I'm back, a little late this
trip, and lacking some news, probably, but I've spent much time on my back,
after having a new hip joint replacement operation, and it has put limits on
me!
We did something most unusual,
back in October, Noelene and I were interviewed by Brian Vickery, on Hawera's
Coast radio station, and we got to sing a song, and it is encouraging to know
that people like Brian are doing their bit to spread the word of Country Music
around.
Chris Bourke made a visit to
our home, and did a double-faceted interview with us, he is writing a book on
early New Zealand music, so he intends using some input from us, as well as
using our voices in some radio shows he intends doing in the future. ( He
works in Broadcasting from time to time)
We attended the 60th birthday
celebrations of Janice Fitzsimons back in September, Janice is one of the
nicer ladies of Taranaki Country Music, and brings joy to many people with her
nice harmonies in partnership with her husband Graeme.
I had the opportunity to have a
nice talk with Newstalk ZB Nostalgia host, JIM SUTTON, recently, I even took
RON HAYWARD out to meet him.
Jim is someone with a wealth of
knowledge, and a good conversationist, especially where music is concerned.
He certainly does a great deal for New Zealand music, and in particular,
Country Music, on the airwaves.
Noelene and I had one of our
most enjoyable experiences, a few weeks back, when we spent the Sunday
afternoon at the New Plymouth RSA, and sat enraptured with some of the best
Country Music one will ever hear, anywhere. Once again, there were
many faces we would have expected to be there, lapping it all up, but it was
certainly their loss.
I'm talking of TEX AND MARY
SCHUTZ, and JEROME CAMPBELL and JEANNE CAHILL, or CALL OF THE WEST, as they
are known.
For 4 solid hours, they
entertained us with their brilliant musicianship, Jerome and Jeanne with some
Western Swing, and Mary and Tex, with the real old-time Country.
We paid out a mere $10 each,
and will never forget the experience.
I say to ANN PASCOE a very big
thank you for organising the appearance of these fine ambassadors of American
Country Music.
We have had other Americans
playing here before, but these four artists were head and shoulders above
anything we have seen and heard before.
We just hope they can return
next year.
A bonus for me, was when I
heard them rehearsing, I asked Jerome if I could try out his Taylor acoustic
guitar, and he obliged.
While I was singing the old
Jimmie Rodgers song "Waiting for a train", Tex moved in beside me,
and started playing his dobro, and I tell you, it was pure Heaven.
So if you are ever able to see
and hear these fine artists, do not hesitate to get along, you will not be
disappointed.
A good thing that has come out
of this convalescing thing, has been the time I have been able to practice
some new guitar instrumentals.
We are receiving some
bookings for rest homes for the coming months, and in the next two or three
weeks, I should be back as good as new, and
playing snooker, as well as the guitar.
Till next time, Cheerio, and
the very best to you all.
REX FRANKLIN.
Rex
and Noelene singing on Coast Radio
Jerome
and Jeanne at New Plymouth RSA
Ron
Hayward, Jim Sutton, and Rex Franklin at New Plymouth.
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