Purple Patch
Red and blue make purple, a good honest equation that never fails. Much like the combination of born and bred Alice Springs musicians Darcy Davis, Joey and Jeffery Klarenbeek, and Simeon Shepherd – aka Purple Patch – who this month embark on their Long Way to Tha Top End Tour with fellow Alice band Altitude in tow.
By Hannah Muir
With the privilege of being locals at their fingertips, the band has access to The Red House recording studio and The Blue Moon live music venue, moving between them as they jam, write and record their material. And, as pointed out earlier, red and blue makes purple, a fact not lost on the band as they were searching for a name.
Bringing together their individual backgrounds and styles, Purple Patch conjures up the sounds of psychedelic rock, blues and funk. They are yet another wonderful example of the pool of artistic talent from this small town in the desert. Perhaps it’s something in the illusive Todd River water or perhaps, like Darcy thinks, it’s growing up with limited options.
“It’s not like being in a city where there’s a bunch of entertainment or a bunch of things to do,” he said.
“You have to create to stay sane, you have to make events, like how Wide Open Space came about or Blacken [Festival]. No one’s going to do it for you. If you want to see a band, you’ve got to be a band.”
The commitment to creativity is evident with the level of skill in the band. Simo, for example, is described by Darcy as a “rock god”.
“He’s like an anomaly. He’s one of the best rock guitarists I’ve ever met, he’s phenomenal,” he said.
Piling into a 47-seater bus with music equipment, lights and a sound person, they shoot up the Stuart Highway ready for a swag of gigs in the Top End. Fittingly, the last show of the tour lands them at their spiritual home, The Blue Moon in Alice.
Purple Patch and Altitude Long Way to Tha Top End Tour
FRI 14 OCT, 8PM
UNICORN SHED, DARWIN | $20
SAT 15 OCT, 8PM
DARWIN RAILWAY CLUB | $20
SUN 16 OCT, 3PM
HUMPTY DOO HOTEL | FREE
FRI 21 OCT, 8PM
MEMO CLUB, TENNANT CREEK | FREE
SAT 22 OCT, 8PM
THE BLUE MOON, ALICE SPRINGS | $20
