Djai Skjellerup
 
It is funny how sometimes a happy coincidence can deliver what you are looking for.


On Saturday we had my daughter's birthday party at our local village hall. After a hectic 2 hours we were clearing up when the next folks who had the hall booked for the evening arrived so they could start getting it ready. It was a 100th birthday party; actually a son and mum's 40th and 60th respectively but you get the joke. When the fella carried in an acoustic guitar I asked him if he played for fun or whatever and after a chat learnt his name was Si and that he is a member of long term local band Savanna. In their own words they are a world fusion music, blues, acoustic, finger picking, jazz, easy listening, classical, with a bit of reggae, salsa, samba and rag carefully thrown in for good measure. Not only do they gig regularly but also write commissioned music for various clients. I said that I was playing at The Piano Bar this week and by coincidence Anna Parry, who runs the open mic at the Piano Bar but I am yet to meet, is a singer in Savanna.

We exchanged numbers and Si mentioned that they were looking for acts to do support slots on their gigs. He also invited me to drop by the party that night where Savanna would be playing. 

Going to a party where you don't know anyone is a little unusual but Si and his Mum were so welcoming that what I thought I'd do was swing by the party for an hour or so when I was popping out to get takeaway food later that evening. When I arrived Si was outside having a chat with someone and said for me to go on in where they were doing a drum round. It was being run by another Savanna member Mike McElya who makes his living in this way through his Sunshine Drumming Company. With drums and shakers liberally distributed amoungst the party goers the rhythms were driving through the throng with some intensity. After a short break during which I whizzed off to collect my Chinese food Savanna took the stage in the form of an 8 piece. A young lad on drums, Mike on percussion, Si on guitar, a rhythm guitarist, a bass player, Anna and another backing singer and an imposing front man on singing, rapping, chanting duties.

It was an irresistible mix that galvanised people to dance, think, sing, meditate and generally lose themselves. I was really glad I dropped by.

Unfortunately I was unable to chat with Anna as I did not know who she was until she was on stage and I had to come away. I am looking forward to meeting her on Thursday. she seems to be involved in music in so many ways that I am sure I'll be writing a little more about her soon.

To finish off a happy coincidence I am pleased to say that today I was contacted by Si with the offer of a support slot at The Olive Tree on Wed 17th next week. Watch this space for more info.   



   
 


Comments

Chanty/Esther

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:56:45

Wow...it looks like things are finally going the right way! I knew it!! :)

Never stop dreaming, never stop following your heart and music, my friend!!

I am your fan!!
Big hugs, Chanty

 



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