Russell Morris – Blacktown Workers Club 12th Sep 2015

I had filmed and Photographed Russell Morris a few times before this night. The first time was at the 2013 Sydney Blues & Roots Festival at Windsor. The second at The Basement (2015) at Circular Quay. I have been trying to record musicians/bands I grew up listening to. I also play guitar and when I was first started playing I used to play many of Russell’s songs, as most of us did. At The Basement earlier this year-backstage, I asked Russell could I film him again, he said sure. When I saw he was playing at Blacktown Workers, I tried to contact him to ask again. Eventually, I contacted James Glendenning, who knows Russell personally and gave me his phone number. I rang Russell and again he said I could film/photograph the night.

Russell’s Song List

• It’s All Over Now Baby Blue (Bob Dylan)
• Walk My Blues (First Album)
• Sail With Me (Third Album)
• The Ballad of Les Darcy (Sharkmouth)
• Bendigo Rock (Van Diemen’s Land (2014)
• Wings of an Eagle (1973 album, Wings of an Eagle)
• Something in the Air (Thunderclap Newman)
• Rachel
• Birdsville (Van Diemen’s Land)
• Sharkmouth (Sharkmouth 2012)
• Black Dog Blues (Sharkmouth 2012)
• The Real Thing/Hush
• The Wings Of An Eagle
• Before You Accuse Me (Eric Clapton)
• Please Please Me (Beatles)

“It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue” is a song written and performed by Bob Dylan and featured on his Bringing It All Back Home album, released on March 22, 1965, by Columbia Records (see 1965 in music). The song was originally recorded on January 15, 1965. Graham Bonnet also did a version in 1977.

Thunderclap Newman was a British one-hit-wonder band that Pete Townshend of The Who and Kit Lambert formed circa December 1968 – January 1969 in a bid to showcase the talents of John “Speedy” Keen, Andy “Thunderclap” Newman and Jimmy McCulloch. Their single, “Something in the Air”, a 1969 UK Number One hit, remains in demand for television commercials, film soundtracks and compilations.

“The Real Thing” is a song originally recorded by Russell Morris in 1969. His version, which was produced by Ian “Molly” Meldrum and written by Johnny Young.

I had turned up early to film and photograph the Soundcheck. I always try to do the soundcheck. I met Russell and the band and took a few photos as they walked in. I really enjoy Russell’s music. His band is just great. There was quite a large crowd too. Over 120 people.. “It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue. Most people would remember the Graham Bonnet version from 1977. Russell’s version is great, with the band all doing harmonies on the chorus. Russell uses a semi-acoustic Guitar which has a beautiful sound. he also tells a lot of stories & jokes between songs. Before the next song, he talked about his father (himself). He made a joke about Cliff Richard playing at this venue in a few weeks, how he won’t miss that one (It’s a Tribute Band).

Walk My Blues, is a standard Blues song, played tight by the entire band.. Mitch Cairns Bass playing is solid behind the band.. Russell then talks about how the band will be playing new songs, 3 Australiana and then from his past.

Sail With Me, is about a bloke who wants to live in the Outback from the next album.. The Third album – It’s another Blues version. Leaving Tully to go to the great Outback. Again the entire band’s harmonies are just great.

The Ballad of Les Darcy Morris (Sharkmouth)About a man who lived in N.S.W. Australian Heavyweight Boxer who was victimised. A World Middle Weight Boxer who didn’t believe in Conscription and was black banned, Dying in America in his early 20’s.

Wings of an Eagle is one of my Favourite Russell Morris songs.

Something in the Air -by Thunderclap Newman The band does a great version. I grew up with this song and when I hear Russell sing it, it took me back to those days..

Sharkmouth Another of Russell’s newer songs. Every time I hear this song now it’s as though it’s a much older song.

The Real Thing/Hush, just Classic songs. This to me is Russell Morris. It’s the song I used to play when I was 17. Reminds me of all the good music from the 60s and part of the 70s.

The Wings Of An Eagle. Another of Russell’s classic songs.

Please Please Me (Beatles) Introduced as a new song by the band.

Growing up listening to Russell Morris I had always wanted to be able to film or photograph him. I have been fortunate now to do this 3 times in the past 2 years. He also said I could upload to U-tube a video from the night, as long as it was one of the older songs not from the latest album.

The whole night was just brilliant. His band are very talented and Russell’s voice and how he plays makes you want to go and see time and time again. Which I will. The Audience was pretty rowdy too. They also knew every song, including the newer ones from the latest Album. Just a great night. After the concert, Russell posed backstage with his band for me and a lady who is the mother of a friend of mine, we introduced her to him backstage which made her day. Russell and she had a great chat. The next time I will be able to film/photograph Russell and his band is Oct 2015 at the Sydney Blues and Roots Festival at Windsor.