The so called So Far Away Calypso-Version from Sydney 1986

[Klaus74]

Hello and a happy new year to all fellow DS and MK fans every where.
Yes, at the moment i have again the so called So Far Away-Calypso-Version in my head, because it is very unique and special version and i like it very much. We all know that version from the Australian last concert in Sydney on 26. April 1986, and from the old  Christchurch-Show in March 1986 in NZ, too.
My question to all other song-experts here: 
Does  someone have more detailed information on the subject of that unique arrangement of SFA, Dire Straits played in Australia and New Zealand ?? I´m intrested in some background infos about the arrangement, the development of it, or the idea behind that arrangement, and of course whose idea it was to play SFA so unique.
A few years ago i have contacted John Illsley, but he couln´t  remember exactely the story or the development behind that arrangement. So i need some more help here.
Best wishes Klaus. 

[hunter]

My guess is that the band were just fooling around during soundcheck, and they decided to incorporate it into the show. It's nothing complicated about the arrangement, just a different rhythmic feel.

[Jules]

Hello and a happy new year to all fellow DS and MK fans every where.
Yes, at the moment i have again the so called So Far Away-Calypso-Version in my head, because it is very unique and special version and i like it very much. We all know that version from the Australian last concert in Sydney on 26. April 1986, and from the old  Christchurch-Show in March 1986 in NZ, too.
My question to all other song-experts here: 
Does  someone have more detailed information on the subject of that unique arrangement of SFA, Dire Straits played in Australia and New Zealand ?? I´m intrested in some background infos about the arrangement, the development of it, or the idea behind that arrangement, and of course whose idea it was to play SFA so unique.
A few years ago i have contacted John Illsley, but he couln´t  remember exactely the story or the development behind that arrangement. So i need some more help here.
Best wishes Klaus.

Send an email or facebook message to Alan Clark, he seems to remember very well those special arrangements.

[dmg]

A very similar, but "more calypso" version was played at the NHB Swan Hunter gig in '93.  I personally prefer that, even though the jokes wear thin after the 2nd listen.  I actually edited them out using software and now have a perfectly enjoyable non-cringeworthy version!  Overall though it has a better calypso vibe to it imho and doesn't turn into rock half way through.

[quizzaciously]

A very similar, but "more calypso" version was played at the NHB Swan Hunter gig in '93.  I personally prefer that, even though the jokes wear thin after the 2nd listen.  I actually edited them out using software and now have a perfectly enjoyable non-cringeworthy version!  Overall though it has a better calypso vibe to it imho and doesn't turn into rock half way through.

Is there any recording of that? I'd like to listen to it.

Trying to analyse this arrangement, I can't help but think it comes from fooling around on Gibson Chet Atkins, the thing sounds amazing! And makes the arrangement so enjoyable to me. I love that guitar, especially when you play Chet Atkins stuff on it and it sounds EXACTLY like on his records...

[Jules]

A very similar, but "more calypso" version was played at the NHB Swan Hunter gig in '93.  I personally prefer that, even though the jokes wear thin after the 2nd listen.  I actually edited them out using software and now have a perfectly enjoyable non-cringeworthy version!  Overall though it has a better calypso vibe to it imho and doesn't turn into rock half way through.

Is there any recording of that? I'd like to listen to it.

Trying to analyse this arrangement, I can't help but think it comes from fooling around on Gibson Chet Atkins, the thing sounds amazing! And makes the arrangement so enjoyable to me. I love that guitar, especially when you play Chet Atkins stuff on it and it sounds EXACTLY like on his records...

[Jules]

A very similar, but "more calypso" version was played at the NHB Swan Hunter gig in '93.  I personally prefer that, even though the jokes wear thin after the 2nd listen.  I actually edited them out using software and now have a perfectly enjoyable non-cringeworthy version!  Overall though it has a better calypso vibe to it imho and doesn't turn into rock half way through.

Curiously, Alan Clark was on the keyboards on that concert as well. Maybe Alan is really the person to ask about it 

[superval99]

A very similar, but "more calypso" version was played at the NHB Swan Hunter gig in '93.  I personally prefer that, even though the jokes wear thin after the 2nd listen.  I actually edited them out using software and now have a perfectly enjoyable non-cringeworthy version!  Overall though it has a better calypso vibe to it imho and doesn't turn into rock half way through.

Is there any recording of that? I'd like to listen to it.

Trying to analyse this arrangement, I can't help but think it comes from fooling around on Gibson Chet Atkins, the thing sounds amazing! And makes the arrangement so enjoyable to me. I love that guitar, especially when you play Chet Atkins stuff on it and it sounds EXACTLY like on his records...

Just noticed that the ticket stub from Leeds Town & Country 3rd July, 1993 was mine!   

[Klaus74]

Wow. The SFA version from that NHB-Gig is also very stunning.
Thanks to all for the further information on my SFA thought. Maybe i´ll try to get in contact with Alan Clark for further information. It will be a good idea.

[Knopflerfan]

A very similar, but "more calypso" version was played at the NHB Swan Hunter gig in '93.  I personally prefer that, even though the jokes wear thin after the 2nd listen.  I actually edited them out using software and now have a perfectly enjoyable non-cringeworthy version!  Overall though it has a better calypso vibe to it imho and doesn't turn into rock half way through.

Is there any recording of that? I'd like to listen to it.

Trying to analyse this arrangement, I can't help but think it comes from fooling around on Gibson Chet Atkins, the thing sounds amazing! And makes the arrangement so enjoyable to me. I love that guitar, especially when you play Chet Atkins stuff on it and it sounds EXACTLY like on his records...

Just noticed that the ticket stub from Leeds Town & Country 3rd July, 1993 was mine!   

Thats a really lovely ticket superval!