At Sundown Smacka

On 28th March 1976 Bill Armstrong and Smacka Fitzgibbon arranged for the following musicians to assemble at Bill’s North Melbourne studio to record some tracks. I was honoured to be included in this group and have never forgotten what a wonderful day it was. Ian Pierce (Nog) (Piano) Ron Williamson (Zeke) (Sousaphone) Smacka Fitzgibbon (Banjo and Vocals) Jim Beale (Drums) Tom Pickering (Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone) Ken Evans (Trombone) Ade Monsbourgh (Alto Saxophone and Clarinet) Brett Iggulden Trumpet Smacka was a wonderful singer and great banjo player. He set perfect tempos and his simple arrangements (meaning a bit of a chat before we played) were lovely. All the band were masters. All were on fire. The rhythm section jelled and was a beautiful thing to behold. The Melbourne bounce was on display. My two favourites from the session were At Sundown (here) and Shine (which I will put up in a couple of days). Bill Armstrong took the colour photos. The B&W photo was taken at La Brochette where the Onions played quite a lot, thanks to Frank Johnson and Smacka. I miss each of these wonderful players who so enriched my musical life and life in general. In November 1970 I was in the UK with the Onions when my father died. I flew home shattered as his death came unexpectedly and he was only in his early 50’s. I went off the radar at the house in Beaumaris with my mother. The band was still in UK and was not due to sail home for a couple of months. Ade and Smacka both made calls and visits and eventually I came back to the music and gigs. I have never forgotten their kindness and care; and never will. The brotherhood of fellow musicians is something special and I treasure it.