Thank Folk It’s Friday – 12th May

May 12, 2017 at 16:13 (News, Week in Review)
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TFIF

This Week in Folk

All the News From The Week That Was

– Ed Sheeran released the video to his trad-pop track “Galway Girl”. Details here

– The Top Half Folk Festival announced it’s full 2017 lineup including The Ten Cent Shooters, Karen & Jacko, Rusty & the Infidels, Neil & Mel Phillips, Dave Oakes, Mary Flynn, Ted Egan, Bloodwood, Edan Baxter, Sally Balfour, Tony Suttor, Paul Stewart, Chris Pemberton, South Of Berrimah Line, Shamrock, Timber & Steel, Barney Foran, Bob Sharp, Phil Beck, Phil & Josh Gray, Ashlea Reale, Peter Bugden, Bob Barford, Ted & Carolynne Burns, Kirsty Robinson and Richard Gorter. Details here

– Melbourne based guitarist and singer-songwriter Justin Bernasconi announced details of his new album plus a bunch of upcoming tour dates. Details here

– New Hunter Valley event The Paddock Sessions announced their lineup including Imogen Clark, Abby Dobson, Joe Mungovan, Martha Marlow, This Way North, Vanishing Shapes, John Flanagan Trio, Finnian Johnson and many more. Details here

– Melbourne bluegrass and Americana duo The Weeping Willows released their new video “The Pale Rider”. Details here

– We premiered the new video from The Morrisons featuring Georgia Mooney (All Our Exes Live In Texas), “Long Time Travelling”. Details here

– Husky announced tour dates through June and July. Details here

– Sydney duo Diamond Duck released their new single “Marry Me By The Sea”. Details here

– Liz Stringer target=”_blank”>Liz Stringer has announced Big Tuesday String-a-Long featuring live conversations with the likes of Dr Lou Bennett, Deborah Conway, Neil Murray and Mick Thomas. Details here

Reviews

Gigs

“Welcome to Bluesfest, It’s Good Friday and the weather is glorious. Entering from Northern entrance, you’re greeted by an avenue of stalls and people with a vast and exciting line up ahead of you. It’s 12.30pm, the sun is overhead, you’ve got money on your RFID wrist band and the bars are plentiful! Taking a tour through the entire site, past the Juke Joint and Boomerang Stage, Delta Stage, past the enormous Mojo and Crossroad stages” – KT Bell takes us through Friday of Bluesfest. Review here

“It’s Saturday and celebration day! Yes, we’re marking a birthday so today includes a sleep in and much frivolity throughout the day” – KT Bell takes us through Saturday of Bluesfest. Review here

“It’s chocolate day! And as we enter through the Southern gates the sounds of Lloyd Spiegel making the crowd laugh with his tales welcomes us to another glorious day of Blues, before we can hear Spiegel breaking in to a blistering rendition of “Lucille”. It’s his last tune, so maybe we’ll catch him again tomorrow” – KT Bell takes us through Sunday of Bluesfest. Review here

“It’s the final day of Bluesfest and emotions are a mixed bag of excitement for what ahead, sadness that it’s ending and a bit of relief from the continual stimulation and inspiration from so many amazing artists” – KT Bell takes us through Monday of Bluesfest. Review here

Releases This Week

Bonnie Prince Billy
Best Troubador – Bonnie “Prince” Billy
iTunes

Martha Tilston
Nomad – Martha Tilston
iTunes

Timber and Steel Recommends – Go To This Gig

The Mae Trio

Mae Trio

The Mae Trio officially launch their new album Take Care, Take Cover in their home town of Melbourne at their dream venue The Thornbury Theatre.

