During this fortnight I spent many hours practising and rehearsing keyboards, sax and gamelan, and a few gigging.
We were looking forward to debuting our set — the bass really accentuates the cross-rhythms which can get lost in the shimmering haze of the bronze reverberations. Their improvisations explored Turkish and Indian soundworlds, sometimes crossing over into more western Jazz patterns. It was great and a privilege to be their support band! Simon first synth! While I was playing music the kids were watching the Olympics.
The TV coverage was free here, and you could pick whatever sport you wanted to see. Tommy really got into the table tennis and weight-lifting. Maisie liked the archery and high jump. They both loved the climbing bouldering and diving.
The Melbourne International Film Festival kicked off towards the end of the fortnight, and I got out to see seven films over the first weekend Thank you Neil, as always, for holding the fort. While things go badly and predictably wrong for her, the son does okay at the crazy pseudo-psycho course, ignoring the bunkum and finding kindred spirits.
With my limited time I could only make it to one of them, sadly. Natalya joined me for it and we enjoyed a pre-show cocktail.
