They supported all the big Aussie acts that came to Geelong including Thorpie, Madder Lake etc. They also played the all day music festivals of the time, often showing up some bigger names. They were even making inroads into Melbourne when they broke up in the mid 70's.
They were known for their powerful live performances and distinctive sound, blending rock, jazz, and world music elements.
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| David Sumpter |
Shadowfax provided music for surf films like "On any Morning" and were highly regarded in the local scene. Gary Crothall has commented that David "The Mex" Sumpter was the man behind 70's Aussie surf movie 'On Any Morning' (see Facebook Post).
"In the early existence of Shadowfax we were approached by him to write music for the film. We wrote what became the title of the movie. It was great to play the song again at our recent 50 year reformation show (see photo below)".
Garry Quince (replaced De Jongh in 73) (guitar) (Redhouse/Finch)
"As far as I can recollect, Shadowfax (my favourite Geelong band at the time), did the support for Black Sabbath at Festival Hall in 1974. John O'Donnell (3XY sunday album show DJ) was at the gig and was so impressed with the band that he booked a session at Armstrongs Studio for them straight after the show. The band went in and recorded the track "Get Me There". It's taken from a cassette copy of the session, I would dearly love to get hold of a better quality dub but failing that - this is what we've got. Geelong 70's surf coast rock at its best".
Jerry Morrison (RIP) - Lead Vocals, Gary Quince - Lead Guitar, Jacques Dejong - Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals, Gary and Ric Crothall - Rhythm Section - Drums (Gary), Bass (Ric).
This is the rehearsal of the song that was the title track used in the surf movie of the same name (See Poster Right)
"Time In Space" featured Rudi Sudmeyer - Lead Vocals and Echoplex, Gary Crothall - Drums, Ric Crothall - Bass, Jacques DeJong - Guitar & Backing Vocals, Gary Quince- Lead Guitar.
Gary Crothall provided the original reel from this rehearsal a few years back and after a few attempts I've done my best to resurrect it. All Geelong-ites were in love with this band, the 2 guitar harmony attack and wishbone ash stylings combined with the pumping rock that permeated through to Redhouse, the Tatts and all of us from that period I guess. In a sense we all fed off each other in that 70's coastal scene, some of us working at rip curl all of us jamming til the wee hours -often. way too much gunja - nice to get such a reminder of the brilliant music we all immersed ourselves in.
Shadowfax band members were:
Jacques de Jongh (guitar) (Redhouse Roll Band, Hush, JPY All Stars)
(Pictured below)
Rick Crothall (Bass) (Redhouse / Dallimore)
John Annas (Drums) (Kevin Borich Express-he played the AMAZING solo on Going Downtown), Broderick Smith's Big Combo, Runners, Spaniards, Kevin Borich again),
Rudi Sudmeyer (Vocals) (Cyril B Bunter)
Gary Crothall (drums) (replaced Annas in '75) (Redhouse/RedhouseRoll Band / Goanna)
John Dallimore (guest guitarist) (Redhouse, Dallimore, Jon English's Foster Brothers, Brian Cadd/Max Merritt Band, Max Merritt's Meteors (90's)
Note: After compiling this 'Rare Demo's Collection', it was clarified by Garry Quince that John Dallimore was only a guest guitarist with the band at the time, and the excellent lead guitar work on these demo's was in fact by Garry himself.
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| Shadowfax 1973 |
The Rare Demos
These demos from 1973, recorded after Garry Quince had replaced De Jongh who'd moved on to the even better known Redhouse, but still with Annas; are the only known recordings by the band who never actually released anything officially. All tracks were composed by Quince & singer Sudmeyer. Unfortunately the tape it came from had seen better days but thanks goes to Michael & Dave for making them far more listenable.
The style is definately heavy rock bordering on heavy progressive rock on some tracks and the band's love of Tolkien is evident in some lyrics. (In fact, the band's name was also derived from Tolkien. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic, The Lord of the Rings, 'Shadowfax' was chief among horses. He shone by day and passed unseen at night).
