abc tv don burrows collection
pax on sax
Another crazy, short-lived club was Sneaky Pete's; a restaurant jazz-club and the owner is insane. Big diamond rings and gold chains, Canadian, loud. A great intention, but we had no idea he owes everyone thousands of dollars. We soon found out. He wants jazz; five lunchtimes and three nights a week, a quartet with me singing. James, John, Dave Pudney on bass. Our first set is Bossa's n ballads and dinner music, then we got this floorshow thing happening and are dressed in bow ties and boaters. Straw hats, vests, striped shirts and Saint Louis Blues' then Indiana' (which I still don't know) the history of jazz' (and James is seventeen) Caravan' drum solo, f**k we had so much fun but then the boss starts saying "Do you mind waiting till next week for the bread?" I'm singing My Foolish Heart' a ballad and we are interrupted by a really loud, angry, owed-lots-of-money to butcher, who's leaning over the bar and holding Sneaky' by the throat yelling "Give me my f*****g money, M**********r. Now!" At times it was his landlord or the guy who supplied the vegies, even the bar staff. Waitresses, crying and fronting up with irate boyfriends. He's serving the meals, all smiles, but the punters are looking worried. We left; he owed us two grand. I watched the chef putting all kinds of food into his car then make a run for it that night. John Morrison became a close friend from that gig to this day and he is always swinging that great feel. A wonderful musician, John Morrison on brushes, yes with a big heart and loving grin. Open-minded and willing, he is a giant.
(John has continued in his commitment, over all these years, to bring Jazz to the young musicians of Australia. He is a solid force behind the careers of many, continually inspiring newcomers {and us not so young} to take a risk. And above all, to keep swinging.)
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