Diary

Damo Suzuki with Den Elliott (Bass), Ben Goldstone /aka George Lazenbleep (Home Made Noise Generating Machine), Tom Harrison (Electonic, Samples), Alex Johnson (Synth, Guitar), Nik Rawlings (Vocal, Guitar, Trumpet), Philip Robinson (Saxophone, Banjo, Pocket Theramin), Julian Lee Seagar (Drums, Percussion), Henry Tomkins (Drums) and Jon Tye (Moog Synth)
http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk/

Leeds to Exeter train took around 6 hours, long but, comfortable without any change…just direct. Sound carriers come one after another to the venue, which is not like last time. It’s at the 2nd floor parallel there is festival, auditorium is used for an another concerts as I heard of electronic music festival.

Around 12 sound carriers showed up from this area of South England, a young sound carrier guitarist from London joined as he meant he enjoyed that show in Bordens last year, so he came here to play again. Also the guy from Tucson, Texas joined, he is just in holiday with his wife and they’re 14 hours on the way, just they arrived today to UK. They will stay South England for a couple of weeks. Patrick the promoter of this show was quite worried about amount of sound carriers he got and he was asking to me by mail. How he will make it….I just said if you’re worry about it then apart in two parties, one with sound carriers who has birthday in January – June period and an another group with July to December.

Once in while I performed a show (I guess in Australia) after sound check all sound carriers sat together and usual communication after we found everybody of us Capricorn.
Recordings of the gig:

Damo Suzuki with Stu Bannister (Bass), Richard Formby (Guitar), David Lazonby (Saxophone), James Mabbett (Guitar), Richard Morris (Keyboards, Drums) and Neil Turpin (Drums)
http://www.brudenellsocialclub.co.uk/

Back again since one and half year of absence. When I saw Paul pick me up from rail station even I didn’t have feeling that we didn’t see us for such long. Paul is organizer of Network performance for 2nd time. Took bus to his place where is quite closer to the venue. Rest for a while, E-mail check is one of regularly solution I do on tour. Nice news is that he said he sold already good amounts of tickets.

The Brundenell Social Club is one of nicest venue in UK with inner flair of 40’s, 50’s. If you stand in audience sight is wide. When I arrived there, sound carriers were already set up their equipment, ready to sound check. Leeds show is mostly special, they have two supports bands after their performance they join Network performance. Also quite often they have good acts as supports. It had been never changed this style from Jonny to Paul, two different bookers. Jonny is busy with university stuff to organize and no more making booking for bands, so Paul is doing this since last time for me with his friend Chris who will become father for first time in April. I tell you, there are many babies on the way. One of factor I’m intensive on this solution is hat I myself will have a baby….no, not my own. I will be grandfather for first time and I’m very exciting, also I’m very happy that my family tree is growing a bit. …Am I conservative? When you’re instant composer like me, you’re intensive in living, living with traveling, new friends here and there, then meet new sound carriers and create time and space of the moment. After some people come to me and speak how they enjoyed the show, shaking hands, kiss on cheek, hug……So, every time is „Living, and „Living is positive and „Light. So, I’m extremely happy to be grandpa. At same time, I just wonder where all times are gone. Now, my 2nd son become father….

Paul cooked veg lasagna for sound carriers, he said he is cooking often…..it’s good thing if you like to live healthy. Homemade food has its own energy and never based on commerce. Home made foods are one of results of life style and philosophy…. responsibility for own life. Leeds sound carriers are once or more times performed with me already. Niles, Dave…..

After the show I met Kim, Dave’s wife telling me how they enjoyed Canada at their friend place. By the way, Paul will move to Canada for a year, he said. Many new faces in audience. Result was again very good night. Next day, I cooked for Paul and his wife later saw cinema Che Guevara’s story, which wasn’t not my taste. After we went gig of Fuckin Tank, they once performed with me and this night.

Damo Suzuki with Martin Archer (Effects), Steve Dinsdale (Drums), Jack Hardicker (Percussion), Phil Kay (Guitar), Gary Mclure (Keys), Jay Taylor (Bass), Andrew Wright (Guitar)
http://www.myspace.com/therubylounge

I was waiting for Jay at the station, I didn’t see him even he was there at the time I arrive Manchester as we had appointment. So, I have to find the venue by myself. Anyway it’s on Piccadilly. Asked at record shop… Quite often in Manchester, next month I will be here too.

