Tuesday, 12 February 2013

Big Tommos Open Mic -Yaya's - 4/2/2013



As I entered the fine establishment that is YaYa's I was greeted by two older gentleman eagerly awaiting my arrival. These two fine musicians call themselves The Deceivers and literally blew me and everyone else in attendance away with their interesting, soulful song writing and strong musician ship. With songs reminiscent of song writers of the past but still with a contemporary feel, The Deceivers took us on an introspective journey through their melodies layered with beautiful harmonies. A favourite of mine titled Pass The Particle had subtle yet technical drumming lightly played with soft brushes very reminiscent of Elliot Smiths work.
Next to take the stage was the well known Darren Guthrie. When I say 'take the stage' I mean it in a very literal sense, for one guy Darren really takes over the performance space. With an effects pedal a loop station and stomp box at his feet Darren tops of his expansive stage set up with his guitar, ukulele and an extra mic for looping. Darren did a great set comprising covers and his own material. Darren's own works are very rhythmic, what I would call Caribbean reggae, the kind of music you would could quite happily burn one to and let the minutes drift by. Darren also did some great covers including The Black Keys lonely boy, slipping  '99 problems' in there to everyones enjoyment.
Darren's FB - http://www.facebook.com/DarrenGuthrieAU?fref=ts
Stuart Vanderplank aka Debuto Frogger placed himself on the magic stool next and preceded to grab the attention of my ears yet again. I have seen Stuart play solo numerous times now as well as in his band Paradise Motor Inn (a band you must keep your eyes and ears on!) and he astounds me yet again. His song writing is so real you can't help but feel that he is singing straight at you. There is a lot of pretentious song writing spewing forth across all scenes Stuart breaks this terrible mould and sings straight from the heart. Doctor Dogg is a notable influence and Stuarts rough real tone and style is a breath of fresh air in a music scene washed out by synthesizers and reverb.
Paradise Motor Inn's FB - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paradise-Motor-Inn/305732479488685?fref=ts
Last but definitely not least was a jam band who went by the name of The Klaus Bassingtons consisting of members from the renowned Perth band Misty Mountains as well as Liam Gillespie. These musical warriors where not a rehearsed band and sauntered up to the stage to deliver a tirade of improvised psychedelic jams. The room was grooving at this point and everyone wanted to be a part of this band. The first person to join them on stage was James Vincuilo this multi-instrumentalist known for making love to his bass in his indie rock band The Midnight Mules found himself on stage jamming along on the bells. Next to join The Bassingtons was perthonality  Limpin' Dave Foley of LDF and the SLF's. Dave threw some crazy lyricism into the mix which was now becoming a tornado of rock and roll. The next to wander up onto the stage was a slightly inebriated Big Tommo; I preceded to spit a freestyle about my penis and then brought the jam to a crescendo of 'All I see is rock and roll!!' making it apparent that this improvised extravaganza was blowing everyone away.        
An absolutely loose night which I and everyone else thoroughly enjoyed!
By: Tom Mantle
Big Tommo's Open Mic Variety Night runs every monday night at YaYa's
to book a spot to play hit up Tom Mantle:
e:t.mantle@hotmail.com
p:0452428284
f: www.facebook.com/bigtopenmic



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