Music of Australian historical interest and for some, perhaps nostalgic if they have previously seen them perform.
This bush band appears to have been active around the Broken Hill, NSW area
This was their debut (and only) album release
Information about the band is sparse (at best) and after considerable research I haven't come up with a lot of confirmed information, the following information is taken from the rear cover and various online sources.
Barney's Bushwhacker's Band members (at the time of this release) were:
Barney Gawel - Accordian, Vocals
Jon Selmes - Guitar, Vocals
Allan Goodman - Wash board
Ron Woodrow - Lager phone
Mick Gibson - Bush Bass
It seems they were all living in the Broken Hill (Silver City) area but the only member I can find any current information about is Ron Woodrow (Facebook page)
Production of this album was undertaken by the historical AM radio station, 2BH and particular mention is made of two members of this station (Graham Trapple & Rod Jinks) - not much information seems to be available about these two folk except the 'Jinks" family name was in the past closely associated with radio broadcasting in the area. 2BH has been in operation since the 1930's and the premises now have a distinctive (tourist attraction) "mantle radio" shaped building!
The cover artwork and printing was undertaken by Kitchener Press Pty Ltd in South Australia! I find that curious, so far away and I have no idea why they (or 2BH) decided to use a South Australian based company.
As to the year of release, there is no indication anywhere on the cover or labels about this. I found one website claiming it was a 1980's release but I have no proof of that and in fact I get the distinct feeling that the 1970's period is more likely.
The musical genres played are varied, this is not just bush/country music but you will also hear rock and bluesy type songs on this album. The standout feature is the dominance of the accordian playing by Barney (it is his band after all!)
The title of the album "At The Hill" of course refers to Broken Hill, not a specific venue.
While not a "nationwide" successful band, unlike The Bushwackers for instance, this music is a slice of time from the remote areas of NSW - I like that and perhaps someone else will too!
BARNEY'S BUSHWHACKER'S BAND - At The Hill
Self release (no record label indicated)
Cat# SATE 105
Matrix codes (stamped not etched):
SATE 105-1 △
SATE 105-2 △
197x
STEREO
Australian release
Cover is in good condition, meaning that there are no tears, no seam splits, no personal writing (other than the band autographs and a message on the rear), but the edges are showing medium level handling wear. The background cardboard is a vanilla colour which has yellowed slightly, all graphics are sepia tones - not colour.
AUTOGRAPHS!
The boys have signed the front cover, each member of the band, in Blue pen.
The rear of the cover has a personal message from Jon Selmes only.
New plastic inner sleeve
Vinyl is in good (minus) condition, visually inspected under a white halogen light source and I can see just a couple of very light marks/scratches on either side. HOWEVER just looking at your vinyl is not a great way to judge the condition so I then played the ENTIRE release, both sides, and there ARE ISSUES!
Side A has some marks which did not look significant at first glance, they are!
These marks occur along with the grooves, not across them as with a scratch. Playback of the music is fine BUT there is this weird periodic (but random) low frequency "buzz type noise" accompanying the music. I had to play Side A a number of times to check I either didn't have a problem with my Linn gear or that the recording had been poorly made. It's neither - at some time, someone has used a dirty stylus or too much pressure and the top section of SOME grooves look to be damaged. NO mistracking but this weird sound! This is very prevalent over the first three tracks and then fades away until you cannot hear anything except the music. Clicks and pops on Side A are not an issue.
Side B does not have any of this sound but it also has issues!
Side B track 1 has a medium level "click click click" and a corresponding mark on the vinyl, not a traditional straight line scratch, but it can be clearly heard none-the-less. Once this area on track 1 has been passed, all is fine (in fact very good) with all remaining tracks.
New outer protective sleeve
TRACKS: Broken Hill Theme, La Paloma, Sloop John B., Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy, King Of The Road, Spanish Eyes, The French Song, Blackboard Of My Heart, Hava Nageela, Jamaica Farewell, Spanish Harlem, South Of The Border
UNFORTUNATELY I COULD NOT LOCATE ANY ONLINE AUDIO/VIDEO FILES TO GIVE A SAMPLE OF THEIR MUSIC