This venue is for the first time. Jay works here. Delayed sound check with Jay as almost regular sound carrier in Manchester, David and Martin..All I know from passes shows here, was over…and got bit hungry, and went to chain restaurant (They have also a couple of in London even T5 at Heathrow…which is shame) with Japanese name, but foods are mixed with fake Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai…. however you can imagine of all those Asian countries. Taste was just like expected = food without soul..Maybe sure for this price…I took one of cheapest solution … menu. If I come to place like here, I’m not that much interesting to order expensive one. It’s just waste of the money. Martin was asking me if I cook by myself. „Oh, Yes…

This is my problem on tour, I use to eat self-made food at home and I use healthy organic stuff and recently not eating meat at home. It’s not matter of money. To pay money for health is one of important thing money works positive way. This is basis. Problem: when I’m on the road..I really don’t know what/where to eat. Many audience are almost first time to Network experience, they know my works from my old time even they’re young generation. Some invited me for a glass of beer, instead I asked bottle of water, and they’re disappointed. All these days I drink water instead beer or wine. I have learned from days in Australia. I had gout for many days, very painful to travel, So, I drink water…. (But, how long?)

Review:

Damo Suzuki with Martin Archer (Effects), Steve Dinsdale (Drums), Jack Hardicker (Percussion), Phil Kay (Guitar), Gary Mclure (Keys), Jay Taylor (Bass), Andrew Wright (Guitar) http://www.myspace.com/therubylounge I was waiting for Jay at the station, I didn’t see him even he was there at the time I arrive Manchester as we had appointment. So, I have to find the venue by myself. Anyway it’s on Piccadilly. Asked at record shop… Quite often in Manchester, next month I will be here too. This venue is for the first time. Jay works here. Delayed sound check with Jay as almost regular sound carrier in Manchester, David and Martin..All I know from passes shows here, was over…and got bit hungry, and went to chain restaurant (They have also a couple of in London even T5 at Heathrow…which is shame) with Japanese name, but foods are mixed with fake Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai…. however you can imagine of all those Asian countries. Taste was just like expected = food without soul..Maybe sure for this price…I took one of cheapest solution … menu. If I come to place like here, I’m not that much interesting to order expensive one. It’s just waste of the money. Martin was asking me if I cook by myself. „Oh, Yes… This is my problem on tour, I use to eat self-made food at home and I use healthy organic stuff and recently not eating meat at home. It’s not matter of money. To pay money for health is one of important thing money works positive way. This is basis. Problem: when I’m on the road..I really don’t know what/where to eat. Many audience are almost first time to Network experience, they know my works from my old time even they’re young generation. Some invited me for a glass of beer, instead I asked bottle of water, and they’re disappointed. All these days I drink water instead beer or wine. I have learned from days in Australia. I had gout for many days, very painful to travel, So, I drink water…. (But, how long?) Review:

Damo Suzuki with Misterlee (aka Lee Allatson, Drums), Jamie Smith (Electric Guitar, Celtic Baratone Guitar) and Black Carrot: Oliver Betts (Sax, Fender Rhodes, E-Bow Guitar, Basshum Recorder, Percussion, Vocals), Tom Betts (Drums, Percussion, Banal Golf Treatments), Stewart Brackley (Contrabass, Electric Bass, Banduria, High Spanish Guitar, Vocals, Percussion, White-Eyed Fear Intonation), Euan Rodger (Percussion, Live Loops/FX, Vocals, Drums) and Olly Warren (Anti-guitar/Beards) http://www.themusicianpub.co.uk/

The man in suits and tie is Tony when he picked me up from station. His outfit, I was not expected. He and his family will be hosts tonight. He asked me if I like to go the venue directly, to go to eat Sushi or to go to his place.

Anyhow I wanted to have a bit relaxed, as last night I couldn’t sleep…. it was full moon.. Full moon affects many people, I’m one of those… Japanese werewolf. Suddenly vibrations are different. It’s best place I can stay tonight, all family was relaxed and friendly atmosphere that cover all their place, feeling like I know them for years.

