Information: The latest from Jack on his extensive musical projects.

Author: Jack Howard.

Date: 23 September 2011.

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So as I sit here pondering the Hunters and Collectors set list for our December 3rd Sydney show (sorry, folks – no clues!), I thought that I might update you on what’s been going on in my musical life.

This week (September 23rd as I write) has been the first of three marvellous weeks of school holidays (I teach trumpet and run bands at Wesley College through the day) and I’ve been loving every minute of it so far. Lots of music, footy, shot putting, trumpet practice and wine!

As far as gigs and recording goes – a couple of weeks ago, I played with a young girl, Emmy Bryce, at the Northcote Social Club. I helped out with the horns on her record. Her debut single, Every Star Is A Setting Sun, has just been released. Very sweet singer/songwriter.

In complete contrast, I played with legendary Sydney punk rockers, X, at The Espy, for the Childwise Benefit two nights ago. The H & C horns recorded with them back in the day and I still get up and have a blast with them occasionally. A brutally loud band made louder by trumpet and French horn!

Right at the moment, I’m deep in rehearsal and chart-writing with comedienne Tracy Harvey, for a couple of shows coming up at The Paris Cat here in Melbourne.
Two years ago, I was Musical Director of her debut show, Call Girl. Now she’s writing a new show which I’m again helping out with. These will be cabaret-style shows featuring old and new songs. Lots of fun!

On Grand Final Eve at The Caravan Music Club in Oakleigh, I’ll be playing with Jon Von Goes (of 3RRR fame). A great band featuring Mark Ferrie (Rockwiz orchestra), Rebecca Barnard and Billy Miller will be playing a bunch of AFL-related tunes.
Another very enjoyable gig – I’ll be doing my bit by belting out Holy Grail.

Pete Murray’s got a new record out – I played trumpet on two tracks. Hopefully, there’ll be some live stuff coming up too (although I’m not 100% sure about that one).

Rob Hirst’s new band, The Break, are heading into the studio soon and I’ll be adding some horns to that one – they’re one of my favourite bands to play with. I’ve also played on a lovely track, Angels Lie, on the new Backsliders’ CD.

The Elwood Dads’ Band (a bunch of Elwood Primary school dads who got together to play at the school fundraisers) had a busy month playing at a variety of gala dinners around the place. Our job is to get everyone up dancing once the speeches and auctions are out of the way. Most of the time, we succeed.

Earlier this year, I also spent a lot of time touring with Little Red – we did the BDO’s, Meredith, Splendour last year, Queenscliff. Feels like I’m playing with my nephews but, hey, it’s great getting out there and seeing some action.

I’ve had a quiet year doing my own original stuff but I do have 3 records planned for the next couple of years –

The first will be Shadowlands (you can hear some tracks on my facebook band page – go there and “like” it. it’s the modern way!) due early-ish next year. In fact, I had a CD launch organised for December 2nd this year but something else came up……

The second will be with guitarist John Berto – just he and I playing some beautifully intimate songs. My Lucky Day featured six songs from John and I, but this will be a bit more polished.

And lastly, I want to do an instrumental record a la The Menahan Street Band (check them out – they’re well worth the effort) with Sydney horn players, Andy Bickers and Anthony Kable (who played on the Little Red record; and have played with the likes of Midnight Oil, Cold Chisel, Silverchair, etc.). I’m recording some demos for this one now.

So, as you can see, there’s always something on the boil.

Now, I just have to remember how to play all of those Hunnas’ songs!

Cheers, Jack

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