Music of the moment - Ike Turner

 

 

Some weeks ago I spent a de-lightful weekend in Melbourne raiding the fabric stores in Sydney Road, Brunswick (something I highly recommend doing if you are a sewer) with my dear buddy Carola, double bass player extraordinaire from the "Two Shots" (but more about them here in the not too distant future....).... On our wonderful day of discovery, I happened across a very hip little music store specialising in the type of music, books and art that I just love, and it was there that I picked up the most awesome IKE TURNER collection and have been in awe of this talented man ever since. It was inevitable that Ike would make the 'Music of the Moment' list here at Alice Jean's (honestly, I don't know what took me so long to 'discover' him - I had known 'Rocket 88' was considered the first rock n roll song for eons!)

 

So let me share with you my newly acquired Ike Turner love by posting some links to youtube, some photographs and a brief bio from Wikipedia here.....enjoy !

 

 

From my album cover.....

 

Ike Turner was one of the most influential and important figures in R&B and early rock n roll., with respect to composition, promotion, and performance. He gave Tina her name and helped make her a star, and is considered by many music journalists to be one of the main architects of the genre.

 

 

 

Awesome Music Links......

 

Much Later - Jackie Brenston with Ike Turner's Kings of Rythm

 

Rocket 88 - Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats

 

Box Top - Otis Rush with Ike and Tina Turner

 

Do you mean it - Ike Turner and His Orchestra

 

Loosely - Ike Turner and His Orchestra

 

 

 

 

From Wikipedia:

 

Ike Wister Turner (November 5, 1931^[1][2] – December 12, 2007) was an American musician, bandleader, songwriter, arranger, talent scout, and record producer. In a career that lasted more than half a century, his repertoire included blues, soul, rock, and funk. He is most popularly known for his 1960s work with his then wife Tina Turner in the Ike & Tina Turner revue. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, he began playing piano and guitar when he was eight, forming his group, the Kings of Rhythm as a teenager at high school.^[3]

 

He employed the group as his backing band for the rest of his life. His first recording, "Rocket 88" with the Kings of Rhythm credited as "Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats", in 1951, is considered a possible contender for "first rock and roll song". Relocating to St. Louis, Missouri in 1954, he built the Kings into one of the most renowned acts on the local club circuit.^[4] It was there he met singer Anna Mae Bullock, whom he married and renamed Tina Turner, forming the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, which over the course of the sixties became a soul/rock crossover success.^[5]

 

In the 1950s, he was hired by Sun Studios and Modern Records as an arranger and talent scout for blues artists. Turner recorded for many of the key R&B record labels of the 1950s and 1960s, including Chess, Modern, Trumpet, Flair and Sue.^[6] With the Ike & Tina Revue he graduated to larger labels Blue Thumb and United Artists. Throughout his career Turner won two Grammy Awards and was nominated for three others.^[7] Alongside his former wife, Turner was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991 and in 2001 was inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

 

Allegations by Tina Turner in her autobiography of her abusive relationship with Turner and the film adaptation of this coupled with his cocaine addiction damaged Turner's career in the 1980s and 1990s.^[8] His name became a synonym for wifebeater, which overshadowed his contributions to music.^[9] Addicted to cocaine and crack for at least 15 years, Turner was convicted of drug offenses, serving seventeen months in prison between July 1989 and 1991.^[10] He spent the rest of the 1990s free of his addiction, but relapsed in 2004. Near the end of his life, he returned to live performance as a frontman and produced two albums returning to his blues roots, which were critically well received and award-winning.^[11] Turner has frequently been referred to as a 'great innovator' of Rock and Roll by contemporaries such as Little Richard^[12] and Johnny Otis.^[13] Phil Alexander (then editor-in-chief of Mojo magazine) described Turner as 'the cornerstone of modern day rock 'n' roll'.^[14]

 

 

Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting

 

I went to my pantry this week and discovered 5-6 bananas that had turned. So, in the traditional spirit of waste not want not, I set about to make a banana cake, but discovered this great banana bread recipe instead. Unfortunately, my kids don't seem to enjoy cake (can you believe it !!! I cant !!!) so my lovely companions at Mawsons helped me dispose of my yummy creation - and I was not left with a whole banana cake to eat over the weekend on my own...... hoping you and yours derive as much pleasure from your thrifting of banana's !

 

 

 

Banana Bread

 

175g plain flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp bicarb soda

125g butter melted

150g brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

4 - 5 large bananas mashed

100g sultanas (optional)

 

Mix melted butter and sugar until well blended. Add eggs and vanilla, then mashed bananas. Mix well. Stir in sultanas. Gradually add sifted flour, baking powder and bicarb soda, stirring well. Scrape into loaf tin, greased and lined. Bake 1-1 1/4 hours until golden and springy. Leave in tin to cool, then ice with cream cheese frosting. (Can also be eaten warm from the oven, spread with butter and no icing.)

 

Cream Cheese Frosting

 

250g Block cream cheese softened

2/3 cup icing sugar

2/3 cup full cream milk powder

grated rind of the citrus of your choice

 

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, add milk powder and beat again until smooth. Stir through rind. Use as required.

