Eastside Radio 89.7FM

02/09/2024

What most impressed us about the Paralympics so far has not been the sheer volume of medals Australia might win; or the location of the blind football where the beach volleyball was held under the Eiffel Tower; nor the inspiration of all the athletes competing against the odds and showing enormous grit and determination. What's impressed us the most is the size of the crowds in attendance. It looks and feels like a full house out there for all the events. And that, we believe, is what the French like to term égalité!

01/09/2024

There are not many pubs in Sydney as iconic as the Hopetoun Hotel when it comes to embodying the legacy of when live music was king. My first encounters with the pub were via the legendary "Rock Against Work" gigs that would see the best in local punk and indie bands play during the day on a Tuesday (which happened to be dole day at the time).

From Sarah Blasko, Paul Kelly, Wolfmother, Hoodoo Gurus, Ed Kuepper Michael Hutchence, The Cockroaches to Lubricated Goat, Space Juniors, The Lime Spiders and Massapeal, the Hoey had something for everyone and was a training ground for acts that went on to eventually have world wide success.

As part of Vivid 2024, Impact Talks at UTS relived the glory days of the Hopetoun Hotel interviewing musicians Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann and Clyde Bramley of the Hoodoo Gurus and music photographer Tony Mott, in a Vivid Festival talk hosted by Liz Giuffre and Gregory Ferris.

You can almost smell the beer soaked carpet when you listen to this wonderful discussion here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/0msIfrJOTw4y8ri3VxJZxL

01/09/2024

🎶 Eastside Albums of the Week 🎶

1. "Victime de l'aube" by Bolbec
🌎 Origin: Rouen, France
📅 Released: 9 August, 2024
💿 Label: Batov Records

Bolbec, brand new project of childhood friends and multi-instrumentalists Axel Concato and Barth Corbelet, present their debut record, "Victime De L'aube”, on Batov Records. Drawing on their wide blend of musical tastes, from spiritual jazz and folk to classical and electronic sounds, to create an imaginary soundtrack that could easily sit beside the best of Piero Piccioni or Michel Legrand. The album features the duo playing over a dozen different instruments between them, with some heavyweight support from the Nostalgia 77 rhythm section.

2. "ART MAKE LOVE" by 30/70
🌎 Origin: Melbourne, Australia
📅 Released: 17 February, 2024
💿 Label: Energy Exchange

‘ART MAKE LOVE’ is the fifth album by 30/70, the mothership of the internationally acclaimed Melbourne born collective. Expanding far beyond the previous markers of nu-soul and jazz; it is inspired heavily by broken beat complexity, translating dance music into live textures and their truly unique collaborative songwriting. ‘ART MAKE LOVE’ is a statement about the very life giving, love fuelling, interconnected nature of creativity, a reclamation of art in a digital time.

30/08/2024

News to hand is that Phoenix Central Park owner operator and recently added Music NSW board member Beau Neilson has taken over ownership of the beloved Newtown venue, The Vanguard. According to Beau “comprehensive renovations are underway to bring this beauty into a new era. Watch this space!”

29/08/2024

"This financial year will see the group increase ticketed shows by 135% from 850 shows last year to 2,000 before July next year, according to the company, with close to 80% of its venues hosting live music."

Venue closures, festival cancellations… Australia’s live and hospitality sectors are doing it tough. AVC has doubled its investment.

29/08/2024

Born on this Day in 1920, Charlie "Bird" Parker is surely considered among the all time time top ten when it comes to the giants of jazz.

Some lesser known facts about Parker that you may or may not have heard before include the following...

While "Bird" or "Yardbird" is widely known, another lesser-known nickname given to Parker by his close friends was "Rabbit." This was a playful reference to his unpredictable and rapid movements, both in his music and in life.

In 1949, Parker played contributed his (uncredited) saxophone on a country recording session with the famous artist, "The Singing Cowboy" Gene Autry.

His iconic 1945 session for the Savoy label, which produced tracks like "Ko-Ko" and "Now's the Time," almost didn't happen because he was without a saxophone. He had to borrow an instrument from a fellow musician, ultimately using a plastic alto saxophone to record those legendary tracks.

Despite being a jazz giant, Parker was deeply influenced by classical music, especially the works of Igor Stravinsky. In one famous instance, Parker is said to have played the opening bars of Stravinsky’s "The Firebird Suite" during a live performance, reportedly causing Stravinsky, who was in the audience, to spill his drink in surprise.

