Vale Neale Sandbach

Today we farewelled ABC recording engineer Neale Sandbach, who died too soon (early 50s). Neale seemed larger than life - it is hard to believe he is gone - and I along with many musicians who had the pleasure of working with him will miss him. The funeral was this morning at St Patrick's Watsons Bay, I was asked to play a musical tribute and played Danny Boy which Neale had told me at a 1991 session was his favourite song. The Wake was held at a local ABC Ultimo watering hole, more music, wizz-pianist Kevin Hunt and I played 4-hands and it was great to see also-wizz-pianist Matt McMahon and piano tuner extraordinaire Terry Harper there. I'm posting this from an Internet cafe around the corner on George Street. It's a day for farewells, I'm staying in town and heading to the Side On for the farewell party for saxophonist Roger Manins, who with partner vocalist Caroline and baby Millicent are moving to New Zealand. I feel happy to be part of a warm community of friends, brought together by the love of music and music-making.