Earlier this year my very good friend/colleague/ex-housemate Holly Norman and I formed a percussion and flute duo named The Tapestry. Holly is an amazing percussionist and muso, playing a lot lately with WASO (the West Australia Symphony Orchestra). Although, when she plays with me there isn't so much of the timpani or crash cymbals but more of the cajon, djembe and marimba. I try to mix up my style a fair bit too using some ethnic flutes like the Bansuri from India. Our sound is one aimed at drawing on flavours from around the globe. We don't try to be authentic with our sound but more take traditional tunes and make them our own.
The Tapestry creates an improvisatory and relaxed vibe perfect for outdoor markets! Our first busking gigs were at the Fremantle Markets pub, which was great! The crowd often took a little bit to get going but once they did they were very responsive. After a few months we came to the conclusion that if we wanted to keep playing there and actually earn a bit of cash we were going to have to play some covers....which we really didn't want to do. So after a few quiet months we started busking again at the Field of Greens Fresh Fare Market which is an offshoot of the Oxford St Markets in Leederville, Perth. The market is held behind the Aranmore Catholic College on Franklin St, Leederville every Sunday from 8am till 12pm. It's a gorgeous dog friendly market full of delicious things to eat! Both times that we have been there the organisers have been so friendly to us, the kids have been great (thanks for dancing!) and we have made a lovely bit of money as a bonus. As Holly commented today playing at the markets is just like going out for coffee with a friend, a perfect Sunday morning treat.
The Tapestry will be playing at the Oxford St Markets again for sure!
