Motley Is A Fool's Uniform

Excellent Spiral Dance Yule Feast with a western theme. Although I was disappointed that no one was doing any boot-scooting. Well, not really.

I seriously debated whether I could go due to my last couple of weeks of illness. Oh well, blood test on Tuesday to see how out of wack I've gotten (and I have gotten out of wack), but was glad I did go, even if it meant arriving rather late.

They tried something novel with the food, producing good trail hash, but it didn't really work; many people lamented the lack of the traditional spit roasts. The traditional Mummer's play has a Western theme. And spiral played two sets, which I was mostly able to dance to.

However I had lots of fun dancing all-out with a friend for Marooned on Venus (Spiral's "lust song") - it's fun when you dance with people who can dance and are willing to ham it up. [<sigh> I'd kidnap her and keep her chained in the cellar except both she and her partner would complain and it would kind of defeat the purpose of the endeavour. And besides, I haven't got a cellar.*]

On the other hand someone ended up badly burned by trying to ground the energy** of the of the inner circle during Burning Times. Given the other members of the inner circle tend to enjoy wild magic, this was a mistake and she ended up with it smashing her rather flat. Although the dance was able to continue, unlike the time when someone tried to use purposefully use the energy raised for rather nefarious purposes and everybody just walked out of the hall in the middle of the dance, to the surprise and consternation of the band.

Thought up some possible choreography for some of the new songs, but it's all partnered stuff, which means it would never be used. Although one young girl seems to have taken up proper swing dancing. Although I emphasise the young part.

And I've mostly got the various Jekyll & Hyde earworms (Bring on the Men, It's a Dangerous Game, and Alive) out of my head in favour of Feet of Clay (as yet unrecorded Spiral song). [I wonder if I can get Adrienne to dedicate it to my city of Thepis, that is no more. (or Thespiae if you want to use a modern transliteration).]

Spiral are apparently heading into seclusion for the next few months to record their new CD, with only a few gigs happening, none of which are local, until the Faerie Ball at Midsummer.

The fund to bring Damh (pronounced "Dav" with a short a like "apple," or "Dave" if you fully Anglicise it) was increased by A$100, and it hasn't even officially started yet (it's at A$800 or so currently). [We need about A$5,500 to bring them both out again.] And Kickstarter doesn't handle international accounts yet (due to the problems with dealing with multinational banking laws).

And a traitorous red-bellied black snake came home.

That's been my evening.

[* Although I would happily build her one if she requested it. <grin>***]

[** I feel it important, in respect to my credentials as a physicist to note that physicists tend to use energy as a noun and measure it in Joules (or BTU or whatever), whilst dancers use it as an adjective which critics can then measure it with verbiage.]

[*** And since people have apparently in the past thought I was completely serious when I make comments similar to a desire to keep people in basements, I shall add the disclaimer that this is pure hyperbole and I really don't do things like that, despite extenive rumours to the contrary. However don't look in the attic.*** However, if she did want me to build her a cellar it would be a courteous thing for a gentleman to do. Besides, what else are high explosives good for.*** And yes, this is a reiterative footnote.]

Tonight I went to see the one and only show of La Chevre Noir which played to a packed crowd at La Boheme. Which is a pity, because I would have liked to be able to recommend that people go and see it themselves. So <nah nah na na nah> You missed out on an excellent show.

It was a fairly standard rendition of many of the standard Parisian cabaret songs made famous by Èdith Piaf et al, coupled with some interesting modern additions, linked together by a loosely themed skit that this was the final show to be held in La Chevre Noir ("The Black Goat"), a small Parisian cabaret. Starring Catherine Campbell, Sidonie Henbest and Jamie Jewell, with Christopher [Name Deleted For Security Reasons] on piano, it was a nicely intimate show (says the person in spitake range of the performance). Catherine and Sidonie were quite good (I think Catherine had an edge on Sidonie, possibly because she made more use of the audience as a prop, and thus connected better with the audience*), but as far as musical performance goes, it was difficult to beat Jaimie, especially with his excellent rendition of Lady Marmalade. Not to mention the bike shorts.** We were also treated to a selection of combined acts, of which my favourite was the titular song (La chevre noir).

