A very Happy New Year to you
all, we are slowing-down a bit these days, not doing so much music, but the
day we spent at The Junction Country Music as guest artists on the 12th of
December, was a really special day.
We did enjoy the sweet acoustic Country
guitars of Alex and Colleen, who helped us in the backing of some of our
songs, a really good afternoon of Country Music, followed by a scrumptious
meal.
There have been some sadder
happenings on the local scene, THOMAS PARATA, a local Country Music identity,
passed away, and he will be sadly missed. He had one of the biggest smiles
around, and none bigger than when he won an award for singing a song,
after asking me to play rhythm guitar for him.
On New Year's Day, we lost
another friend, in a boating accident in the Coromandel, RAY SAUNDERS, who for
years, had a big say in the workings of The Hawkes Bay Country Music
Club, in Hastings, was a real enthusiast of the true Country sounds, and in
later years he showed just as much enthusiasm for special birds, which he
bought and sold.
One of Taranaki's elder
statesmen, LES BLOOR has received an offer too good to pass-up, he has been
offered big money to play his keyboard and sing, for a short period in New
Guinea I believe. We wish him the very best, but we are worried his
health may let him down. He turned 80 not too long ago!
I understand DUSTY SPITTLE down
in the deep South, is planning a new CD release in the coming months.
Until next time, take care, and
Keep it Country!
Rex and Noelene.
Rex and Noelene Franklin
entertaining at the Junction Country Music Club.
Rex, Noelene, Anne Clinton, and
Alex Devonshire about to cut the Xmas cake.