Parker’s nickname "Bird" is often attributed to his love of eating chicken. He would sometimes be seen with a chicken in his coat pocket, ready to eat at a moment’s notice. This peculiar habit only added to the mystique and legend surrounding his persona.

Happy heavenly 104, Charlie Parker.

29/08/2024

As a community station, Eastside has always had a strong working relationship with local business through sponsorship, collaboration and event partnership.

Local businesses are the lifeblood of a suburb or area and we are proud to be partnered this year with Waverley Council’s Brightest & Best Business Awards, celebrating Waverley’s entrepreneurial spirit and honouring the dedication and valuable contributions of local businesses that help shape Waverley into a dynamic and thriving place to live, work and shop.

The Awards are open to all businesses, regardless of size, operating within the Waverley LGA. Whether your business operates from a commercial centre, village, or home, all Waverley businesses can self-nominate and enter the relevant Award categories.

Winning a Brightest & Best Business Award reflects your commitment to excellence and is a great way to celebrate your business achievements, while receiving well-deserved recognition and publicity.

This year, there are 14 Award categories, including new categories such as Construction & Trade, Tourism & Leisure, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Women of the Year and People’s Choice. Winners and runners-up will receive in-kind prizes and cash vouchers. Additionally, all completed entries will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of three experiences.

You have until 9 September to register on the Waverley Bouncil website!

28/08/2024

TONIGHT we’re lucky enough to have join for a yarn on .7 at 9:30-11 PM
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A proud GuriNgai woman and direct descendant of Bungaree and Matora, Charlie Needs Braces has drawn in audiences across Australia, her energetic musical landscapes weaving together stories and language, also known for her work with Casey Donovan, The Teskey Brothers, The Seven Ups, and Tek Tek Ensemble. Her debut album ‘Saltwater People’ saw her single and video clip featured on RAGE, was triple j Unearthed Artists of the Week, and was recently featured on the ABC documentary ‘Changing Tides’ as part of a NAIDOC week special. Following the album’s release, Charlie has performed across Australia at the Share the Spirit Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Burramatta Festival, Far East Music Festival, St Kilda Festival, Sydney Road Street Party, Wominjeka Festival, Tanglewood, Oops A Daisy, The Town, and supported the likes of Ziggy Ramo, Kee’ahn, Cookin on 3 Burners, and Harry Angus.

27/08/2024

The life and times of poet laureate and singer songwriter Leonard Cohen is not something that can be summed up in a single post, but here are some interesting highlights of his creative journey.

Cohen's artistic life was shaped by diverse influences and experiences that went beyond his well-known music career. He was deeply influenced by Spanish poet Federico García Lorca, even naming his daughter after him. His early years were marked by his work as a poet and novelist, with his poetry earning him the Governor General’s Award in Canada, which he notably declined. His time on the Greek island of Hydra also played a significant role in his creative development, where he wrote much of his early work.

Cohen’s spiritual journey was equally significant, spending five years at the Mount Baldy Zen Center where he served as a cook and practiced martial arts, earning the Dharma name “Jikan.” Despite his dedication to Zen Buddhism, Cohen remained fascinated by darker historical figures, which is reflected in some of his songs. He was also influenced by country music and maintained a lifelong interest in the simplicity and emotional depth of the genre, drawing inspiration from artists like Hank Williams.

His best known, and most covered song, Hallelujah (over 300 artists have covered it in various languages and genres) originally had over 80 verses. He spent years perfecting the song and reportedly wrote it in a rundown hotel room in New York while sitting in his underwear, pounding the floor in frustration.

Despite being one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Cohen never sought pop stardom. He turned down numerous lucrative offers and resisted attempts by the music industry to commercialize his work.

Forced to go back on tour in the late 2000s because his former manager, Kelley Lynch, had embezzled over $5 million from him, leaving him nearly bankrupt, Leonard Cohen continued to deliver amazing live performances right up until his death in 2016.

You can join the amazing ARIA winning gypsy jazz outfit Monsieur Camembert on Saturday 21 September at The State Theatre celebrating the life, music and poetry of Leonard Cohen through swing, jazz, tango, Latin, klezmer and more. Linking the songs with Cohen’s remarkable poetry and prose, the show also features audio fragments of Cohen himself.