It would be difficult to not enjoy a show where the performers were having as much fun as they were obviously having. Most excellent.

dalmeny, your friendship (and reputation) is safe.***

[* OK. She sat on my lap. I'm biased. Even if her husband (the doorman with the mustachio most elegantly waxed) was on the other side of the room.]

[** We are not mentioning the bike shorts! OK!]

[*** Especially as you are not my wife.]

It's always great when the screaming stops.

Particularly when you are the one doing the screaming. <grin>

I hope people had a happy May Day, regardless of whether they celebrated Beltane, Samhain, the International Communist Conspiracy, or simply the first day of a new month.

The Spiral gig at the Wheatsheaf was fun, and we even had a nice small mini-circle for Burning Times, which considering that The Wheatie isn't a venue where much dancing can happen is a small miracle of it's own (Dangnammit! Forgot to return the table to it's original position!). And I got a friend's sister to dance some elementary swing even though "she cannot dance." Which is always fun when you get people to do stuff they don't think they can.

But mostly I ghost-danced with some very old memories. Which was nice. But not what the dead normally have to give to the living. (Their call is getting louder, but then, who would feed them when I am gone? Probably a good reason to leave them resting in their graves, methinks.)

Hot gossip news is that everyone's favourite wood elf, Haley the Violinist, has gone the way of the Nigel and is no longer a part of the band. This is unusual for Spiral as band line-up changes usually happen only after they have released a CD. Instead, they deployed their emergency backup violinist (doesn't every band have one?) and once more Super Ingy graced the stage. Although apparently it is only temporary for the month of May. (Boo! Hiss!) Which means this may of been one of the first times where the band line-up actually matched the line-up on one of their CDs.

Next stop, The English Ale. If I can in fact manage to wrangle a ride up there.

Anyway I managed to last the whole gig, which is a massive upswing of endurance for me. Although the post-gig pain was the worst I've suffered for quite some pain. Currently I don't think my feet are talking to me. Except when I stand up, and that's only to yell at me. But at least that's better of the last five hours of pain. <grin> Had to knock myself out in order to cope.

The Grace Emily is an aggressively old-style no-pokies city pub where the centre of activity is the front bar and the conversation that one can have in it. It does, however, has an intimate (one step up from small) area for the performance of live music. The big problem with it as a live music venue is that you usually get considerable noise leakage from the adjacent bar (although admittedly it's not as bad as some venues). People who don't like the music will attempt to continue their conversations by talking over it, often to the detriment of the people attempting to listen to it.

Except last night.

Last night was the quietest I have ever heard the Grace, despite the fact the front bar was open, and the fact that the pub (at least the back half) was full of people.

And that's because Aluka [MySpace] was playing.

Aluka is a Melbourne-based a cappella trio, and these three beautiful and delightful women held the audience totally enraptured and spellbound with their voices. It was so quiet that you would have easily heard a pin drop, provided someone would have been sacrilegious enough to have dropped one. Which is something that just doesn't happen at the Grace. It just doesn't.

Anyway Anabelle, Rachaelle, and Anna managed it, although I have a suspicion that the depth of appreciation had caught them somewhat by surprise. Especially compared to their previous Adelaide gig at The Gov in support of Clare Bowditch, where they were heartily surprised that anyone had actually heard them, let alone listened to them sing (there were reasons for this; not very good ones in my book, but reasons).

They performed the songs from their EP, plus a few additional new ones. I particularly enjoyed Warm As Toast, and Coat Tails live was simply a delight. But like faerie gold spun from straw, I am afraid that the details are already fading from my mind, replaced by the golden glow of enchanted happiness that was the gig, leaving me vaguely unfulfilled and wishing to once again visit that enchanted moment.

