Starring
Tracy Mann David Reyne Sandra Lillingston Arky Michael Ric Herbert Robin Copp
Sweet and Sour is a fabulous Australian t.v series which screened on the ABC in 1984. It was produced internally for the ABC by Jan Chapman (The Piano, Lantana) It was a great mix of drama and music with some truly spectacular 80's fashion. The main storyline of the series followed the efforts of a fictional band, The Takeaways, to break into the Sydney music scene. Who didn't want to be in the Takeaways? I think it was my soul ambition in 1984!
In mid-1983 Sydney a band called The Takeaways is formed. Initially it consists of Carol Howard, Martin Kabel and George Poulopoulos. Carol Howard (Tracy Mann) is an attractive vocalist and novice guitarist from Melbourne; she had pursued an acting career with little success but is now focused on her music. Carol wrote her first song on the train to Sydney.
Martin Kabel (David Reyne)is an established, albeit unsuccessful, guitarist who wants to branch out from his current band: he would like to sing his own songs. Martin gets his chance with The Takeaways.
George Poulopoulos (Arky Michael) is more interested in playing soccer for the Combined Hellenic Travel Agents but reluctantly joins to play bass. He learns how to play at the band’s first practice session; slowly he overcomes his shyness to become a confident performer.
Darrell Winters (Ric Herbert) sees a quick dollar to be made as their manager; Darrell talks the talk and tries to walk the walk. He sets out to organise their first gig: a backyard barbecue! Fortunately better gigs followed in various Sydney pubs. Their first jam sessions are in an old boot factory. 'wikipedia'
Numerous famous Australian and New Zealand musicians and songwriters were involved in this TV series.
The title song of the series,"Sweet and Sour", was written by Sharon O'Neill, who also recorded the song in 1987 as "In Control". Deborah Conway (Do-Ré-Mi) was actor Tracy Manns' singing voice' and sang the hit "Sweet & Sour" which reached number 13 on the Aus' music charts.
The list of recording musicians/songwriters includes Tommy Emmanuel, Chris Bailey (The Angels, GANGgajang), Eric McCusker (Mondo Rock), Red Symons (Skyhooks), "Freddie" Strauks (Skyhooks), Todd Hunter (Dragon, XL Capris), Rick Grossman (Divinyls, Hoodoo Gurus), Mark Edwards (The Runners), Tony Buchanan (Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs mk2) and Reg Mombassa (Mental As Anything).
Cathy McQuade (Deckchairs Overboard) was Sandra Lillingston's 'singing voice' and John Clifforth (Deckchairs Overboard) was David Reyne's 'singing voice' (both Reyne and Herbert sang backing vocals on some tracks).
The soundtrack album went platinum, selling over 70,000 copies, and David Reyne won a Logie for his efforts.
FASCINATING FACT - Australian band GANGgajang were formed as a direct result of four of their members involvement as musicians/songwriters for this show: Chris Bailey, Graham Bidstrup, Mark Callaghan and Kay Bee. Who would have guessed.
Unfortunately Sweet & Sour is not available on DVD or online, with the ABC releasing this statement - "Due to copyright restrictions this program is unavailable for sale as it was produced on a broadcast only basis; thus restricting ABC Commercial from selling the material. There are no plans to re-broadcast this program."
Maybe we should start a Stars Hollow petition - just a thought.
3 comments:
Wow, not there's a blast from the past. Great job Jen in digging this one up.
Thanks Kell - although now I can't get that song out of my head.
tracey mann is great but how bad is david reyne
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