Cinders

A lifetime of music makes a harmonious pair

This talented duo are accomplished professional musicians in their own right, that have moved through a range of genres in their own fields, then jointly making a harmonious union.

The couple are rather reserved, but when you dig, or pry in some cases, a little there are some fascinating things to learn.
He – Bob had his first accordion when he about four and played along side his Dad, he first picked up a guitar in his teenage years and was hooked, forming a band or two along the way with residencies and a full on NSW & QLD circuit that spanned many years.
“I’ve played for prisoners and Parliamentarians, cowboys and coppers, pubs, clubs, rodeos, barns, stations, in mansions and outdoors, up and down the coast and territory. Even some places where we needed to soothe the savage beast. Music has a tangible ability to meld people, from all walks.”

She – Maureen played before she was even at school and notes that she was surrounded by musicians growing up. Violins, violas, harps, accordions and the piano were all part of regular life.
” It was the kind of environment where you didn’t realise that music had words, our house was filled with classical and instrumental music. The first piece i learned to play was Somewhere my Love whilst sitting on the knee of my teacher who was a regular player at our house. My fingers could just reach wide enough to make the moves.”

They say music and dance is a match made in heaven, so when the duo, who were taking a break from touring at the time, were asked to fill in for a dance band,”The Silvertones” it was clear this was an avenue they were both very keen to learn more about.  This led to a dedicated shift to dance related music (more specifically in ballroom, social, sequenced dance music).
“We adjusted our writing style, as sequenced dance music requires specific music phrasing to allow ease of process for the dance steps required.”
She says with a smile, “they didn’t throw things at us and kept dancing, so we couldn’t have been too far off the mark.
It was a truly lovely sight, we played, they danced, together, at the same time, around the floor. It was mesmerizing and still is to this day.  I am in awe of dancers.”
He notes “I had played plenty of Gypsy taps and barn dances in days gone by, so it was just refreshing those times and writing new songs and music that were more suited to strict timing.”

How many songs have you written? 
Between us it would be hundreds over the years.
Would non dancers have heard things you have done? 
Maybe, songs were produced before we moved to the dedicated dance space, they both smile. (a jingle or two??)
How long will you keep playing for?
I suspect as long as the dancers keep dancing, or one of us pegs out.
Do you still teach? (she, piano – he, guitar)
Not so much now.

What is that?
An erhu – this instrument makes a really haunting sound that I had not heard before, it is a two stringed Chinese peasant violin
Do you play it on stage?
No its more a concert instrument and doesn’t really cut it on its own

Did you know? Cinders wrote the piece of music played for the Co-op waltz

You can hear the lovely dance music by attending a regular dance or catch up with them when they play at one of the Co-op occasions, you will love it..

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