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Hat Trick is unique. Over the years 1982-1991 that the band worked full-time in the Sydney music scene, many tried to categorise us. Words like eclectic, classical/rock, folk/rock still were not able to capture the band’s essence. All we knew was that we were having an immense amount of fun doing whatever it was that kept the crowds coming back. Venues such as Pier One, Martin Place Amphitheatre, The Cat and Fiddle and Three Weeds pubs in Balmain, General Bourke Parramatta, Feathers Crows Nest, the Great Northern Chatswood and our regular Sunday at the James Craig at Birkenhead Point hold very fond memories for us of wonderful, wonderful times.
A brief history for those of you who are late starters; Hat Trick’s original 1982 lineup was Bernadette and Mary on fiddles, Justin on bass, Glen Barwick on guitar and Ross Sampson on drums. Ross was replaced by Doug Martyn from Ol’ 55 in late 1982. Doug’s superb timing can be heard over the 8 minute duration of Bolero. This lineup recorded two cassette albums, Hat Trick (1982) and Sabre Dance (1984). Unfortunately, the masters have gone AWOL, so those of you with copies of these early recordings are sitting on rapidly appreciating assets. In mid 1984 Glen was replaced by Roger Corbett, ex Bushwackers, on bass, with Justin switching back to his original instrument, guitar. We recorded a vinyl EP, Bolero, in late 1984.
Early 1985 saw Michael Fix replace Rog. The band’s sound evolved with Michael and Justin sharing guitar and bass. A Justin and Michael two guitar set became a feature of the band’s live act. Doug left and was replaced by Rob Dearlove in1986, the year that saw the release of Live at the James Craig. This was an album recorded and mixed at the gig in real time direct to stereo. There was no re-mixing, and there were no overdubs. This was truly a live recording in every sense of the word, and is a credit to the skills of engineer Clive Brown.
The band continued to grow in popularity over the next couple of years, working most of Sydney’s live music venues, until 1988, when Mary decided, as you do, that it was time for her to have triplets. In that year we released Beethoven Roll Over on CD as a four piece, although Mary does feature on A Little Night Music. The following year Anita Plateris joined as vocalist, staying for six months before joining the musical, Chess.
In 1991 the band decided to call it a day in order to pursue family life and solo careers. In June of 2005, they decided to reform to support Michael at one of his solo gigs at the Harp Hotel in Tempe, Sydney. This proved to be such a success with both band members and audience, that a second show was scheduled for December. This built on the previous concert, so it looks like becoming a regular bi annual event.
Stay tuned………
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