Music

Free Web Hosting Provider - Web Hosting - E-commerce - High Speed Internet - Free Web Page

I bought my first bass just prior to my 21st birthday. Two years later, I bought my second. I still have it.
A Vox Standard Bass. Probably mid 70's vintage. Not much "standard" about it now.... Heavy brass Ibanez bridge, extra (Jackson) pickup fitted, & a bridge cover from a Fender. (I think..)
Referred to as "The Plank", because the thing is soooo Goddam HEAVY.... Dunno what they made it out of, Marble or Pre-stressed concrete , maybe, it weighs a ton.... I consider myself to be a self taught hack rock & roll bass player. Nuthin fancy, but I can supply you a reasonably solid bass-line. (couldn't play Funk/Slap to save my life...)
I also own a Takamine 12 string. But, I wouldn't by any means call myself a 'guitarist'... Anything beyond basic open or Barre chords & I'm hopelessly lost...
Anyway, enough of this twaddle, onto the pics... (and there was much rejoicing, I hear you say)

Amethyst Garden, L to R, my good friend John (he & his wife Angie are on my links page), Yours Truly, a ring-in drummer whose name escapes me, & my very dear friend & "unofficial kid sister" Melissa Denaro, the songwriter & brains of the outfit.

This photo taken at John & Angie's engagement party late 94.

Hmmm. Amethyst Garden... What an outfit.... John's a pretty fine Rythm guitarist, Scotty (the regular drummer) & I used to almost 'feed' off each other. IE; He'd modify his drum pattern to suit my bass line & vice versa. Add to that Melissa's powerful voice & lyrics.....
And last, but not least (and most sorely missed), Dave Hall, the Lead Player. (now deceased)
Dave was without a doubt the best $%#$^ing lead player I have ever worked with. This guy could play half a dozen notes, that would put shivers down your spine (still do..) then turn around & do the Eddie Van Halen "cram-14-squillion-notes-into-a-bar-&-make-it-look-easy" thing. News of his suicide kinda took the heart out of the band... Dave, wherever you are, I hope you've found happiness....

Hmmm... A trifle maudlin, time to move on...

Melissa & I have worked together since the demise of Amethyst Garden, Under the guise of "Nebula"
The following pics (B&W) are from a gig we played together July 98.
Mel's currently living & working in London, AND playing the odd gig... (cow)
Makes getting together for rehearsals/gigs somewhat difficult... :)

Melissa, July 98, Jubilee Hotel Me, same gig, with feral moustache... Mel & I, same gig.

Lastly, the final incarnations of "Amethyst Garden"


New Years Eve 97 at John & Angies...	ditto. Me without a moustache. Now you know why I grow one...	Ditto. Mel belting her little heart out.	Mid 98 at a BBQ at my friend Harries Place. Showcase for a now sadly defunct local band called "Mythica" (see links)