CD ‘SCHADENFREUDE’, RECORDED at the Music Dept, Qld. University, 1994.

Engineer and bass, Peter Freeman, copyright Froge Records, Brisbane.

I had melodies and chords piling up and cluttering what little brain-space was available (still do: but what’s the point?), and retained most of the more memorable efforts on various primitive recording devices, with some small recognition and an award or two.

Peter had designed the then new recording studios at UQ, and it is at his kind urging that this CD was instigated, and with the unpaid contributions of fine local musicians, and much rehearsal, twenty original numbers were recorded.

The CD won two BASF Sunnie awards for 1994-5; best Alternative Single, and best Alternative Album. Such fame, and I was offered leading roles in Hollywood movies, castles in Scotland, world tours with a thirty-piece orchestra, and as much beer as I could drink. So how come no-one’s heard of the CD?

The recording and rehearsal process was great fun; needless to say not every track was a rare gem. I had written some stuff that required more skill than I could deliver: great accompaniment, pity about the soloist on reeds.

The title track, ‘SCHADENFREUDE’, is very strange. Friend Mike Hawthorne complained that I had not included him on the recordings, which was true; I had no ideas for trombone, but owed him a nice choon. The result was a difficult introductory cadenza and a worse melody and chorus, which were excellently arranged by Mike’s partner Jo on piano.The result was so appealing I named the CD after their brilliant effort. Listen!

John Braben, mate from childhood and dedicated musician, and Peter Freeman feature on many numbers; Peter both playing and recording: a tricky act. As I said; no-one was paid. The whole CD was a communal work. Here is a list of those who took part, and rehearsed in various corners of Brisbane………

Jo Bloomfield (now Hawthorne), Piano. John Braben, Trumpet. Peter Freeman, Bass. Hans Karssemeyer, Piano. Mike Hawthorne, Trombone. John Cox, Banjo. Rupert Jenner, Guitar and Vocal. Bob Watson, Percussion. Chris Schnack, Tuba. Son Bart on Didge and me on reeds.

What happened to all the CDs? We had ridiculous launch at the Froge Band’s venue, The Dead Rat in the Valley. Too successful. The place was so packed that no-one could get a drink, buy a CD, hear the band or each other. A shambles.

Well, most of the recordings did sell quickly, particularly at gigs and festivals, but I know that there are a few still lurking in boxes around the place; John Braben will have some for sure: collecters’ items now. I’ve never seen any in junk shops, so they are being retained!

There are two other original CD albums about with the Froge label, and of course all the marvellous vinyl pressings of the Vintage Jazz and Blues Band: again, I have yet to see any discarded, so hang on to your copy. Peter Freeman is the bloke to talk to for Australian Jazz Archive material; don’t let it drift like bed-fluff under the LIfeLine carpet!

Now, what am I to do with all that un-recorded cacophony cluttering the cortex?

Cheers,

Andy