So if you do get the chance to hear them live, I recommend that you do so. Like most excellent a capella groups, recordings simply don't really do them justice. Instead it is the chemistry and the energy that they bring to the performance that rises it from simply being technically perfect to something far greater. Perfection takes no risks with itself. And these ladies risk it all.

It's interesting that they are an a capella trio, which is something I had not previously come across before, despite being a bit of an a capella junkie. Most of the a capella groups of my experience are quartets (or larger choirs), with much more formalised roles (eg soprano, baritone, alto, bass). However given that all three members of Aluka have fairly similar ranges, it has the interesting dimension that they can easily swap roles and parts during a song, and they frequently do. This adds another interesting layer of complexity to the piece, as well as providing another reason to see them live, so you can appreciate the artistry in them doing so. And it allows them to "thicken" the sound to some degree, provided they are performing the right songs. This is why you'll mostly find them singing their own compositions and arrangements, as the more traditional forms probably wouldn't really work for them all that well.

Last night was the Midsummer Fairy Ball held by Spiral Dance with special guest Louisa Van Krool, so it featured lots of small children in fairy costume ... and quite a few big kids in fairy costume as well. Lots of fun was had dancing to Spiral, although I discovered that I can no longer dance the entire night away. Or even a serious part of it, and had to keep stopping to rest. So I don't know how long I can keep this up. Anyway, the energy of the gig was a lot more distributed rather than being cliquey, probably as a result of all the kids. [Also, most of the cliquey groups were rather poorly represented.] The final Burning times was one of the perfect ones. Enough room for two circles andd nobody in the outer circle having to trip over surrounding chairs and the like (or the inner circle for that matter). So once everybody got going I could relax and enjoy the shared communal energy.

Ran into some old friends whose children really shouldn't be that big (OK, it's been a few years since I have seen them), and teased two (rather) young people who had forged a connection on the night, so life was good.*

As for Louisa, well I wish she would learn some technique when telling stories to the children (she tends to just recite her stories, with no real emotional weighting or change of meter), which I find intensely boring. But then I've known two many people who excel at storytelling and wish to preserve the oral traditions. Unfortunately some of her material is the same material that they use, and the difference is quite profound (and rather unbearable). Still, when she got to the music portion of her set it wasn't bad, and quite good when her friends (Adrienne and Bronnie) joined in to help her.

Overall, a fun night.

* Yes, I know I am evil, but I can't help it. I was drawn that way.

Travelled up to see the opening night concert for the Port Celtica Festival. Aindrias de Staic was an excellent mad violinist from Ireland and an excellent fiddle player. I quite enjoyed his Romanian gypsy song which he picked up whilst playing in an Irish pub in Prague. Spiral Dance was spiral. I didn't feel as alienated this time, but the energy is definitely off since I went away for a year. Everyone has splintered into their own groups and there is very little attempt to bridge those groups to form a community. Claymore was great fun, although the Adelaide crowd was rather apathetic and frequent attempts to get the crowd involved in the show rapidly died out. Although I expect the heat was to blame (it was an unairconditioned venue after a long hot day, so it was rather warm inside).

Energy metabolism definitely impaired. Wish I could bounce some more, but needing to rest more and more often. Don't know how long I can keep going to gigs before I keel over permanently.

Adrienne (Spiral) and William (Claymore) were in the "we must do another team up some time soon" conversation. Although apparently I have to get my hair cut first, according to William. Apparent he disapproves of rock and roll fans with long hair. {Yay! People stopped accusing me of being Hagrid at the latest Harry Potter film. They are now calling me Dumbledore.]

[Yay. Brain and eyes starting to work again. Typing when you can't see the keyboard or remember how to use words to make sentences is so much fun. Not.]

Still don't think I shall go to the Port Celtica festival proper. For those interested it's located off Nile Street to the west of Nelson Road, right on the waterfront. Spiral is playing again at 5pm on Saturday.