Tony supports local promoter Ian who brings interesting music in city, he says. So, he’s supporting Ian as service to bring artist at his place since 8 months. They have music room, placed in middle beautiful Harp. And off course lots of music. His wife explained they’re together through music and they love music, their children plays in bands.

At the venue, sound man introduces himself he was at my performance early 70’s when we performed at university. A couple of older people war also visited one of early Network performance (That time I didn’t have ever changing local sound carriers, sound carriers are my friends or one I know already.) with late Michael Karoli. Before show starts Tony arranged take away Sushi. At this point I didn’t claim fake or not.

Review :
Visual http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABMsTugkVn0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNtOBNya_Fw

Damo Suzuki with Crumbling Ghost : Donny (Guitar), George (Guitar), John (Guitar), Matt (Drums), Neil (Base) and Shenngy (Drums) http://www.windmillbrixton.co.uk/

I have been performing at different districts in London. This time, the way brought me to Brixton. Last station of Victoria line. I came to London the day before yesterday. Met as usual Gerald and Sylke. Sylke caught cold and she is not well. In the night Gentano, a talented Italian musician visited us after his recording in studio and he brought one piece to listen. Quite good soft sound. I don’t like to compare to anything, it’s not my duty. He told us he is looking good name for his band.

Afterwards we were listening lots of music, from ethno music to classical music and 60’s British music from P.J.Proby as Gerald met him last night in person. I slept well and enjoy very relaxed afternoon. As usual went to Fish shop and organic food shop whenever I come to Gerald at Crouch End. Brixton…this part of London I’ve never been performing. Once I was here to visit a painter and his studio, that’s all.

Tonight I have performance at quite end of London. London is united of many villages. Each area of London you can find different atmosphere and so does the venue and audience. Maybe this is one of charm London has. City center is quite touristy and trendy people like any other cities in the world, expensive, globalize and kind of superficial which has broken charm and you can read from any tourist book. When I visit the venue I’d never been. I feel London is huge, says Gerald.

The venue has atmosphere, it’s on sidewalk. I came a bit later for sound check than supposed to be, the band was already setted up and soon we can start sound check. Sound was quite loud on the stage, I didn’t be on the stage since Melbourne…10 days, so I’m quite sensitive. Two supporting acts, two females from Asia. First one was a lady with laptop and computer making noise, which was quite amusable. Second set was half Japanese and half English girl Sputoniko! who was singing songs like „Penis song, etc. even she was quite gently and clean looking sort-of-school girl image (if I hope I don’t confuse her). She was nice and friendly quiet while we sit together at merchandising: I escaped from Japan, my parents are mathematics professors and I have to study mathematics which I don’t like to, so I left Japan 5 years ago, said charming girl, she introduced herself. Patricia, a girl from Poland showed up quite early, we had good time, later joined by Gentano and Eva. Gentano brought his friends from Kurdistan. They have now Swedish Passport. They were interested to hear my Swedish,

I told them I was living in Sweden for two winters, lived in Graesmark, Vaermland…nobody knows where is it. even Swedish people. It’s middle of nowhere with population of 50 people that time. Tonight is the day of Champions League, Liverpool against Real Madrid, and Chelsea against Juventus Turin etc…

How about the show? One of guitarists went on the stage with Shingy, the girl with laptop from first set, this time on drums, then I joined, after joined by the band. Audience at the front of stage sit on floor, so audience far from the stage can see us playing, very social orientated people. The venue has one remarkable thing, they had big (living!) black dog on roof. (I don’t know why they do this. But, it’s the Windmill’s trade mark or mascot?) I, Gerald and Amie, Gerald’s photograph friend stayed until club closing time. Outside was so cold. I with wet trousers, wet till underpants…. extreme cold. Gerald and Amy was talking, I sat middle in taxi and almost sleeping. Taxi drive costs lots of money, anyway in London.