Living Doll - Miss February 2013

Living Dolls are mothers, nurses, models, photographers, graphic designers, grandmothers, students, teachers - infact you name it, they come from every walk of life but have this one thing in common - they love and live vintage !

 

Want to know all there is to know about living a vintage life in a modern world? Hey, look no further than our beautiful Miss Feburary - the ever insightful Karie Weatherhead......

 

 

What does vintage mean to you?

Whether it be clothing or accessories, furniture, homewares or architecture, Vintage to me, means quality craftsmanship and finish, texture and colour. There’s a quirkiness which I love.

 

What was it that first prompted your interest in vintage culture?

During the 50’s, my Mum was a Widgie and my Dad was a Bodgie. Bodgies and Widgies were primarily an Australian and New Zealand Youth Sub culture. A little "rebellious". Mum wore sharp studded leather belts and chains attached to her flatties. Dad rode a motorcycle and had the most awesome velvet and leather clothes. Both Mum and Dad sported similar hair styles - short back and sides, quiff, sideburns for Dad, kiss curls for Mum, and of course the obligatory DA or Duck's Tail. (For those new to this term….Ducks A$@% or Ducks Tail - fondly named because of it's strong sharp line of a centre vertical part at the middle of the back of the head, just like a duck's tail).

I  was lucky enough to have been brought up in the 70’s surrounded by 50’s “everything”. Amoeba shaped coffee tables, ducks up the wall, divans (also known as Click-Clack Lounges…..early memories of Click-Clack Lounges prompted the choice of my Business name) in extremely cool maroon, gold and white flecked vinyl, ribbon lamp shades…you name it. Mum had saved some of her and Dad's favourite photos and clothes which meant I could learn the style from folk "in the know". It's tricky for "up and coming 50's lifestyle devotees" now, as many of their Parents grew up in the 60's or 70's, by which time, the styles and morals had changed.

My Parents taught me to dance, which was fabulous – I call it bopping “down and dirty”. There was no “pre-empted” steps, just a direction given by the music.

Being brought up listening to the music of the 50’s, has meant that it’s with me always. One of my earliest music memories is my Granny yodelling Patsy Cline. Patsy is still my “heart” but I love to shake it up a little more at a live gig. There’s nothing better than a damn fine band and being at the front of the stage right next to the upright bass…..that's where I find my beat. Favourite music styles are Rockabilly, Hillbilly and good old Rock'n'Roll - Bill Haley is one of my faves….he and his bands had great beat and showmanship.

 

What is your favourite era and do you “live it” everyday? In what ways?

My favourite era is Mid to late 50’s. Each day I listen to the music, live in the 50’s house and wear vintage. It’s not a conscious decision made everyday, “I think I might dress 50’s ”, it’s just part of who I am.

Tell us about your favourite item of vintage clothing, kitchenalia, music, furniture or whatever.

I love a fabulous rope petticoat. A great dash of ric rac on a squaw dress. A cool abstract border print on a skirt. My catseye glasses (I’m a bit of an Elton John as far as glases go and have collected and worn them for as long as I’ve been short sighted). A flecked atomic print curtain. Our Bell Bros sideboard. I also have a sickness for collecting outdoor furniture and novelty wicker handbags.

 

Can you share with us why vintage culture continues to hold such appeal for you?…..

I can’t explain it! It’s my first, second and third nature. I don’t really know anything else. I love that I’m one of those folk who can walk down the street wearing glasses embedded with rhinestones and a dress printed with lobsters and BBQ’s.

Do you have any tips for anyone starting out in the vintage scene?

Karie’s Super Seven Tips:

1) Learn from those who “know their stuff” and are willing to share their knowledge.

2) There’s loads of different “looks” within an era - find one that you love.

3) There’s a lot of up-keep and “hard work” with “living and wearing vintage” – remember that some of these pieces are 60 years “young” and need to be treated carefully. That’s not to say you can’t wear them everyday….just think twice before popping your vintage clothing in the washing machine.

4) Choose well, if pieces are in great condition when they come to you, they’ll continue to survive.

5) Enjoy all parts of “the vintage lifestyle” to be fully absorbed in the era. Listen to the music, see a live band, dance like there's no-one watching, read the magazines, watch the movies, go for a cruise in a classic car, attend Kustom Kulture festivals where there's always some vintage loving folk mixed in with those who don't totally absorb themselves in the era, but who appreciate certain aspects.

6)  Learn how to sew. Whether it be a simple mending job, sewing on a button or creating an entire outfit. When I purchase a new piece, even if the seams are in great condition, I always re-sew the seams and re-finish with pinking shears or a good old zig zag on the sewing machine. I find it helps to prevent tearing. I also pop a hook and eye around the waistline, to take stress off the zip - voila!! Ready to dance!!

7)   Buy local. Australia has some of the most amazing vintage on Earth. You just need to know where to look.

 

Now is your chance to provide us with an overview of who you are and what you do........