Instead I will rest up and go to the premiere of Brillig's second film clip at the Grace Emily on Sunday at 7:30. Purely in a narcissistic attempt to see myself as part of the Rogues' Chorus.

And then I shall decide whether I want to go see Jeff Martin at Jive. I probably shall. Must remember the earplugs though.

Then it's the Midsummer Fey Ball at Mylor if I can coax a lift from someone. Then I think I am without commitments until February 5, which is the Brillig/Spiral team up. And that, apart from seeing Wicked and Spaceship Man. But they are not so much gigs as shows. Then I, as they say in the House of Responsible Life (aka the Green Church), free.

[And by now my feet are wanted for genocide across the Five Galaxies. What can I say. After killing me, they went on a general rampage. Ouchy.]

Go to the Whitemore Square Arts Festival late. Missed The Self Preservation Society (although I picked up his new third album), caught half of the very boppy Leigh Stardust who was enjoying her hayfever medication a bit too much, and saw Brillig (fresh from a short tour of New Zealand that made them want to emigrate), and stayed for a song from The Sea Thieves, before heading home before I collapsed in a heap. [This disease is irritating.]

The "arts" part of the festival was fairly standard, although I had cunningly forgotten to bring along the extra money I had set aside in case I discovered anything interesting. Which was a pity, since Tasha Godfrey had a nice piece, which I shall think more about purchasing when I actually wake up. And I really must grab some prints from Emerson Ward some time. Possibly even commission a cover or two.

Quite a pleasant afternoon.

Sleep now.

Hmmm. Do I go see Dandelion Wine and Brillig at the Wheaty, the Spirit of Albion gang (ie Spiral Dance, Bygone Error, Flange Desire, Hot for Joe, Hedgemonkey) at the Folk Centre, or split my time between the two (considering they are only playing a couple of hundred metres apart) and miss about half of each?

Opinions and Counter-Opinions Welcome.

The Spiral gig last night was rather sparsely attended. Most of the core attendees were mysteriously absent. Although there was a Vampire Ball at the Proscenium on that night which may explain a few absentees. [Although as they were holding it in an old church I expect it was equally unpatronised, except by Goth wannerbes. Oh. Hang on...]

The support act, Louisa Von Krol, was OK but not particularly brilliant. Although much can be forgiven for anyone who tells a Mullah Nasrudin story. Although I've heard that one told much better, but she was really playing just to the children in the audience. For non-parental units it was a bit tiresome (insufficient previous anesthesia to children's entertainment I presume). Some of the songs with guests from Adelaide were quite good. Good to hear Adrienne and Bron singing a capella again (with Louisa).

Rather disappointed that the planned Brillig/Spiral gig is to be held at the Singing Gallery. Not only is is rather far out of town, a really bad setup for sound, but it's not designed for handling dancing. And some of Brillig's stuff needs people dancing to it (their normal crowds think it's totally uncool to dance unless they are under 5 years of age [not that it is actually possible to dance at most of the venues that they play] and I'm sure I can coopt people to dance from the Spiral crowd – after all I managed to get most of them (eventually) to feel it was OK to dance if they wanted to). But apparently Brillig have a set of solo shows about that time and don't want to have the show anywhere near the CBD. Or so I'm told.

Disappointed.

Oh well. Voltaire and Brillig next Sunday at Higher Ground. Time for lots of fun Death Death songs.

"There was Isis, Isis, Eros, Eros, Pan and Aphrodite!"

