The completion sideways principle

Rip It Up, Issue 71, 1 June 1983, Page 10

The completion sideways principle

Mark Everton

The Big Sideways Band has always been a . phenomenon to grab with . both feet. Eleven musicians crammed on stage falling over themselves to knock you out. The fusion of these diverse talents in a strong, original sound is another success for commitment and hard work. Big Sideways grew over 12 months on a ' Goverment-spon-sored work scheme. The catalyst was Ivan Zagni who selected the group from more than 40 out-of-work musicians and acted as musical director. He's now doing a similar job with Avant Garage. Zagni says he always looks for the character behind the instrument and is proud of Big Sideways. Together they spent a year learning, teaching and playing everywhere from parks to primary schools to pubs. But keeping the band together since the scheme ended has been hard work. From 11 the numbers have recently dropped to just four. The name 'Big' was in danger of going. However, now with the Big Mammoth Sideways Tour' underway things are again, looming large. » "It has been hard to continue," says bassist Robbie Sinclair. "We haven't had much- time for the music. Those who've stayed with the band have had to shoulder the financial responsibilities. We've also been heavily involved in running our record company (Unsung) and the promotion of the

first two records." "Promoting the Sideways' album is the main reason for the nationwide tour," says guitarist John Quigley. "Of course it'd be nice to come out of it with a little money too." "We should have the album paid off after the tour," says Robbie. "It's probably going to a second pressing. Flying Nun are now distributing it in the South Island." For the new tour Sinclair, Quigley, Lee Connelly, Chris Green (tenor sax) and Philbo Steel (percussion/peaked caps/vocals) have been joined by new members Sonja Waters (ex Instigators) on keyboards and vocals and Mike Russell (formerly lead trumpet with the New Zealand Jazz Orchestra) adds punch to the vital Sideways brass section which was looking lonely with just Green and a couple of delay units. The new band has spent two weeks in solid rehearsal before the tour. Week one was spent in a studio with four lists of songs taped on the door. A list of the album songs (minus a couple done by departed members), a list of soul classics and two lists of new songs, about 20 in all. "There's so many prolific songwriters in this band," says Chris. "I'd like to write a song a day," says Philbo. It's hard to get band members to pin down their sound, or where it comes from or where it's going. All agree though the rhythmic influences of reggae and African music will continue to shine through. Jazz may begin to play a bigger part and there should be a move towards heavier funk. Despite the successes of the past, the Big Sideways are prepared to

leave them behind and look ahead. The second week of rehearsal is spent in a barn in West Auckland putting together "the show". The total performance is finely tuned. Lighting and sound is worked on, and a video camera is used to help. "I wouldn't ever like to see the act getting in the way of the music," says Robbie. "But you've got to think of the theatrical side of the show. When you're playing you do adopt a performance stance." Philbo talks about the band having an overall focus rather than a single focus on a frontperson. And Chris and Mike promise nifty brassegetics from their direction. The fine art of busking, originally picked up on the PEP scheme, is something the rest of the country will be treated to. The band has acoustic sets worked out and will use busking as promotion for the pub and club gigs. Looking to the future it seems we will lose these talented and versatile people overseas. The most commonly agreed plan on travel is through the Pacific, absorbing the rich musicial inspiration there. Then through to Japan and Asia. Africa is revered as the rhythmic source. However, Robbie knows of people who've made a good living busking in Europe and the creation of a novelty cabaret troupe on the road sounds like a good idea. With the Big Sideways the possibilities with the personnel, like the music they make, are unlimited. Big Sideways are a celebration of skill and style and energy and commitment.