There are series of sound scope live documentation as follows: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_72i0Z6ucM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgb45C9rYiM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afCw4f-oKX0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3PTUV-B2q0 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X0aOBXvNLE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbzBhO9O_6I http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xUeLRUibTg

Damo Suzuki with Eat This: Evan Flux (Bass & Vocals), Holle Forster (Drums) and Yuki (guitar)

Yesterday, directly after landing at airport, Evan and I went to interview at Triple R radio station picked up by Evan’s attractive girlfriend, has old timer car from around 50’s. I guess I had been here once a couple of years ago. Last show in Australia for a while.

Next year at this period I would like to go to West Africa. Have been there for a couple of times. Dry and Hot, places are best against gout. And I was feeling good there. Sound check at 3:30PM, as last act have to be there as first to sound check. Everything is easy, sound check has been delay. Good weather for a glass of beer, which I had to avoid. I don’t like to get worse with gout as I fly back to Germany the day after tomorrow.

Tonight is a kind of festival, before our performance I’ve enough time to hanging around. The venue is in Brunswick, a little far from city center. Art center kind of venue. Oh, how long I was there. From load-in time, everything changes very slowly. It’s doesn’t matter sit on bank bathing sun, weather is perfect summer day with bit breeze. Melbourne changes the weather quite quickly. Sometime in the night you need sweater even in summer time. But, today seems to be perfect summer.

Audience came slowly, around midnight a lots amount of people at every part of the venue. Quite enough amounts of people came to this one-day festival.

Damo Suzuki with Scot Cotterell (Electronics), Leigh Hobba (Sax, Clarinet) Tim Panaretos (Electric Bazouki), Lisa Rime (Bass), Julian Teakle (Guitar), Matt Warren (Drums)

I arrived Hobart already two days before the performing day. My friend taxi driver Tony wanted to show his island has been sending me some information by mail. Tasmania…. cleanest air and water in this planet. As I heard there is plan to transport this water to Victoria by pipeline.

Sound carrier and organizer of Hobart show Matt and his wife Sally picked me up from airport as usual. Wait!!!, this time is a bit different. Matt is now philosophy professor. (I know him around 10 years, but, I didn’t know he was studying Philosophy) Congratulations! He’s a visual artist as I know him and also as a drummer. Now professor of philosophy! This time here is much warmer than three times I visited before. It’s just like the summer I know.

Next day I had appointment with Tony at café just on the corner from Matt and Sally’s. Tony is a biker, he loves Tasmania, and last year he brought me to Mount Wellington, Airwalks and some other places. He has new plan this time, I will see. More into Tasmania, he was meaning in his mail. Back in nature program final destination Strathgordon. If I had more time, he could arrange three days trip with canoe and some other adventure. Weather is quite good for driving …Will be just good trip. A Silent island. At the end of the world. Through some tiny village, We stop at Upper Florentine Valley where around 30 nature-love-people are staying there protecting against road fortifications which kills hundreds of old heritage trees and it’s Mammoth-Dinosaurs-living -like fantastic ambient.

Some of members are set themselves on part of tall trees protecting Road fortifications cut trees, built some brocades. Sometimes people from the city come and join them. I spoke with friendly young guy with rasta hair from Kent, UK. He is an activist. He showed us the area, which was really fantastic path into like-non-human-area of this planet. Amazing place. There were positive energy and I got such an amazing feeling, exactly.. This ambient and people here gave me energy. There are such people who really love nature and want keep this planet how it is for next generation to next generation, In fact nature exist far long years than we exists. We came here as stranger. We have no right to destroy even bit of them.

Then back to the roads again. Through forest, small river, you are middle of nature. I understand now Tony wanted go with bike (He has special machine, made in Italy) and he was happy to lend me one of his other machines. I’m not a rider, have no license even I never drive bike. Tasmania is really great place for biker. Perfect place for Tony. Tony now is learning twice a week at English teacher course. When this finish in few months. He is able to be a teacher abroad. I know many English tongue people doing this. He’d never been out of Australia, most far place he ever went was West Australia and he loves Tasmania best in the world.

There are some people I met they never traveled much but, they love their local the best. I know some friends in Norway, Switzerland, and Austria. All places with beautiful nature. At final destination Strathgordon ends this road (Gordon River Road). Strathgordon is kind of touristy place with their dams on Lake Pedder and Lake Gordon. Lake Pedder is artificial lake, this form exists since 1972. It was hydro program to flood original lake. If Tony didn’t say this is artificial lake I never thought this is. Place for meditation. So quiet even in touristy season now.

