If you could choose the perfect ending to a Kimberley trip it would be a Pigram concert in Broome. And it happened.
The event was a fundraiser for Environs Kimberley at the Broome Convention Centre… “With Kimberley legend Stephen Pigram and other special guests…” the flyer said.
The guests were good. Albert Wiggan set the scene. He’s a Bardi man from the Dampier Peninsula. He knows the Kimberley and he fights for it. He has a singing voice a bit like Bob Marley.
Tanya Ransom presented her songs with some wild guitar from Wil Thomas and enhancements from multi-instrumentalist Kevin Jones. Ransom is one of those smitten by Broome and the songs show it.
Thomas then stepped forward with a band that grew and was especially enhanced by the presence of youngsters Harry Jakamarra and Elwood Gray. His was a passionate performance.
Stephen Pigram took a seat, as is his custom, fiddled around to find the right harmonica and then the songs kept coming. This time he was not in the company of his brothers but with sons Michael (percussion and vocals) and event MC Bart (guitar and uke) while daughter Ngaire came on late to add some vocals too. Old collaborators Michael Manolis and Andy Reid added to the sound and scene.
Seeing one of Australian music’s greats at his home ground was a treat. We got some family history, including a song written by his father, and a taste for the Kimberley every bit as real as the journey we had taken.
Photos by Les Everett.
For more on… Environs Kimberley
