0 items(s)$0.00
JOHN DENGATE
JOHN DENGATE
|
Collector’s note:John Dengate is well-known in the Australian folk revival however his songs have travelled further than most poets would dream. He is a fascinating character – erudite, passionate and always ready to sing or recite a poem. He talks frankly about his family history, inspiration as a writer, frustrations as a humanist and also of his life as a busker on the streets of Sydney. He sings songs and recites poems throughout the interview and, plays some tin whistle tunes. This is an on-going project with further recording sessions scheduled. Recorded at The Avenue, Glebe. 28 October 2004 |
|
TAPE 1Discusses growing up in Carlingford. Ancestors came in 1838 from Kent. Great grandfather married a Mobbs who came as a convict in the 1790s. Discusses immediate family history. Discusses teaching in bush (1950s) where he met singer Brian Mooney who started him in folk music (explains how). Discusses the first song he heard Brian sing which was the Croppy Boy. Sings The Croppy Boy Discusses learning a large part of Brian’s repertoire however didn’t own a guitar. Returning to Sydney and learnt to play classical guitar. Discusses meeting the Bush Music Club when it was in Sussex Street. Went with his wife-to-be who was also teaching at his school. Talks about meeting John Meredith, Alan Scott, Frank Maugher, Jamie Carlin and Brian Loughlin + others. Also met Duke Tritton the great traditional singer. Discusses writing original songs to the tunes of traditional songs. Sings song that he sang on that occasion (1958 or 59) about travelling down to Ivanhoe, NSW. Discusses the BMC pioneers including John Meredith and their political agenda. Talks about his own father’s militant approach to metal workers union. Discusses collecting of folk music. Talks about original Sydney Bushwhackers Band in detail. Discusses Ken Grennlagh (flutist) and influence on music of BMC. Married Dale in 1964 Discusses Duke Tritton and his singing style. Talks about Noel Rickards Discusses the BMC concert party and their role and John’s stint. Discusses Bob Menzies. Sings song about Bob ‘Pig Iron’ Menzies being a statesman Sings another song about Menzies Sings song about the retirement of Menzies ‘Say You’ll Nay Come Back Again’ Discusses how his songs moved into the folk revival and how other singers performed them including Declan Affley. Discusses Declan Affley. Discusses anti Vietnam Moratorium. Sings The Minister For The Army (about Andrew Peacock) WF talks about Larrikins singing JD songs and Thanks to the Yanks. Sings Thanks to the Yanks Discusses (in detail) what has happened to Australia and his perspectives on our culture. Discusses the Australian language (in detail) Sings of the Irish influence Recites The Answer’s Ireland Discusses folk revival, folk clubs and early festivals. Talks about being honoured with life membership of BMC Discusses relationship of songwriting and poetry. How his songs develop. Sings A Federal Treasurer Lay Dying
|
|
TAPE 2Discusses poetry in detail. Discusses Paterson and Lawson’s influence Recites his own poem Convict Sawpits, Epping. Discusses frustration of writing poetry. Discusses reciting poetry Discusses range of subjects he covers in his poems. Discusses songwriting competitions. Recites poem Lanes of Woolloomooloo Discusses pastiche and poetry and song. Discusses Harry Robertson Sings Cunnamulla Discusses intention with political songwriting Poem about Tony Blair Discusses John Howard as a song subject Sings Johnny Howard’s March Recites Napoleon Bonaparte Johnny Discusses how all politicians are fair game. Sings Mark Latham song Discusses Sydney changes and his earliest memories. Discusses eccentrics Discusses his ‘career’ as a Sydney busker Discusses how he taught himself the tin whistle. Sings take Your Bulldozers Away Talks about the tin whistle Mudgee Waltz Starry Night for a Ramble Dying Stockman The Springtime Brings on the Shearing The Cock of the North The South Wind Discusses the importance of music to his life Wild Colonial Boy |
|
website designed by MOUNTAIN TRACKS © 2013