Friday 12th May – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC

Gigs Next Week

Adam Young, Sasha March
Saturday 13th May – Golden Barley Hotel, Sydney, NSW

Amber Lawrence & Catherine Britt w/ Fanny Lumsden
Saturday 13th May – Ettalong Diggers, Ettalong, NSW
Thursday 18th May – Loxton Club, Loxton, SA
Friday 19th May – Pretoria Hotel, Mannum, SA

Appalachian Heaven
Friday 12th May – The Caravan Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Sunday 14th May – The Last Jar, Melbourne, VIC

Bluegrass Brunch feat. The Willing Ponies
Sunday 14th May – George Hotel, Sydney, NSW

Bob Evans
Friday 12th May – 5 Church St, Bellingen, NSW
Saturday 13th May – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD

Brendon Moon
Saturday 13th May – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW

Burradise Festival
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th May – Culburra, NSW

Cash Savage & The Last Drinks
Friday 19th May – The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD

Daniel Champagne
Friday 12th May – The Singing Gallery, McLaren Vale, SA
Saturday 13th May – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Wednesday 17th May – Republic Bar & Cafe, Hobart, TAS
Thursday 18th May – Royal Oak, Launceston, TAS
Friday 19th May – Mountain Mumma, Sheffield, TAS

Davidson Brothers
Friday 12th May – The Caravan Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Saturday 13th May – Yinnar Hotel, Yinnar, VIC

Diamond Duck
Friday 12th May – The Commons, Newcastle, NSW
Saturday 13th May – 63 First Ave, Sawtell, NSW
Sunday 14th May – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW

Fairlight Folk feat. Lime and Steel, Datson Hughes, Jasmine Beth
Saturday 13th May – Fairlight Folk, Sydney, NSW

Finders Keepers Sydney
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th May – Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney, NSW

FolkSwagon feat. Jye Whiteman, Jannah Beth, Coast & Ocean
Wednesday 17th May – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW

George Washingmachine & Peter Baylor Supper Club on Shakespeare
Friday 12th May – Carlton Scout Group, Melbourne, VIC

Get Folked Punk feat. Medusa’s Wake, Blackie, Isaac Graham
Thursday 18th May – LazyBones Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Harmaniax
Tuesday 16th May – The Last Jar, Melbourne, VIC

Harvest Festival
Saturday 13th May – Bicentennial Park, Melbourne, VIC

Harvey Russell, Sasha March, Matt J Ward
Thursday 18th May – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW

Helen Shanahan
Saturday 13th May – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne, VIC

Hootenanny feat. Callum Wylie
Sunday 14th May – Miss Peaches, Sydney, NSW

James Fahy, The Burley Griffin
Thursday 18th May – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne, VIC

James Kenyon Trio w/ Nick Huggins, Ruth Lindsey, Tracey Hogue
Thursday 18th May – Tago Mago, Melbourne, VIC

Jayson Watkin
Sunday 14th May – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC

Jeff Lang
Friday 12th May – The Agrestic, Orange, NSW
Saturday 13th May – The Gearin, Katoomba, NSW
Thursday 18th May – Lizottes, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 19th May – Hardys Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay, NSW

John Flanagan Trio
Saturday 13th May – Commonground, Hilldene, VIC
Thursday 18th May – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Friday 19th May – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW

Justin Bernasconi
Friday 19th May – Basement Discs In-Store, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 19th May – Saint Monday, Yackandandah, VIC

Katie Harder
Saturday 13th May – House Concert, Melbourne, VIC

Kim Churchill
Thursday 18th May – Old Museum, Brisbane QLD
Friday 19th May – Meat Market, Melbourne VIC

Kingston Harvest Festival
Saturday 13th May – Bicentennial Park, Melbourne, VIC

Kirsty Bromley
Saturday 13th May – Humph Hall, Sydney, NSW

Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes and The Weeping Willows
Saturday 13th May – Palais Theatre, Franklin, TAS
Sunday 14th May – MONA, Hobart, TAS
Friday 19th May – Rooty Hill RSL, Sydney, NSW

Little Wise
Wednesday 17th May – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Man Of Constant Sorrow: The Music of O Brother Where Art Thou feat. The Morrisons, All Our Exes Live In Texas, Brian Campeau, Luke Escombe
Wednesday 17th May – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 18th May – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Friday 19th May – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Mandy Connell w/ Fire in the Head
Sunday 14th May – Tago Mago, Melbourne, VIC

Mick Thomas
Friday 19th May – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC

Miss Eileen and King Lear w/ Ayleen O’Hanlon, Rich Davies, Forever Son
Thursday 18th May – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC

Nat Henry, Mitch Power & Andrew Swift
Friday 12th May – Skylark Room, Upwey, VIC

Peasant Moon
Saturday 13th May – Harvest Festival, Melbourne, VIC

Pierce Brothers
Thursday 18th May – Metro Lair, Sydney, NSW

Raised By Eagles
Friday 19th May – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC

