar rise to the top first appeared on Warrnambool Extra"

WITH an EP on the way and regular gigs at a local music venue, it's no surprise Bonney Ranch won the recent youth music competition, Crusade of the Chords. The alternative rock group is made up of young members Liam Gubbins, Connor Dwyer and Lachlan Barling, who attend Emmanuel College, and Tav Watson, from Warrnambool College. All are 18 years old and formed the band two years ago after meeting during an inter-school excursion. The four are close to completing their year 12 studies, while also preparing to record an EP in Melbourne after winning Kool Schools through JB HiFi. "It's a $2000 experience and they will distribute our stuff on iTunes," frontman Gubbins said. "We've been practising new songs to record." Gubbins said those new songs would be played at the Pushover regional finals, at the Lighthouse Theatre this Friday. Bonney Ranch will compete against six others bands from across the Barwon south-west region for an opportunity to play at the Push Over music festival in 2014."It will be a good testing ground for the EP and we'll have some fun," Gubbins said. He said competitions like Crusade of the Chords gave local talent a great chance to shine."It's very important on a community level to give people a foot in the industry door. The whole set up is fantastic, council do a great job... it's industry quality." Crusade of the Chords and the Push Over regional finals are FReeZA events, hosted by Warrnambool City Council and Brophy Family and Youth Services. Activities and events co-ordinator David Gibb said Crusade of the Chords was a fantastic evening. "There were 15 performances with over 200 people attending," Mr Gibb said. Tickets to the Push Over regional finals at the Lighthouse Theatre are $10 and can be purchased at the door, which will be open from 6pm for a 6.30pm start.Bonney Ranch regularly plays at The Loft, in Warrnambool, and has an upcoming gig at The Stump, in Port Fairy. For information about gigs, find the band's Facebook page by searching "Bonney Ranch".