Sacred Blue Walrus

This blues band broke up in March 1994. It was based in Adelaide, South Australia. I have included the information below from the band's portfolio as a permanent record. Larry, Graeme (This Blue Dog) and Antony (Sister and The Saxx) are in new bands. Chris and Derek get together for a jam occasionally. Chris is looking for a new blues band.

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Introduction

Sacred Blue Walrus is a contemporary blues band building a good following in the Adelaide hotel scene. We have an extensive repertoire, including songs made famous by Johnny Winter, Gary Moore, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Jeff Healey, George Thorogood, John Mayall, The Blues Brothers, Muddy Waters and Canned Heat. Chris Barratt has written some stylish originals for the band.

The band consists of experienced musicians in a versatile line-up capable of producing a wide variety of sounds. Sacred Blue Walrus is:

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The History

Sacred Blue Walrus was conceived at the 1991 Hahndorf Blues Festival, when Chris Barratt caught up with Derek Evans who was recording the Festival for 5UV. The band was of course yet to be named, however, the Walrus had started its gestation. Derek and Chris were both avid blues fans and got together for a jam.

From this jam came the idea of getting a band together. In hindsight, this sounded easier than it was. A few prospective members were found and practices were attended occasionally, but no stable line-up was achieved.

Eventually, a work mate of Chris decided to have a party and wanted Derek and Chris to perform with their band. Unfortunately they did not have a complete band. This caused somewhat of a problem, so they roped in Antony Kimber, a mutual friend to play saxophone and another friend to play bass and harmonica. This also meant that Derek and Chris had to explore their singing talent. It was thought that this was to be a one-off party gig. Despite incredible bouts of nervousness, their set of 12 songs went down very well and they ended up jamming for another hour and a half after their set was completed. Antony was overcome by some madness at this party, and joined the band. He has never been the same since.

Soon after, a drummer was found and for the rest of the year and the start of the next, some gigs were played with fill-in bass players (usually brothers of band members).

At the 1992 blues festival, the band met up with Michael Danciu, a bass player who defected from Romania just to join the band. How he heard of Sacred Blue Walrus is anybody's guess, but he is a fairly industrious fellow. Yes, the band had decided on a name by this time, the origin of which is taken from a "book" written by Chris. The book is yet to published but has been appreciated by most of Chris's friends. Michael joined the band for series of three parties in March, 1992. This was known as "The Walrus Party Tour of Adelaide".

For the last part in the tour, the band was joined by ex "Self Inflicted" vocalist and harmonica player, Graeme Lipsham. Graeme had accidentally turned up after being invited to join the band for a few songs. It was the biggest mistake he ever made, as he enjoyed himself so much that he joined the band.

Sacred Blue Walrus finally had a stable line-up. They scored their first public gig at the Broadway Hotel on April 18th 1992. It was a roaring success - particularly for Chris who met his future fiance that night. The drummer at this time must have been disappointed that he did not meet anyone, as he was soon to leave the band. So much for a stable line-up.

The loss of the drummer turned into a big plus for Sacred Blue Walrus, as they soon secured the services of Larry Kieg, a drummer who tells the worst jokes ever told. Larry had spent three years playing in local band, "Seven Reasons Why". His experience and professional attitude continues to benefit the band greatly. Its a pity about the jokes though.

The six-piece line-up of Chris Barratt, Derek Evans, Antony Kimber, Graeme Lipsham, Michael Danciu and Larry Kieg has been stable since June 1992 and has consistently been obtaining work. The band's repertoire has been expanded to well over 50 songs, including a number of original songs.

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The Highlights

The highlights of the band's career vary depending on who you speak to in the band. They include:

• a performance at the Comet Christmas party on a loading dock to a huge audience,
• performing with Greg Baker on vocals and harmonica for two Gigs,
• performing to a packed house at the Austral Hotel,
• the professionally mixed gigs at the Venue and the KoKlub, or
• the "unplugged" gigs where the band played using acoustic instruments.