Rise Above the Flood feat. Gyan, Dustyesky, Hussy Hicks, The Button Collective, Abbie Cardwell, Ben Wilson, Fingal, The Cassettes, Dustyesky
Friday 12th May – Byron Bay Community Theatre, Byron Bay, NSW

Rosie Burgess Trio
Friday 12th May – The Bottlerocket, Nowra, NSW
Saturday 13th May – Burradise Festival, Culburra, NSW
Sunday 14th May – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW

Rough River
Saturday 13th May – The Grace Darling, Melbourne, VIC

Round Mountain Girls
Saturday 13th May – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD

Sam Newton
Sunday 14th May – Blacksheep, Sydney, NSW

The April Family w/ Not Good With Horses
Thursday 18th May – Django Bar, Sydney, NSW

The Button Collective
Saturday 13th May – Tanamon Soundscape, Wooli, NSW

The Dusty Millers
Sunday 14th May – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC

The Mae Trio
Friday 12th May – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC

The Man They Call The Banjo
Saturday 13th May – Melbourne, VIC

The McClymonts
Friday 12th May – Services Club, Young, NSW
Friday 19th May – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns, QLD

The Peter Daffy & Luke Plumb Band
Saturday 13th May – The Last Jar, Melbourne, VIC

The Pigs
Saturday 13th May – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW

Tim Guy
Saturday 13th May – Charles Weston Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Tim Moxam & Liz Stringer
Friday 12th May – House Concert, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 13th May – Major Tom’s, Kyneton, VIC
Sunday 14th May – Saints and Sailors, Portarlington, VIC
Thursday 18th May – House Concert, Fremantle, WA
Friday 19th May – Bassendean Hotel, Perth, WA

Tim Solly
Friday 12th May – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 19th May – The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Newcastle, NSW

Tony O’Rourke, Nine Mile Creek
Thursday 18th May – The Last Jar, Melbourne, VIC

Totally Gourdgeous
Thursday 18th May – 303, Melbourne, VIC

Wild Honey, Golden Whistler
Friday 19th May – Macquarie Towns Music Club, Richmond, NSW

William Crighton
Friday 12th May – Leadbelly, Newtown, NSW
Saturday 13th May – Smiths Alternative, Canberra, ACT

Wise Women: Mothers’ Day Concert feat. Louisa Wise, Lucy Wise, Ruth Wise and Rowena Wise
Sunday 14th May – Chalice Northcote Uniting Church Hall, Melbourne, VIC

Friday Folk Flashback

“Generation Rent” – Megson

A timely track from the England duo that could very well have been written about the Australian experience of trying to save for a house.

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Bluesfest Review: Monday Monday

May 8, 2017 at 18:29 (Festivals, Reviews)
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St Paul & the Broken Bones at Bluesfest. Photos by Stuart Bucknell Photography

It’s the final day of Bluesfest and emotions are a mixed bag of excitement for what ahead, sadness that it’s ending and a bit of relief from the continual stimulation and inspiration from so many amazing artists.

We have to see Blind Boy Paxton again after last year’s show, so we’re here at 1:30pm at the Delta stage as Paxton starts on the keyboard with a sound sentimental to the golden age of Hollywood, a delightful dash of honky tonk and and old times blues sensation. With a dextrous trill of the keys, he has us all enthralled. Paxton says he’s starting off easy “as you all partied to hardy at the festival” last night, and we all laugh, evidence of how he easily builds rapport with the crowd with delightfully timed jokes and comments. He quips “Y’all let me sit off centre [of the stage] and not tell me. Is there anything on my face!?” and breaks in to a huge grin, we chuckle and settle in to enjoy his acoustic guitar dripping in old time blues. The twinkle of his eye matches the twinkle of the guitar strings before he pulls out the harmonica for a spirited performance with rhythm sticks, which keep the momentum going as he sings the refrains.

As fans of early 2000s rockers, Jet, we thought we’d better check in at Crossroads stage to see where the band’s Nic Chester is at these days, and for a 2:15pm chill out, we’re not disappointed. A delicious blend of indie rock and blues soaked riffs greets. His signature vocals hammer home his comfort and familiarity on stage, bringing the crowd in to the fold of his stories.

