Recent past performing groups
In the period from 1999 to 2010 Michael performed with a number of folk/jazz/rock Townsville-based musicians, including Michael Faragher (winds), Ian Brunskill (percussion), Paul Krause (guitar), Michele Govan (violin) and Laurie Bycroft (bass). Prominent amongst them however was guitarists Joe Toppi and Victor Purkiss with whom Michael played in a trio – Joe’s Garage, for a few years, and with Victor Purkiss in Dr Mick and the Honourable Vic until 2007.
AUDIO EXAMPLES
Click on the titles below to play the songs written by Michael on the Joe’s Garage album, Eat at Joe’s
After listening or at any point select back to return to this site.
i want a lecture
never been this far before
too lonely
kiss of the sword
just you and I
A complete version of the album, including songs written by Victor Purkiss and Joe Toppi can be purchased for $20 plus postage by contacting us
Over the years singer/song-writer/guitarist Victor Purkiss has performed with some of Australia’s most well known musicians – including Geogre Golla and Don Burrows, and had a long involvement with the Townsville music scene from the mid 80s until the mid 00s when he returned to Sydney to further his law career.
DR MICK AND THE HONOURABLE VIC
Dr Mick and The Honourable Vic was a popular performing, writing and recording duo Michael playing guitar, bass, flute and harmonica, set-up with guitarist/singer/songwriter Victor Purkiss in 2001. As performers their style was in the popular/folk/rock/jazz vein with an emphasis on original songs and irreverent humour. They performed at the Palm Creek Folk Festival, Yunguburra Folk Festival (Tablelands) and the Eco Fest (Townsville).
They also:
*wrote songs for two children’s musicals, “Splish Splash” and “Flash Alice”;
*released a CD of original songs, “Joe’s Garage - Eat at Joe’s”, with guitarist Jo Toppi;
*wrote two of the four prize-winning songs in the 2001 Centenary of Federation Song-writing Competition created by Townsville Council. Click on the title to hear one of the prize winning songs they wrote A child of this nation
*Arranged and recorded songs for various clients in Michael’s studio, the Sound Space;
*Arranged songs for orchestral performance;
*Co-wrote and recorded songs for the CD “Townsville songs of a city” released in 2003.
AUDIO EXAMPLES
Click on the titles below to play excerpts from the songs found on the Townsville, songs of a city album which Michael wrote and recorded with Victor Purkiss in 2003.
After listening or at any point select back to return to this site.
In the deep dark ocean (the yongala story)
Eddie mabo
A mosquito’s life
Gesano
It just took my house away
North of the brisbane line
The first Australian flag
A complete version of the album can be purchased for $20 plus postage by contacting us