As you might have gathered, last Saturday was the (something in the low teens)th annual Winter Solstice Feast held by local pagan band Spiral Dance. [And yes, pedants, it's also traditionally a week late in order to allow people to do their own private observances of the solstice.] The theme for this one was the Carnival of the Night in order to allow the ladies to strut their stuff in a safe and friendly environment. Even to the level of the dispensing with the provision of anything more than finger food in order to allow that extra inch of corset tightness.*

And the ladies were the stars of the show in a multitude of corsetry, stockings, boots, and heels, and skirts that were honoured more by their absence than their presence. A veritable constellation of beauty. Whilst many of the gentlemen attempted gallantly to maintain an equivalent level of dress, we were just plainly outdone, as is proper. This was assisted by a parade of corsetry by local [Christies Beach is in Adelaide, right? <grin>] corset makers Innuendo. I predict a rapid upsurge of business in the next month, at least from the number of ladies I overheard planning expeditions to raid the shop after the event [Hmmm.. Corseted Valkyries a-Viking... Too many bad fantasy illustrations. =8)]

Supporting the act was Ferdy the Wandering Magician [?], impeccably dressed as a military officer of last century [I do so miss The Kings Own Foot in Mouth Regiment, whose only meetings used to be on my birthday, to celebrate the Battle of Waterloo in a fine old style. A pity I could only afford to purchase a commission as Captain of Artillery at the time I first encountered them (and no longer fit the uniform, either)], whilst beguiling attendees with astounding acts of prestidigitation and cunning misdirection.

Also supporting them was burlesque duo Peaches N' Gin, who ably entertained the crowd by either hiding naughty bits behind fans, or spinning them in opposite directions at the same time. A cup of tea will never be the same again. Even in the absence of a proper copper coffee pot. Apparently they will be running a class in the fine and noble art of burlesque in the next few weeks.

And then it was time for Spiral to do their stuff. I was particularly heartened to see the return of The Weaver and the Witch to the line up, albeit in a much different arrangement from where it first appeared in Woman of the Earth. Although it still does have me itching to choreograph a large dance number along the lines of the Mon Schaft Pavane or Sans Serif. Something with people whirling about in a coordinated manner. Too much Bollywood, I suppose.

Both Rise Up (available on their latest album) and Pan and Aphrodite were performed (the later being my current highly enjoyable earworm). It's vaguely strange that I find Spirit of Albion to be old hat now. No Witches Tree, but there was a new one. Unfortunately someone was intent on interrupting me whilst I was listening to it and all I can recall now is the interruption, not the song. It was quite nice and the words were good, but beyond that it is all a blur. [It's interesting to realise that I've known Adrienne long enough to be able to predict the words of her new songs once I have the theme and rhythm. "Your morphic resonance at work!"] Apparently there are only three more songs to go before they can start recording the new album, so there is good news on that front.

Lots of fun was apparently had by all. Rumours of a berserk red-haired and highly freckled amazon running semi-nude through the venue after the show can be put down to fatigue on the part of the last few attendees. It was all an illusion. A dream. A phantom. A mirage. Nothing happened. Those are not the droids you are looking for.

As for the future, there was a passing mention of a possible Steampunk themed event. Apparently it has been requested by a number of the attendees who are avid fans of the genre (and you know who you are). All it would have really needed is a dash of Science! to make last Saturday's gig fit the theme, methinks And possibly axe-wielding giant clams. Hmmmm. I think we had all better start practising our "They called me mad!!! I'll show them all!!!!" speeches. [And breeding giant clams. Unfortunately mine still aren't any good at wielding axes. They need a travel suit to get around, but do a reasonable job of unblocking sinks.]

Anyway the next scheduled gig is a Elven Winter on 31st July, followed by a fundraiser for the Spirit of Albion Collective (Spiral Dance, Hot for Joe, G.O.T.H., Faire Guisers, and Hedgemonkey Morris) on September 4th, to help send them to Woodford. So contribute mightily if you want to bring them back...

* Once when looking through a book of Victorian etchings I made the comment of "I quite like that dress" to be greeted by looks of horror from the period costumer whose book I had in fact purloined. The reason, being, what I took to be the waist of the dress was actually the black column which the lady in question was standing in front of, and the actual waist was what I took to be the frontispiece of the dress. About 9" in total circumference, I suspect. Maybe a bit less. Those wacky zany Victorians!