At 3pm we wander to the Jambalaya stage for Tony Joe White and the crowd erupts in applause as the legend takes to the stage. It seems appropriate at Easter to have a voice as deep and smooth as chocolate smother you in blues, and we all revel in its seductive tones. White rumbles along like percolating coffee, earthy, enticing and altogether satisfying with tones and tales.

After yesterday’s teaser, we decide to head to Delta stage at 4:30pm to see more of Lloyd Spiegel than a passing glimpse. It’s clear pretty quickly that Spiegel is a tongue in cheek wit as he jests that he “might as well tune my guitar on stage” before showing off fingers moving so fast there we half expect to see smoke rising from the fast finger friction! Clearly this set should have come with a warning sign! Amazing sounds stream out of one guitar, the likes equivalent of multiple guitars, and a stomp box the stamp out a hectic beat. Just as we think it’s reached it’s peak, Spiegel unleashes a laconic voice that dances with his guitar string. Ever the comedian, stories are told between songs making us all laugh. Did you know “the Queen thinks he world smells like fresh paint? Because everywhere she goes has been freshly painted!” And blues isn’t safe as he declares “Jeff Lang has never seen a guitarist play to their full capacity because they all shit themselves when he walks in!” His infectious sense of humour has the crowd in stitches and his ferocious fret work has us all in awe. If you want a real laugh, ask his about the guy who “won” the guitar in the raffle – the story is a corker!

As 5pm rolls around we dash to see St Paul & The Broken Bones at the Mojo stage. Their set flawed us last year and this year they’re up there as a must see! With a pre-recorded intro like something out of old Hollywood, but overtaken by old soul, the melody acts like siren song luring people in to join the crowds eagerly anticipating their show. After their 2016 roustabout style performance, this year they deliver a much more soulful and serene performance. The crowds are absorbed, transfixed and transported to another time through the multilayer musings, the sultry, emotive dalliances, and the standing ovation inspiring instrumentals. As we’re all lulled in to their rhythm, they segue in to an upbeat and energetic full band piece laden with funk, just to wake up all of our senses and have us all moving to the beat!

Noticing a name we recognise, Ashleigh Mannix, as part of the folk-grunge duo line up for Little Georgia, we head to Juke Joint to catch their 6pm set. We’re greeted with “This Old House” in sublime harmonised vocals and one-two combination of an acoustic and an electric guitar working together like the best sweet and sour you’ve ever tasted. Delivering an electrified indie vibe with a side of dirty grunge, the duo still trips lightly along the line between acoustic sensibilities and a fully electric sound. The instruments sonically dance together rather than battling for supremacy and a gutsy, punchy opening cements them within the minds of the crowd. Mannix’s vocals offer a depth of tone and nuance, highlighted by Carter’s higher pitched twang. Together they have an intimacy on stage that connects the two yet invites the crowd in to fully experience the counterpoints of lyrical progression. As they both switch to acoustic guitars, the difference has a significant change to their sound and vibe creating a very upbeat and organic sound. Their set wanders deeply in to the folk and indie realms, revels in its joyousness, crosses in to mournful lament, a sentimental melancholy with the sweetest treatment musically, and dives back in to the grunge element seamlessly. Definitely an act to keep an eye on!

We decide to venture to the Craft Beer Bar and grab a stool out the front to catch some of Kasey Chambers‘ 6:45pm set at Crossroads stage. She has everyone singing, even the guy in the crowd sporting a full beard and passionate rendition of “Not Pretty Enough”. Chambers charms the crowd with her deliciously harmonised songs where country meets blues and spell binding rendition of crowd favourites.

Since it’s the last night, and we saw Sir Rosevelt the other night, we figure we should go and catch Zac Brown Band at 8:15pm on the Mojo stage. Our first reaction? “Holy shit!” That rumbling guitar opening and a whole bunch of country style toe tapping, hand clapping, clear plucking, good-time hoe-down style cacophony hits us like a wave, picking us up and taking us on a wild ride. There is wild fiddle tearing the house down with an electric boost smashing “Whiskey’s Gone” in to the ether. Lead singer Brown has the crowd in palm of hand, we’re cheering at the intro and singing along in a heartbeat, whether we know the words or not. A full spectrum performance where we traverse the upbeat, the solemn, the optimistic, heartfelt and the lamentful touch points of life. And to top it off, for the second time this festival, we are treated to a spirited cover of Bohemian Rhapsody.