26/08/2024

Not many musicians can lay claim to a 45-year career playing alongside Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Dave Brubeck, Chick Corea, George Benson, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Quincy Jones, Ray Brown, and Wynton Marsalis; the London Symphony Orchestra; INXS; and the European Brass Ensemble, at venues such as Birdland, The Blue Note, and Village Vanguard in New York; New Morning in Paris; The Tokyo Blue Note; and Ronnie Scott’s in London.

James Morrison is that performer.

At the age of six he started on piano, at seven he took up brass, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. Best known for playing trumpet, he is also proficient on trombone, tuba, euphonium, flugelhorn, saxophone, clarinet, double bass, guitar and piano. To say he is a national treasure in an understatement.

Join the James Morrison Quartet alongside Grammy award-winning Romanian pianist, Marian Petrescu for a night of sublime jazz at The City Recital Hall on Monday 16 September.

Eastside Radio 89.7FM - The People's Choice. Playing Soul. Funk, Jazz, Electronic, Blues and World

26/08/2024

LOCAL BUSINESS HERO - A direct way to achieve that spectacular smile is to check in with Orthoboutique in Surry Hills. Using innovative technologies at an affordable price, Orthoboutique provide the sort of care that even people with a fear of the dentist (and we are many!) will find comforting and reassuring. It may have taken technology 5,000 years to bridge the gap from using catgut to Invisalign, but thankfully with Orthoboutique, you only have to wait until one of their professional staff answers your phonecall!

25/08/2024

Not many people are aware that Hollywood bombshell Jayne Mansfield was a very accomplished musician. As a child, young Vera Jayne Palmer took piano and violin lessons and would frequently stand out in her driveway playing her violin for passersby on the sidewalk.

As a star in the adult life, Jayne was often discouraged to show her talents to keep her "dumb blonde" image. However, she would play the violin or piano whenever she had the chance.

Her high intelligence and her ability to play instruments led her to be given the nickname of 'Broadway’s Smartest Dumb Blonde', and later changed to 'Hollywood’s Smartest Dumb Blonde' when she achieved her success in movies too.

Jayne Mansfield "Concerto No. 6 in A Minor" on The Ed Sullivan Show, May 26, 1957. Subscribe now to never miss an update: https://ume.lnk.to/EdSullivanSubscr...

22/08/2024

🎶 Albums of the Week 🎶

1. "Soft Spot" by Soft Spot

📅 Released: 15 August, 2024
🌎 Origin: Sydney, Australia
💿 Label: Soft Spot

Gadigal/Sydney-based ambient-jazz SOFT SPOT are proud to release their debut, self-titled album - an immersive and uplifting celebration of our favourite people and the fuzzy feelings of jubilation and joy they evoke within us. After releasing three singles that have highlighted the breadth and originality of their sonic concept- from moody ambient soundscapes to ecstatic post-rock crescendos, all wrapped in a jazz and improvised sensibility- SOFT SPOT are ready to present their first full-length record, a moving musical suite.

2. "I Am" by Alice Russel

📅 Released: 5 April, 2024
🌎 Origin: Brighton, UK
💿 Label: Tru Thoughts

Highly in demand as an eminent vocalist, Alice has previously guested alongside Fatboy Slim on Talking Heads frontman David Byrne’s solo LP, as well as collaborations with the likes of Mr Scruff, Quantic, DJ Yoda and Nostalgia 77. However, it is her solo records with longtime musical partner TM Juke that she is best known for, and they have borne some of the most arresting blues and soul since the glory days of Aretha. “We’ve both got a very open approach to writing songs,” Alice explains of the prolific relationship, “Our influences run from Sarah Vaughan to Bach, Kate Bush to Arvo Part, and J Dilla to Alice Coltrane. We love everything from dirty, squelchy dubstep to old-school soul. We nudge each other in the right direction.”

21/08/2024

The project of acclaimed guitarist and vocalist Ripley Johnson, Rose City Band's unique take on country psychedelic rock evokes the wide-open spaces of the American west and free spirits who call it home. Johnson, also a member of revered indie groups Wooden Shjips and Moon Duo refers to the music of Rose City Band as "porch music", encapsulating their sound of freedom, contentment, and joy via soaring guitar solos, driving rhythms, elegant pedal steel lines and organ grooves.

If you are a fan of the warm, feel good cosmic country sound coupled with superb musicianship, be sure to catch Rose City Band at Sydney's Factory Theatre, Sunday 6 October.

