Live at The Palais Theatre, Melbourne, Australia

Live at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, Australia:

​Long ago memories include the "Live at the Palais" album I made here on the stage of the Palais. Quite a different venue it was in 1977. It has been remodeled and from the pictures I see is now a stunning reincarnation of the original. When I go to soundcheck I will listen for remnant noise of that concert -- although I doubt I will hear anything, really. Just see a low smoke from a dying fire burning my eyes.

The 1977 Palais band was John Ware,-- drums; David Mackay-- bass; Al Perkins -- slide and electric guitar; James Trumbo -- keys. I did overdubs years later to correct technical and craft problems. The original band had plenty, although -- if I may -- say it was an outstanding band.

After "repairs" I am not sure what the improvement was, so slight and subtle they were. I always felt like overdubbing a live album was sort of cheating -- but I have a different sense of that now. I think the final Palais product may indeed be better than the original --- but it is hard for me to say. Everyone in that original band had their own ideas about what Palais was and where it fit.

The band Mick and I are working with now is better by some order of magnitude than the "original." This band has few lapses --- the occasional tempo variation and the wandering intonation of my singing are much less now --- players are generally better and being up on stage with Mick is a real advance.

This new band hasn't really had the time it needs to iron out wrinkles. Although Christian, who plays the slide guitar on Grand Ennui has surpassed all my expectations. He is becoming an outstanding slide player. He can use some time playing at the feet of the greats -- but he would bring as much to that party as he would take, I think.

I am thinking of doing an homage version tonight of Grand Ennui to mark the passage of the original. Al Perkins was and is an undisputed slide champ --- but forgive me if as a proud papa I take the bet on Christian for his current level of skill. Grand Ennui might reach a new level tonight. God knows I have worked long and hard to birth this baby.
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In any case the performance will be a return to the ghosts this evening and a kind of reincarnation of the original -- with new players and new skills. I think the show is sold out -- but just in case,I hope to see you there if you can make it.

It is a new day dawning for sure. From halfway across the world it seems the haters and smart alec's are abating. A good thing to mark in my book.

You know you're in trouble when you're "making the best of it."

(Photo credits: Larry Marano/Shutterstock, Greg Chow/Shutterstock, Brandon Nagy/Shutterstock)

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