The "unplugged" gigs allowed the band to play in venues that required less volume and gave the band some new ideas about the band's repertoire. The band is always happy to try new ideas and venues. The occasional introduction of guest artists or changes in song arrangements keeps the music vital and alive for the band and its regular following.

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The Music

The music of the Sacred Blue Walrus is Blues, but includes every conceivable variation of this timeless musical form. The band gives the authentic treatment to blues classics by Willy Dixon, Robert Johnson and Little Walter to please the avid blues purist but also performs up-market covers of numbers by Stevie Ray Vaughan, George Thorogood and Robert Cray. The Walrus is not afraid to follow the development of Blues style into the occasional song performed in more modern styles such as soul, funk and rock and roll. The band adds to these covers, stylish original blues numbers that make the most of the band's strengths.

The basis of the music is strong infectious rhythm from drums, bass and rhythm guitar with occasional percussion and keyboards. This basis is enhanced by a large variety of lead instruments and vocals. All the musicians are happy to demonstrate their vocal skills if given half a chance. The alternating of lead guitar lines between Chris and Derek provides a variety in the Guitar Styles. The other lead instruments include harmonica, saxophones (tenor, alto and soprano), organ and piano.

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The Repertoire

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The Personnel

Chris Barratt

A guitarist who combines conventional and slide techniques with exceptional song-writing and backing vocals.

Instruments Played

Guitar, Slide Guitar, Vocals

Background

Chris has been learning and playing guitar for 11 years including 8 years of classical guitar lessons with Greg Cook. His main areas of musical interest are blues music and song writing. His commitment and knowledge of the blues is the driving force behind Sacred Blue Walrus.

Chris works part time as a computer programmer so that he can devote sufficient time to his musical interests.

Experience

Chris has performed a number of solo appearances. He formed Sacred Blue Walrus with Derek Evans in 1991 and has played in all the gigs for the band.

A number of songs have been written for Sacred Blue Walrus and other collections of musicians.

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Derek Evans

The lead guitarist who also provides lead vocals on a few distinctive numbers.

Instruments Played

Guitar, Slide Guitar and Vocals

Background

Derek has been playing guitar since hight school (some years ago!). Spent two years attending a music theory course at Dover TAFE.

Musical interests are varied for Derek. They range from Bryan Ferry through to Joe Satriani, however he has been dedicating the last couple of years to the blues.

Derek works part-time as a technician at Radio 5RPH. He played a major role in setting up the 5RPH studios. The rest of his time is spent renovating Triumph cars and pursuing his musical interests.

Experience

Derek has performed in numerous bands including Shameless Opportunists for occasional gigs during the 1980s. During 1988 he played around 15 gigs as a member of Nimrod's Cat. Some of the venues for these gigs included The Tivoli, The Alma and The Findon. Since being a founding member of Sacred Blue Walrus, Derek has taken part in every performance of the band.

Sound engineering experience for Derek includes:

• over 50 live recordings of classical music concerts for 5UV, including concerts at the Adelaide Town Hall, Elder Hall and Flinders Street School of Music in 1990 and 1991,
• the vocal overdubs for the Primitive Painters album "Sea of Art" in 1990, and
• assisted in recording the Hahndorf Blues Festival for 5UV in 1990 and 1991.

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Antony Kimber

The saxophone and keyboard player whose style and diversity of sounds gives the band its unique appeal.

Instruments Played

Saxophones (Tenor, Alto and Soprano), Keyboards, Percussion and Backing Vocals.

Background

Antony started out on clarinet at the age of eight and had lessons for eight years. Played orchestral music in many school musical groups, orchestras and singing groups, including the "Secondary Schools Concert Band" and "Younger Set Players" before completing matriculation music.

Music groups after leaving school included Adelaide University Bach Choir, Flinders Street School of Music Concert Band and Canberra Youth Big Band. In addition to the instruments Antony has also played flute, trombone, clarinet and baritone saxophone.

Experience

Antony played clarinet and tenor sax in "Jackson Zumdish" between 1976 and 1981. This band released a single in 1980 called "I Want to be Doctor Who". A follow-up EP was released in 1981, "Flyblown". Both recording were released by Agro Fish Records.

