Granite Island Discs: Roger Freeman

Interviews
Written By Tobias Handke
 

The man behind intimate venue Trinity Sessions discusses his favourite songs, album and musical momens.

Image supplied

What five songs would you take to a desert island?

1. Madison Violet – ‘The Woodshop’

2. The Gaslight Anthem – ‘The ‘59 Sound’

3. Van Morrison – ‘Into the Mystic’

4. WeddingsPartiesAnything – ‘For a Short Time’

5. LizStringer – ‘HighOpenHills’

If you could only pick one, what would it be?

I’d have to say ‘For a Short Time’ by Weddings Parties Anything.

What’s your favourite album?

Moondance by Van Morrison. Every song is a cracker and has such a mystical and ethereal feel to it. The songs are about hope and fill you with a feeling of celebration. I find that every time I listen to the album something new pops up and another memory is evoked.

What’s your favourite song by an SA artist/band?

‘Hey Good Try’ by Special Patrol. I was introduced to Special Patrol by my son Ryan playing their albums at home. I found Myles Mayo’s lyrics quite amazing. There are stories and images in every one of them and a connection to almost everything that you have done and experienced. ‘Hey Good Try’ is always Special Patrol’s closing song and after Ryan died in Canada in 2009, it was the one song that we (Roger and his wife, Yvonne) always wanted to hear when we saw Myles or Special Patrol play – it celebrates having a go.

Favourite music-related memory?

Seeing Little Feat at the Adelaide Festival Theatre in 1976. I’m a massive fan of Little Feat and to see them play at Festival Theatre back in 1976 was a surprise – most rock bands played at Apollo Stadium or outdoor shows at Memorial Drive or Adelaide Oval. Being one of the tightest bands ever, seeing them where the sound was fantastic, and no pyrotechnics (apart from a couple of giant cacti) made it a great experience. Their walk off at the end and then a slow walk back on, cranking it up for an extended encore, made the night.

Keep up to date with everything going on at Trinity Sessions via @trinitysessionsadelaide.

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