The style is definately heavy rock bordering on heavy progressive rock on some tracks and the band's love of Tolkien is evident in some lyrics. (In fact, the band's name was also derived from Tolkien. In J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic, The Lord of the Rings, 'Shadowfax' was chief among horses. He shone by day and passed unseen at night).
And Garry's guitar positively howls throughout even before these recordings were improved upon. [Thanks to Micko for the liner notes and MP3/320 rip & WoodyNet for the artwork]
The tracks are:
01 - Hang On To Your Rock 'n' Roll
02 - Took Me To The Stars
03 - Time And Space
04 - Listen
05 - Scafe Our City
06 - On The Road Again
07 - Sunrise To The End
Band Members:
Garry Quince - Guitar
Rick Crothall - Bass
John Annas - Drums
Rudi Sudmeyer - Vocals
02 - Took Me To The Stars
03 - Time And Space
04 - Listen
05 - Scafe Our City
06 - On The Road Again
07 - Sunrise To The End
Band Members:
Garry Quince - Guitar
Rick Crothall - Bass
John Annas - Drums
Rudi Sudmeyer - Vocals
John Dallimore - Guest Guitarist
Shadowfax Rare Demo's Link (67Mb)
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| Shadowfax 50 year reunion gig at Fyansford Paper Mills Vault Studio (Nov, 2024) |
BONUS
Rob Harwood (Sound Engineer and guitarist) has since posted additional recordings on Soundcloud.com made by Shadowfax during the 70's. Rob has also provided some brief notes with these recordings. [Thanks to Rob Harwood for these recordings and reflections]"As far as I can recollect, Shadowfax (my favourite Geelong band at the time), did the support for Black Sabbath at Festival Hall in 1974. John O'Donnell (3XY sunday album show DJ) was at the gig and was so impressed with the band that he booked a session at Armstrongs Studio for them straight after the show. The band went in and recorded the track "Get Me There". It's taken from a cassette copy of the session, I would dearly love to get hold of a better quality dub but failing that - this is what we've got. Geelong 70's surf coast rock at its best".
Jerry Morrison (RIP) - Lead Vocals, Gary Quince - Lead Guitar, Jacques Dejong - Rhythm Guitar and Backing Vocals, Gary and Ric Crothall - Rhythm Section - Drums (Gary), Bass (Ric).
Listen to ["Get Me There" - Armstrongs Studio Session]
Listen to ["On Any Morning" - 1973 Rehearsal Archive]
Listen to ["Love Me All Night" - 1973 Rehearsal Archive]
Listen to ["City Streets" - 1973 Rehearsal Archive]
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| Shadowfax (photo taken at Barwon River) |
"Time In Space" featured Rudi Sudmeyer - Lead Vocals and Echoplex, Gary Crothall - Drums, Ric Crothall - Bass, Jacques DeJong - Guitar & Backing Vocals, Gary Quince- Lead Guitar.
Gary Crothall provided the original reel from this rehearsal a few years back and after a few attempts I've done my best to resurrect it. All Geelong-ites were in love with this band, the 2 guitar harmony attack and wishbone ash stylings combined with the pumping rock that permeated through to Redhouse, the Tatts and all of us from that period I guess. In a sense we all fed off each other in that 70's coastal scene, some of us working at rip curl all of us jamming til the wee hours -often. way too much gunja - nice to get such a reminder of the brilliant music we all immersed ourselves in.
Listen to ["Time In Space" - 1973 early Shadowfax rehearsal]
On a side note, I had the pleasure of sharing my secondary school years with both of the Harwood boys (Rob & Warrick) and seeing / hearing their musical talents develop during their early years playing with Saratoga at church halls and local pubs in Geelong. I was deeply saddened to learn of Warrick's passing back in 2020, and the legacy he has left behind from his days playing with Goanna and other great Aussie bands is significant. Deep sympathies to his partner Kerry and children and of course his brother Rob [AussieRock]
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