To finish the night, and bring our festival to an end, we swing by the Delta stage at 9pm to witness The Record Company. Reminiscent of Ash Grunwald’s vigor with harmonica, distorted mic but with a kicking bass guitar and hefty drums backing up. As a delectable counterpoint, the fine harmonica trills are the main instrument when lead singer Vos is not singing. A powerful rock crescendo to finish our Bluesfest experience.

If you think you’d like to head to Bluesfest 2018, early bird tickets are now available to buy at heavily discounted prices. Essentially, every time we’ve ever been, it’s guaranteed a great line up and festival. If you’ve never been, do what you can to make it one year!

Trip back over our full weekend at Bluesfest:

5 Things We Learned at Bluesfest 2017
Bluesfest Review: Good Friday is a fine day!
Bluesfest Review: Saturday Celebration
Bluesfest Review: Sweet Sunday

Head to our Facebook Page to see our full collection of photos from the festival

Highlights from Monday at Bluesfest

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Bluesfest Review: Sweet Sunday

May 7, 2017 at 21:08 (Festivals, Reviews)
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Buddy Guy at Bluesfest. Photos by Stuart Bucknell Photography

It’s chocolate day! And as we enter through the Southern gates the sounds of Lloyd Spiegel making the crowd laugh with his tales welcomes us to another glorious day of Blues, before we can hear Spiegel breaking in to a blistering rendition of “Lucille”. It’s his last tune, so maybe we’ll catch him again tomorrow.

Our main aim is to grab lunch and make haste to see Glenn Cardier and the Sideshow, at 1:30pm on the Delta stage. It’s a modest but keen crowd as Cardier’s moody blues kicks off the day. The Sideshow delivers a tight meld of consummate musicians, producing a slick sound and emotive melody from the album ‘Stranger Than Fiction’. A high energy and animated performance of “Rust in my Tail Fin” has us all going, and you’ve got to love a piano accordion in the mix with electric guitar, acoustic drums and a double bass!

Heading to the Mojo stage for a 2pm grin-fest Jake Shimabukuro and his wicked ukulele. Touting his new album recorded in Nashville, Shimabukuro is accompanied only by an electric bass. The strummy sound of a ukulele can brighten the most melancholy tune and the Beatle’s “Eleanor Rigby” does just that as an opening, a delicate and haunting treatment of a favourite that turns up the energy with smooth bass underpinning. Shimabukuro’s sense of humour and light banter is perfect for the sunny afternoon and he introduces a song inspired by his favourite show growing up. The song is called “Ukelele-5-0” and we all laugh along with the joke as high energy and spirited number traverses tempo and vibe, delivering a sense of emotion, through a journey that awakens the mind and heart of us all. His epic dexterity and speed builds to crescendo and then lulls in to a beautifully entwined and intricate plucked wonder. After a decadent medley of some favourite pop tunes, and something with a Spanish flair, he finishes the set with a crowd sing-a-long to Bohemian Rhapsody!

We make our way to catch Mud Morganfield at 3pm on the Delta stage. With a honky tonk style sound filled with riffing beats, twanging electric guitar, jiving keys and a whole lot of sass pouring forth from the stage, we’re all bopping along before we even know it. A wicked harmonica solo herald the entrance of the man himself, the son of legend Muddy Waters, Mud Morganfield steps out on stage. This is real old school blues, where you can’t help but sway along. The entire crowd is tapping, bopping or swaying to the old time jive sensibilities transporting us to another time.

After grabbing a quick drink and bite to eat, we settle in to witness Buddy Guy take over Bluesfest in his 5:30pm set on the Crossroads stage. His performance is so highly anticipated that the crowd not only packs out the tent and overflows behind, but is also overflowing to the sides, all the way to the big screen and back to the craft beer bar. And Buddy didn’t disappoint. Starting big and only going bigger, he may be 80 but he gives the rest of his band a run for their money. Resplendent in polka dots, Buddy commands the stage with both his presence and his swaggering guitar riffs. His voice shackled the high notes and melted all the way down through every blues note with such passion and showmanship. The extremely talented members of his musical collective frame his iconic style perfectly, as he brings it right down and plays with the audience, teasing us right up to the punchy, powerhouse moments. When an Octogenarian plays the guitar with his goddamn elbow, followed by his “belt buckle” you know this is the cheekiest 80-year-old we’ll ever see.

