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THE BIG I IN THE BIG 6 0 This post might not seem to have much to do with Izzy’s musical life, per se as they say. Nevertheless, there is something about Izzy’s life on the Hill in Bilambil that is entirely musical. He says its “almost like being back at the Ball Pants”. A Foreal leap in imagery is required for that one but if you are of the generation that held hands in the 60s and 70s or wish you had been, you might be able to do it. All he knows is that he feeds the wild birds that come each day, picks some salad from his own vegie garden, cooks up a fine Korma Curry while Chick gets dressed up for the night and off they go in the StarWagon up into the Hills which are alive with the Sound of Music and out comes the Carool and Bilambil community, his friends and co-Musos. |
The lineup last night included;
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SUNDAY 25 JANUARY 2009
That’s Jenny on the right. She’s off to Scotland and England with her sister before meeting John in Paris. The gentleman with arms folded and in humidity relieving singlet is JOHNNY CARR. Band Leader Extraordinaire and local resident. |
Ilnam Winery hosted the CAROOL Community gathering. The day brooded with tropical rains and Johnny Sutton reports that as a result of rain on the roof he was almost inaudible for the birthday party of 30 or so as he made his last Ilnam appearance for 3 months. John Sutton is off to Europe through Portugal and Spain before meeting up with his Jenny in Paris. Towards evening the rain eased a little although steaming mists and dark clouds remained and Izzy and Chick took the Carool Road undaunted. The Community gathered en masse amongst the vineyards. The traditional ‘bring a plate’ was followed and, as always, that meant some very fine food in vast quantities as well as plenty of the local Vino. |
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The Carool concept of ‘bring a plate’ included some very large containers. Chrissie and Ione are seen here, removing foil and gladwrap covers. Ione at front takes a large slice of mother Andrea’s tomato and basil pie. Ione starts 2009 at SCU in Tweed. |
 Darcy, Geoff and Johnny Carr. That’s Bass, Rhythm and Lead. |
Izzy came to the Tweed a few years back on his way through to work at the Uni in Brisbane, with no intention of staying but found himself playing music almost from the first day. The connections this created with the community have gradually strengthened over the three years. Last night’s community gathering gave him a sense of belonging. (Yes Izzy actually said that -now he says he meant CONNECTION – an equally esoteric term). He knows that 3 years still makes him a blow in but friendships are forming. “It ain’t so bad being a Fool on The Hill in this here Valley.” |
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Mark Quinn prop of the ILNAM ESTATE WINERY is vocalist and harmonica player with Johnny Carr and the Glengarries. |
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Izzy had his 1960 Kaye Bass with him but Johnny Sutton was already set up with his FENDER PRECISION BASS ( mid to late 60s) and graciously gave him use of it for the evening. “A fine old and worthy instrument” says Iz. “Aren’t we all ? ” says the Chick. ” Aren’t we all?” |
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The 60s retro songs were a hit again. Lots of SHA LA LA ing going on. |
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Iz was pretty impressed with ROB BROWN on drums. A drummer with funk who could play with IZZY FOREAL AND ASSOCIATES and fit right in. He did quail a little at the MUSTANG SALLY request and asked “DO WE HAVE TO?” but had it come to it, methinks he would have played along. |
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DON’T FORGET IZZY AND SCRUBBY WILL BE AT ILNAM THE LAST SUNDAY OF FEBRUARY,MARCH AND JUNE 2009. 12 NOON TILL 3PM. |
IZZY FOREAL 