 

I’m the Owner of The Click-Clack Lounge in Brisbane. Having lived the "50's lifestyle" for almost 30 years, I have quite extensive knowledge and loads of experience. I provide good old fashioned service selling retro, vintage, quirky and kitsch homewares, furniture, art, clothing and accessories.

 

We’re one of the very few stores that is truly one-stop - dressing you and your home from head to toe. Many vintage stores concentrate on one aspect of "vintage living" - we can help with everything!!

And, yes folks, there's more. For those difficult to find pieces, we provide a custom make service, where vintage of the future is hand-crafted - using original sewing patterns, fabrics, trim and love.

The Click-Clack Lounge, Suite 2, The Laurels Arcade, 113 Brighton Road, Sandgate QLD 4017

 

Click the above title for the facebook page or  HERE to go shopping online !

 

 

Finally….what or who inspires you and why?

I’ve always been of the belief that you need to be happy in what you do, and who you do it with, to continue doing it at all.

Sounds a little “how cool am I?”, but I must say, I inspire myself. The Click-Clack Lounge has been through many highs and lows whilst we searched for our true self. There’s been some huge lessons learnt, both in Business and personally. I’m pretty darn happy to say that we’re in the best “place” right now, that we’ve ever been.

 

Quote of the month - February 2013

"Creativity has got to start with humanity and when you're a human being, you feel, you suffer."

 

 

Congrats to the winner of AJ's Valentines Day Comp !

Well done Leanne and thanks for sharing the Alice Jean's Valentines Day love ! Contact me with your postal address and the Puppini Sisters CD "Hollywood" will be winging its way to you ASAP via Australia Post......and stay tuned everyone - I have a very cool sunglasses comp coming your way real soon!

One More Day

Just a reminder that you have but one more day to enter the Alice Jean's Valentines Day giveaway......like the Alice Jean's FB page, share the link to the competition on your FB page and you could win The Puppini Sisters CD "Hollywood"

 

 

Good luck everyone !!!

The Garden at Overnewton

 

Last weekend I had the great pleasure to attend Becky's baby shower high tea at Overnewton Castle, and was once again mesmerised by the beauty of the buildings, trees, and grounds. So much so that I had to share some snaps here with you and remind you once again what a stunning place it is for any event - love love love !

 

Summer Sewing

Well, the Christmas and summer holidays have been and gone, and Super Mummy had a pretty relaxing time all up - lolling on the banks of Lake Merran and taking an occasional refreshing plunge, dinners at said lake with great friends, coffees at Long Paddock with said friends, hanging at home with lots of great kids flicks, crafts and activities under the air con. Yes indeedy, Super Mummy also had a holiday this summer and feels much better for it. Somewhere in all that recreational relaxation time, Super Mummy also found time to crank out a few new dresses on the sewing machine.....and here they are, ready to be frocked up and hit the town in..... (OK, maybe given my circumstances, hit the coffee shop occasionally is all I can manage, but it's still so much fun to dress up and feel pretty just the same.)

 

 

One shoulder, groovy 60's circle motif in cotton

 

Light and airy peasant dress in embroidered cotton - looks lopsided in this picture but its not in reality

 

Return to Happiness dress - I chose this fabric for that statement written all over it with lilies of the valley emblems in my favourite colour of green.....

 

Heavy weight blue evening fabric with black velvet ribbon and black daisy's spotted all over the bodice  I NOTE: Edith Head used alot of blue and black combo's in her costume design......

 

So - which one grabs your eye? And what have you been sewing lately yourself? Hope your Christmas New Year break was equally productive in whatever tickles your fancy!

 

Valentines Day Giveaway

In the spirit of glamour, joy and fun, and not because I am a believer in gimmicky celebration days, I am running a competition for Valentines Day 2013.

 

With songs such as "Moon River" and "True Love" I felt that The Puppini Sisters album 'Hollywood' would make the perfect valentines giveaway here at Alice Jean's. And all you have to do to enter is like Alice Jean's on facebook, then share the link to this competition on your own Facebook page. The competition will be drawn from those who have done so on Valentines Day, and the winner will be contacted via facebook pm-ing for postal details.  Easy.

 

As for Valentines Day, well, I feel love should be celebrated at every opportunity, not just one one day of the year. I have said it before and I will say it again though, some people need that kick up the proverbial to show care and affection for their partners on even just this one day. To me that is not on.

 

 

Life is short. It is precious. People are valuable. And it is not hard to show care. Words cost nothing and mean more that anything. Gifts can be as simple as a bunch of wildflowers. Moments can be as ordinary as fish and chips by the river. But simplicity is beautiful when it is from the heart, springing from a place of love for another.

 

As one who is questioning the entire existence of love in the universe right now, please lavish care and affection on your partner, children, extended family and friends where ever possible.....not just this one day of the year. This emotion called love is the one reason any of us have for living. If we are single it is the hope that it may one day happen for us. If we are partnered, it should be in the joy of building and growing that love. After all, with thanks to the marvelous Sir Paul, it is "all you need".