21/08/2024

Tomorrow night on TheSydneyist at 6pm only on Eastside Radio 89.7FM

19/08/2024

Mara Kiek is a renowned Australian musician with over 35 years of experience, specialising in Bulgarian vocal techniques and folk music. She has co-founded and led several influential music groups, including Martenitsa Choir, Legs on the Wall, Clarion Fracture Zone, Meryl Tankard’s ADT and the ARIA-winning Mara! Ensemble, and has been a key figure in the development of a ca****la music in Australia. Mara's diverse career spans folk, early music, rock, and improvisation, earning her two ARIA awards and the title of Female Artist of the Year at the 2000 Australian World Music Awards. She holds a Master of Applied Science in music research, with a focus on Bulgarian Folk Singing, and has contributed to academic research in the field.

Llew Kiek is an influential musician, composer, and producer known for his contributions to world music, playing a wide range of instruments including guitars, medieval plucked strings, and ethnic lutes. With a career spanning rock, folk, and medieval music. Born in Sydney in 1954, Llew's education includes studies in guitar and Turkish lute, culminating in a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2022. Since 1982, he has toured extensively with Mara!, performing at major festivals and events across 21 countries.

The Mara! Big Band is a 12-piece ensemble that straddles the Eastern European gypsy brass band and jazz big band traditions and featuring Australian jazz and world music icons such as Sandy Evans, Paul Cutlan, Andrew Robson and Lloyd Swanton.

Join Mara! band members in celebrating with a concert of specially curated performances on Sunday 22 September at the Parramatta Riverside Theatre to mark their 40th Anniversary ... a significant milestone in the musical journey of this remarkable ensemble.

18/08/2024

Why is jazz no longer a part of the pop scene? "Because music doesn't matter anymore. People don’t care anymore about the music itself, they care about who makes the music. The public is more interested in celebrities and how a certain artist is more famous than music. The way audiences relate to music has changed. She no longer has a transcendental connection with music and its quality. she just wants the charm. Jazz doesn't want to be a part of it. Do you know why? It's not about humility or arrogance, a position "we don't want to be famous, we are 'underground'", none of that. Jazz is about the human soul, not the appearance. Jazz has values, it teaches us to live in the moment, to work together and above all to respect the neighbor. When musicians get together to play together, you need to respect and understand what the other person is doing. Jazz in particular is an international language that represents freedom, thanks to its roots in slavery. Jazz makes people feel good about themselves. ” - Herbie Hancock

15/08/2024

Not only is Shai one of our Breaking Waves presenters, he is also one of 41 artists exhibiting in this exhibition.

Shai is 33 years old and has been painting since 2010. He studied at Sydney University and National Art School and had three private tutors.

He has been in more than 30 exhibitions including two solo shows. He has received awards for his work, which has been influenced by his growing up in Mozambique. Universities, companies and private collectors have bought his art.

Shai uses his art practice to remain mentally well and is a real favourite of all of us here at Eastside Radio bringing countless hours of laughter and joy to our lives.

https://www.stvincentsartexhibition.com/

14/08/2024

Get ready to feast your eyes on 35 new and favourite LGBTIQ+ films at the 11th edition of Q***r Screen Film Fest. See all the films in cinemas from 28 Aug - 1 Sep and On Demand from 2-8 Sep.

From fabulously flirty and romantic films to an incredible documentary and films featuring appearances from well-known faces like Elliot Page, Evan Rachel Wood, Lukas Gage, and Australia’s own Keiynan Lonsdale.

This is a fantastic festival, showcasing talent from around the world as well as two Australian films, one having its world premiere!

14/08/2024

Tomorrow night on TheSydneyist 6pm

This week on The Sydneyist:
JESS MILLER

Jess Miller self-describes as a ‘city thinker and leader.’

A former Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney,
board member of TedX and of the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre she also curated the eco-conscious design fest The New Normal at this year’s VIVID IDEAS and is an avid kick-boxer (always useful in politics).

Now she has decided to re-enter politics,
standing once more as Clover’s running mate as Sydney’s longest-standing Lord Mayor competes for a sixth historic term.
Will she be our next and youngest-ever Lord Mayor?

What are the odds?

I’ll be chatting with the very impressive
Jess Miller about why she is re-entering local politics and where she hopes to take it.

