MY MOTHER ALWAYS USED TO SAY TO US AS YOUNGSTERS
“Be prepared - everything comes in threes”. Sure enough, two accidents around the house would be followed by a third. Two rainy weekends and a third would be on its way. Two illnesses in the family inevitably, unfortunately, would be followed by a third. This rule only seemed to apply to bad news. Two winners at the races never lead to a third – despite many years of trying! Recent events have been following this same pattern. First the bushfires, then the floods, and just when we had hit a low point, along comes the coronavirus. Wham, bam, thankyou Ma’am! Only this time, I wonder if three will really be the end of the cycle? A fourth headline is emerging, and, being superstitious, I prefer not to name it here. No, I don’t mean climate change – I mean the “R” word. Perhaps “4” is the new “3”. It has always been important. It is the only number whose name in English has the same number of letters as its value. There are 4 seasons in a year; 4 directions of the compass; 4 elements - earth, air, water and fire. Our calendars require a leap year every 4th year to stay in sync; our homes and offices are dominated by 4 sided shapes - walls, bricks, doors, windows, tables, computers, TV screens. Playing cards have 4 suits; the greatest ever band is the “Fab 4” (in case you need reminding – the Beatles); and the world’s most popular books follow the mis-adventures of Harry Potter and the Four Houses of Hogwarts Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. Even The Three Musketeers needed a fourth member to legitimise their heroics – so Athos, Aramis and Porthos were joined by d'Artagnan. My son once informed me that the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were an updated version of the Musketeers. Why else would the 4 heroes have such oldfashioned names - Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo and Raphael? I hope Mum’s right, and 3 events sees out this cycle. Or that, as important and inevitable as 4 may be, this “R” (the financial dip we can’t mention) is short and sharp, and quickly followed by event 5. A “Good R”- a Rainbow - very often emerges from the gloom, once the sun comes out. If we stay alert, healthy and happy, and as always, stay chilled, we may even find that there is indeed a pot of gold! Tony, Byron Bazaar
This week's recommendation
ALBUM TITLE: Out of My Province ARTIST: Nadia Reid RELEASED: March 2020 GENRE: Folk singer songwriter BIO: NZ singer/guitarist described by the Guardian as
“an understated, wise guide through uncertain territory”. With an impressive choral background, Nadia was a member of the Queen's madrigal choir and won New Zealand Choral Federation Millennium Trophy during highschool. Now, she's released three albums, done shows with Ryan Adams and received an almighty round of applause from music critics across the globe.
WHAT TO EXPECT: An album that perfectly compliments
the current arrival of a soft and beautiful autumn. This album mirrors the season's feelings of nostalgically bidding summer farewell whilst moving forward into the next cycle. Its songs range from favouring elements of intimacy and honesty to focusing on stronger undertones in drums and bass. This album doesn't quite let you fall into the winter lull just yet. It also goes hand in hand with the recent international women's day, sharing in the general celebration of the feminine.
WHAT WE LIKE: The focus that folk music can place on its singers is not lost on Nadia. She's crafted a vocal style that is uniquely hers, with her low tones flicking up playfully and a slight country twang that gives her songs warmth. Possibly it's her choral background that influences the vibrato she so easily utilises. Listen in to her lyrics, especially in the song Heart to Ride. Her writing perfectly captures the fragile, open heart of a golden love. STANDOUT TRACKS: All of My Love, Oh Canada, Other Side of the Wheel.
PERFECT FOR: Quiet moments with those you love, cherishing nature in this beautiful season. LISTEN IN IF YOU LIKE: Aldous Harding, Julia Jacklin. Recommended by Delphi O'Heart.
BYRON BAZAAR
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