By TERRI LEE FATOUROS
Hugo Race and his band The True Spirit recently returned from a three-month world tour, which saw them gigging to sell out venues pretty much everywhere.
Race has been honing his musical signature for many years, lending his name to numerous bands including world famous, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds and The Wreckery.
The line up in The True Spirit is rather spectacular, with remarkable musicians who, having experienced the gutsy side of life, can channel this worldly ambience into their music.
Brian Colechin plays bass and sings and Brett Poliness is the drummer. But it’s Michelangelo Russo who plays harmonica, trumpet and moog synth who I’d like to give a special mention to. Russo captures you instantly with soulful other-worldly riffs and ethereal harp. He is also a gifted artist and regularly exhibits his works in various galleries around the suburbs. Little wonder, then, that he creates a spellbinding tapestry of liquid art for the ears.
Hugo Race has written his memoirs in the form of a rich, kaleidoscopic book full of life, tales, right and wrong turns, ill-fated and successful adventures, that gives readers a subtle look at “life on the road” as a rockstar/musician. The book is called Road Series and was launched recently at the trendy Readings store in Lygon St, Carlton.
It’s a fascinating journey into the musician’s world of music, drugs, and the gritty, gutsy lifecycle it encompasses.
I’m guessing many musos will have several “ahhh…” moments while reading this book.
Road Series is available at Readings Bookstores and other retailers, as well as online from www.hugoracemusic.com