Join us
on
THE SYDNEYIST
this Thursday 15th August at 6pm.


16s

13/08/2024

Council is the musical duo of Pekka Kuusisto & Gabriel Kahane. Their song-writing is original but somehow assuringly familiar and the songs are interspersed with classical music both old and ultra-modern. They are touring now for Musica Viva Australia

Monday 12 August 2024 City Recital Hall Council: Pekka Kuusisto & Gabriel Kahane Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday) Council is the musical duo of Pekka Kuusisto & Gabriel Kahane. Their song-writing is original but somehow assuringly familiar and the songs are interspersed with classical music bo...

06/08/2024

Tomorrow night on TheSydneyist 6pm

05/08/2024

In Silence & Rapture the Australian Chamber Orchestra combines the music of JS Bach and Arvo Pärt with contemporary dance choreographed by Sydney Dance Company’s Rafael Bonachela, and the question I am pondering is was it a successful marriage?
Eastside Radio 89.7FM

Saturday 3 August 2024 City Recital Hall Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company Review by Paul Neeson (Arts Wednesday) In Silence & Rapture the ACO combines the music of JS Bach and Arvo Pärt with contemporary dance choreographed by Sydney Dance Company’s Rafael Bonachela, and the ...

05/08/2024

The jazz world is in mourning this week, as news of the passing of Snarky Puppy member Shaun Martin has emerged. The seven time Grammy winner was only 45 years old. He died after an undisclosed illness.

Three of Shaun's Grammys were for his work with Snarky Puppy, while four were for his work as a music director for gospel singer Kirk Franklin. He won his most recent Grammy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album with Snarky Puppy in 2023.

The singer also worked with musicians including Bjork, Erykah Badu and Kim Burrell. Prior to Martin’s death, a benefit concert to ‘support his recovery’ was announced for September 14. Artists including Erykah Badu and Norah Jones were amongst the performers. Shaun is survived by his wife, Monica Wilson Martin, and son, Harlem.

01/08/2024

Tonight on TheSydneyist

Or stream on demand at eastsidefm.org

31/07/2024

Dedicated to the brass section!

Comedy

31/07/2024

Listen to New Australia

31/07/2024

Charlie Musselwhite is a fascinating figure in the world of blues music, known for his rich cultural heritage and diverse experiences.

With Cherokee ancestry, Charlie's connection to various cultures is evident in his music. In his early days, he led an adventurous life as a moonshine runner. Musselwhite made a significant mark on rock history by playing harmonica on Jimi Hendrix's iconic "Electric Ladyland" album. His innovative style has influenced a range of blues-rock artists, including Paul Butterfield and John Mayall (RIP), pioneers of the British blues explosion.

Charlie developed a deep friendship at different times with blues legends Muddy Waters and Big Joe Turner. Performing and even living together - these legends both mentored him in the ways of the blues.

As a musician, Charlie is known for experimenting with different tunings and playing styles on the harmonica, including the use of overblows, a technique that allows for additional notes not available on standard harmonicas. Beyond music, Musselwhite is a martial arts enthusiast and has practiced Tai Chi for many years, which he finds beneficial for his breathing techniques and focus. He is also an advocate for environmental causes, using his platform to promote sustainability.

His cultural significance extended to film television when he voiced himself in a 2013 episode of "The Simpsons" titled "Whiskey Business" as well as Blues Brothers 2000, which he not only made a cameo in but also contributed music to via the film's soundtrack.

Growing up attending a Baptist church, Charlie was exposed to gospel music, which continues to influence his soulful sound. From his early adventures to his influential role in the blues, Charlie Musselwhite is truly a legend.

Charlie returns to Sydney's Manning Bar on 20 September, with his band consisting of Kid Andersen on Guitar, June Core on Drums and Randy Bermudes on Bass.

30/07/2024

*Yawns* ... oh yeah, it's a 3 coffee morning!!!

29/07/2024

Braces have come a long way since the crude designs found on mummies in ancient Egypt. Throughout history, attempts to create a winning smile have been through many trials and tribulations, but it wasn't until 1819 that the first modern braces as we have come to know them were created by Frenchman Christophe-Francois Delabarre.

A direct way to achieve a spectacular smile is to check in with Orthoboutique in Surry Hills. Using innovative technologies at an affordable price, Orthoboutique provide the sort of care that even people with a fear of the dentist (and we are many!) will find comforting and reassuring.