We went for lunch the restaurant near by, huge saloon with view and just few people. When we back to Hobart, I felt Hobart is a big city.

YouTube :

An Another version :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBJkC4yrMy0
More ?

Damo Suzuki with the Holy Soul: Jon Hunter (Guitar), Trent Marden (Guitar), Pete Newman (Laptop), Kate Wilson (Drums) and Sam Worrad (Bass)
http://www.thetoffintown.com/

I don’t know why I become Gout often here in Australia, is it for humid? I’m not drinking that much (everyone has different measurement). Anyway I go to West Africa instead, next year. High temperature and Dry climate are good for Gout. Also I love Sahara. I know as I traveled West Africa for a couple of times. That was weather I feel comfortable from bone to brain even you feel quite stoned from heat. It’s true when you get older talking too much from sickness and you get much more sick. So forget about.

My sound carrier friend Oren had regularly his program at Toff called “Maximum Arousal”. He invited me to perform at this program, also he arranged cameraman to document series of “Maximum Arousal” Backing band is Holy Soul, just week ago, performed together in Sydney.

Supporting band is the Kits, I performed on same stage in London, last December. This venue is easiest venue I ever had, as I’m living in same building at 5th floor at Tim and Sally’s, the venue is 2nd floor. Even I can reach the venue through back door stair steps. D

ays in Melbourne is very comfortable, also I’m resting myself here. Tim and Sally is really nice people. They have two children, Ales and Henri. This time I saw Henri for very short time as he study at internat. Mainly I go to Queen Victoria market quite often after mailbox check and some works in my room, back side of the building. Good summer weather, change weather quickly, hottest period I missed this year. Many tragic story with bush fire captured all newspapers, donation here and there, young people organized charity concerts for victim of bush fire.

My room is very quiet and different world, when I come down to street….Swanston street is one of Main Street in the city and it’s so near to Chinatown. Full of people after people in hot street. Many Asian people, some times you doubt, if we’re in Tokyo, Singapore or Hong Kong….But, people here are very relaxed even they talk quite loud. 4 million people in Melbourne and relaxed city centre. It’s surely nice spot if you like to live.

Damo Suzuki with Tim Freeman (Percussion), Juliet Hunter (Violin), Ryan Manolakis (Drums), Patrick Saracino (Bass), Paul Turnbull (Sax) and Daniel Varricchio (Guitar)

Adelaide has population of one million, a small Melbourne with Mediterranean temperature. So, automatically Italian and Greek people draw much of population here. Daniel and Patrick (Their family comes also from Italy) picked me up from airport and drove direct to their domicile. Old Mediterranean style house (guess from early last century), high to ceiling, cool room temperature and nice veranda, grapes are hanging presents shadow on table and their vegetable garden with Eggplant, Pumpkin, Tomato …and Fig tree…. They know my kitchen from last year . So, I have to open „Damo’sKitchen”..For this reason, Maybe this is one of reason I stay here a bit longer than last. So, I didn’t’ t find space for sight seeing on my timetable.

Anyway I’m not really touristy person, I feel much interesting to eat drink and something else together with local people. Even play darts, chess or poker…. Exchange with local people has much part on my trip and it is good so, as this is my special experience and know much deeper about country. Also I like “by accident” more than plan. Accident is very personal and own challenge and experience. I’m really happy to know many people and have many friends everywhere. This is my opportunity people treat me as one of their family and long time friend.

Adelaide has also nice market, Daniel and I went for shopping foods. Strange, not that much fish shops…anyway today we wanted to make some vegetarian food as Daniel’s girlfriend, a dancer son will be in London is vegetarian. Today is performance day between sound check and show time, we have plenty time, so I decide to cook food at break.

At the venue there are veranda at 2nd floor, we had very relaxed and comfortable night before/after show enjoying good breeze, day time heat was forgotten. Even temperature was cool……and I feel my old friend Gout is coming up and say me take care I’m here!!!!!.. Oh, It will be heard next days, or weeks……..

TT Review :