Tim is a graduate of Eora TAFE as well as the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. He has composed film scores, performed for the Big Issue Street Soccer event and last month sang with Archie Roach at the Deadlys. In and through all this creative activity runs a passion for people, for positive networking, for the spiritual and for Dreaming. “My work reflects my life experience. As I grow, becoming a better person, [songs] map my recovery and my connection with the spirit world.”
Formerly a member of the Black Turtles (Tim played keyboards for the central-desert-reggae band over three years), Tim’s own band is called the Green Hand Band. Tim writes the songs, which are then arranged and performed by an eclectic group of players: Kelly on drums; Dubs on slide guitar; Chris on rhythm guitar; Kili on ukulele; Minnie on trumpet; Anthony on drums and percussion; Dave on bass; and Amanda on vocals. “We’re all from different cultural backgrounds,” Tim says. “Hawaiian, Chilean, English and Tuvaluan. We’re also looking for a sax player!”
The Green Hand Band has been together almost a year. The musicians rehearse at the Pitts in Marrickville and have played various community gigs and charity events. On October 15 they will perform as part of a Carers’ Week concert at Martin Place.
“We’re mostly reggae, influenced by Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Toots and the Maytals … mixed with desert rock, it’s a uniquely Australian sound.” Tim pays respect to band-member Kelly who leads music workshops throughout the country and Dave who teaches music with troubled youth in western Sydney. “Each of us has something to offer apart from music skills,” Tim says. “That’s what we want to do – empowerment through music … healing, education, recovery.”
The Green Hand Band has submitted a demo to Gadigal Records, and is one of 30 bands vying for five arts grants from the local label. “We’re hopeful,” Tim says. “The grant includes recording time at the Gadigal studio, promotion, marketing and a local launch.”
You can follow the band’s fortunes on their Facebook page.
