Dustin Tebbutt Tour Diary: Part One

Some of you may have caught one of the solo shows I've played over the last few months, but this new 'Bones Tour', which kicked off in Adelaide last week marks the start of  our first national run of shows with a full band. So far, it's all been really rewarding and I think the full line-up is a slightly better format for bringing the new tunes I've been working on to the stage. So who are these guys?

Clockwise from top: 

Carlos Adura (Drums) - I met Carlos at the end of last year at a jazz gig in Redfern, and could see from his playing that he had a magical touch with the drums. I was a little worried about how this music would translate from the studio to the stage, because of the intimacy and space in a lot of the parts, but Carlos has seamlessly bridged that gap. He's also one of the most positive and easygoing people I know.

Pat Harris (Bass) - A sensei of cool. I'm yet to see this guy get a temper let alone lose it. Touring can be pretty stressful, especially if everything starts deviating from the plan, so it's good to have Pat's grounded presence both on and off the stage.

That guy - Yeah that's me… possibly working, but probably checking Facebook.

Jake Kagan (Guitar) - Jake and I went to Uni together in Melbourne years back, and he came and stayed with me in Sweden for a few months when I was over there, so we go way back.  He's a great friend, and equally good guitarist.

We were staying with friends down in Brighton, about 30 minutes from the city, so we got to do a bit of driving. Driving is good, especially when it's with the band. The guys all have an eclectic and refined taste in music, so whenever we are travelling together, I always come across a bunch of amazing music I've never heard before. There's something really awesome about hearing a song for the first time, in a new place, on an adventure… it kind of fuses that moment into your mind. Here are three of my favourite discoveries from the week. Track them down and have a listen next time you've got a few hours ahead on the road.
 
The Latin Playboys - Crayon Sun
Patrick Watson - Blackwind
Paul Dempsey - Take Us To Your Leader
 
We played two nights at the Pirie Social Club, a cosy little underground venue on the edge of the city. It was pretty crisp down on the coast the second night in, which suits me fine, and we'd maxed out on a few beers and a late night burger the night before, so some real sustenance was in order. Pat cooked up an amazing ragú, which nourished us to the soul. I enjoyed it so much, I swiped the recipe from him... check it out below. One red wine and a steaming hot shower later, we were ready to head back for the second show.

I was really happy with the shows on this first leg, we had a few minor technical things here and there, but it didn't affect the vibe, and after a great opening set from Timberwolf, the crowd was charged. The intimate room, and the cooler edge of autumn was the perfect backdrop for starting things on the right foot.

Here's a few more moments captured on this leg. Thanks for having us Adelaide. You were swell! Looking forward to seeing some of you in Melbourne this week.

Clockwise from top:

Morning after… impatiently waiting for the first coffee to brew.

The Moog Synth we use for some of the bass tracks. #gearcandy

A debate that took place in Hungry Jacks as to whether the photo-shopped burger chicken was originally chicken, or excess bacon, coloured and textured to look like fake chicken, or vice versa, or both. #conspiracy

Last minute set lists.