It was an enormous pleasure to welcome Barry Hall - of Channel 9, 5DN and 5AA fame - on stage, coming up on the console wearing his 'shako hat', playing 'Seventy-six Trombones', The shako hat is a tall military cap, its name originating from the Hungarian name for 'peaked cap' and which was part of the uniform of the Hungarian Hussars of the 1801 Century. Barry's version was acquired per the Intemet at a cost of $25, plus $35 postage! 'Seventy-six Trombones' is Barry's theme tune, it being taken from the film 'The Music Man', which is also Barry's alter-ego professional title.
John & I have seen and heard Barry on many occasions in many venues, but never at the Capri - Even Barry admitted it was so long ago that he couldn't remember when he last played here. However, it was as if he'd been playing at the Capri regularly, his experience as a top musician shining through in all his pieces, including Cole Porter's 'It's De-Lovely' and 'Dominique' made famous by the Singing Nun (Jeanine Deckers). Barry's musical style is ultra-professional and relaxing; he is also a Raconteur Extraordinaire! He played a delightfully scintillating medley from 'White Horse Inn' wearing his Tyrolean hat; 'Games that Lovers Play', made famous by James Last, now in his 90's; and 'Mame', the 1974 film about the eccentric Mame Dennis, featuring Lucille Ball and Bea Arthur, before repeating his theme tune of 'Seventy-six Trombones'. Please return soon, Barry. (Janet Martin --- SA TOSA News)
