SO LONG DAD

During recent weeks I've had two very different occasions to witness the sons of Australian music legends taking their own steps towards a music career, in one case a son who has embraced the roots of his father's music career and found something of his own, the other case a son rejecting his father's music world and taking up that of his own generation.

Nick Smith is the son of the former Gulliver Smith, now Gullifer, most famous for his tenure in front of the satirical Company Caine, and for writing John Farnham's 'Touch Of Paradise'.

The roots of Gully's music is fifties rock, the roots of which is the blues, which is where son Nick has gone with his alter ego/group Blacksmith Hopkins. After several years of dedication to the cause Nick has created his own blues persona, menacing, brooding, restless. He paces up and down in suit and fancy shoes, arriving at the microphone to bark another barrage, as if it's something else that's come to him.

There was a time when Blacksmith Hopkins was an imitation of his blues heroes. Now he is one. He's developed something of his own, something intense and personal and compelling. (there are CD's available at PO BOX 30, Double Bay, NSW 2028, the more current the better).

John Farnham's son Rob is part of Nana-Zhami, a high energy aggressive Korn style group, shouting its message in quasi rap form rather than singing it.

Two guitars and bass blaze away with drums at top volume and top speed.

No leader, no lead singer, just attack attack attack, Rob Farnham in particular jumping high onto the air or from the drum rostrum, as if the music itself wasn't energertic enough and, an adrenalin fix for the participants and their audience. Like Blacksmith Hopkins they've come to where they are because this is the music they love.

Nana-Zhami's challenge is a burden and a godsend. With only a few performances - and a national tour with "dad" under their belts - they already have a loyal fan base.

there's already girls waiting to say "Oh my God" to each other after a stolen touch or a brazen hug, they're already getting fan letters and having web sites dedicated to them. Most bands in their position after just months of life would dream about that.

Nana-Zhami know they need more than that. They need to grow their music as quickly as possible and get it out there. They're a gun ready to go off. They're still working on the amunition.

By Ed Nimmervoll

This review was on the Immedia website - www.immedia.com.au

Back to Kara's Robert Farnham / Nana-Zhami Web Site!