"Shameless Opportunists" was founded by Antony, a band which also included Derek Evans. During the life of this band (1982-1983), he wrote a number of songs for the band.

Antony's diverse musical experience also includes playing in the orchestra for musicals such as "Sound of Music", "South Pacific", "Damn Yankees", "Annie" and "The King and I" performed by local Adelaide theatrical societies. He has also sung in the backing choir for a performance at Thebarton Theatre in John Farnham's "You're the Voice" tour and has composed and performed a short film score.

Antony joined Sacred Blue Walrus in 1991 while still in the embryo stages (the band that is, not Antony) and has played in all its gigs since.

Antony's Home Page

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Graeme Lipsham

An energetic lead singer who combines his powerful voice and excellent harmonica playing to produce an atmosphere of excitement for the audience.

Instruments Played

Harmonica, Vocals

Background

Graeme has been playing music with various bands for about 14 years including 4 years with Self-Inflicted and the last year or so with Sacred Blue Walrus. He has dabbled with many instruments including bass and keyboards. He concentrated on vocals during his time with Self-Inflicted, with harmonica being a late addition to that bands line-up.

Since joining Sacred Blue Walrus, Graeme has worked hard on his harmonica playing and is now able to offer that authentic blues harp sound so distinctive for this style of music.

Experience

Graeme played numerous gigs with Self Inflicted during the period from 1987 to 1991, including shows at The Exeter, Flagstaff and Bridgewater Hotels.

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Michael Danciu

A dynamic bass player with a extensive experience on the European blues and rock scene.

Instruments

Bass, Backing Vocals

Background

Michael started his musical career in Romania where he learnt an taught guitar. He also plays drums, keyboards and harmonica. Since arriving in Australia two years ago, he has concentrated on bass guitar. Michael is also a keen songwriter.

Experience

From 1984 to 1987, Michael was lead singer and guitarists in his own band. During this time the band had some of its song played on Romanian radio.

During his time in Australia, Michael has played bass with a number of local bands including "Our Side of the Fence" and "Red House". He joined Sacred Blue Walrus early in 1992 and has played in all gigs since then.

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Larry Kieg

A very innovative drummer and percussionist possessing good rapport with his audiences.

Instruments Played

Drums, Percussion and Backing Vocals

Background

Larry studied flute for 7 years as a child but does not like anyone to know about this. He has been playing drums for 6 years. During this time he studied at the Flinders Street TAFE for one year in the Orchestral Percussion course. After that, he completed the Associate Diploma in Jazz Performance at the Kingston TAFE.

For two years Larry was involved with 5MM as a volunteer news coordinator. Being highly motivated to perform, compose and record original music, he also organised a number of "live to air" shows on 5MMM for original Adelaide bands. He has also produce a film clip for local band "Propeller".

Experience

Larry has played with a few bands, including "Rhymes with Fish", and done some filling in for bands ranging in style from country through to heavy metal.

Larry was a founding member of "7 Reasons Why", a funk/pop band which concentrated on original music. Between 1989 and 1992, he played many gigs on an almost weekly basis with this band including venues such as The Cargo Club and Club Foote. The highlight was playing at the Triple J Launch.

During his time with "7 Reasons Why", Larry was involved in two recording sessions, one for fours hours and one for a week. The output of this was 6 professionally recorded songs and more than 20 live, unprocessed tracks.

Larry worked for three years at SARAC (South Australian Remand Centre) as a music teacher. He has helped to organise band events and fund-raisers at places such as the Lion Arts Centre.

Larry joined Sacred Blue Walrus in the middle of 1992 and has played over 30 gigs with this band. He also playing in "Factory", a 10 piece acid-jazz band.

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The Venues

The band plays regularly at the Wheatsheaf and the Rosewater Hotels. It also has played at The Exeter, The Halfway, The Brighton, The Broadway, The Austral, The Venue, The KoKlub, Flinders Medical Centre, Sporting Clubs and a number of private functions. 

The Gigs since April 1992 have been

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 Please direct any comments on this page to Antony 
 Revised on 24 December 2002