We pop up to the Juke Joint at 6:30pm to check out Max Jury. Opening with a chilled vibe with just Jury on keyboard and singing a solemn love song, it’s a great stepping stone to the full ensemble as the 5-piece band joins him on stage, complete with two female backing singers. We’re treated to “Numb”, a soul filled tune with glorious backing vocal harmonies and followed by “Little Jean Jacket” a tender melancholy, with sweet backing vocals building a soft cocoon around the sentimentality of the song, as the mellow bass and drums slide in underneath and lift the music to flow out over the crowd. As Jury moves from the keys to strings, glorious uplifting backing vocals presents “Ella’s Moonshine”, a more upbeat tempo shifts the whole vibe to more of a troubadour or journeyman style.

After some delicious dinner, we visit the Mojo stage for Michael Kiwanuka’s 8:30pm set and are greeted with an epic intro full of synth, and eventually Kiwanuka joins the stage with a guitar that sings its way through the crowd, calling us together to join the night. A smooth, soulful “Cold Little Heart” rolls forth with velvet like vocals and the crowd flocks to him, drawn by the enigmatic quality of his music.

We move along, wearied by the days of music to experience, and make one last stop for the day at 9pm to Jambalaya for legend Mavis Staples. We saw her last year and could not miss her this year, even if just for a glimpse. Staples walks on stage oozing style and panache, and gives a cheeky knowing look as she and her retinue blasts out  a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” as a statement opening number with signature beautiful harmonised backing and an edge of funk to the whole delivery. The entire performance demonstrates Staples’ professionalism, working with the backing vocalists and delivering a slick production that is rehearsed and wonderfully collaborative in its style. Opportunities to showcase each vocalist and their contribution or specialty are plentiful and it’s clear that time was taken to plan the set to highlight different members of the ensemble. Staples addresses the crowd, telling us that “at Bluesfest, the people are so warm and beautiful, we are welcomed, hospitality plus, personality plus. It’s our family! We bring you greetings from the Windy City. We’ve come this evening to bring you some joy, some happiness, some inspiration” as the most glorious rendition of “The Weight” then carries us in to the night.

It may have been traditionally a day filled with chocolate, but we’ve filled our senses with spectacular performances and astounding music, and very excited for the last day of Bluesfest still to come.

Catch up on all the action:
Good Friday Review
Easter Saturday Review

View our full Bluesfest photo gallery on our Facebook Page.

Highlights from Sunday at Bluesfest

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Bluesfest Review: Saturday Celebration

May 6, 2017 at 14:54 (Festivals, Reviews)
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Vintage Trouble at Bluesfest. Photos by Stuart Bucknell Photography

It’s Saturday and celebration day! Yes, we’re marking a birthday so today includes a sleep in and much frivolity throughout the day.

After arriving via the southern car park and gate, you stroll straight to The Wilson Pickers’ 2pm set at Jambalaya to be greeted by a decadent, slow building guitar intro coupled with the howling harmonica and sublime close harmonies of “Man of Misery.” It’s a striking and beautiful balance between the full sound of 5 part harmonies and 5 stringed instruments all having their moment to shine and lead the way. Through you’re treated to their playful interaction with the audience and every opportunity to clap along. In particular, they give a real gift with a stunning, spine tingling rendition of Jolene!

After stopping to grab a doughnut (who needs birthday cake when you can have a hot, chocolate filled doughnut!?) you’re ready to kick back and take in the sparkling wit and cheek of Billy Bragg. It’s 4:30pm and the Crossroads stage is already overflowing for this sure fire favourite. Sitting outside, we’re bathed in afternoon sun with an enormous Bragg on screen in front of us. He’s jovial, tongue firmly in cheek, and you would hardly even notice he’s performing solo, his sheer personality and presence fills the stage. Irreverent and political as always, he’s not shy of poking fun at himself, especially when he gets his own songs wrong. His sarcastic wit is razor sharp as he quips “thank goodness it’s not one of those gigs with great big screens either side of stage that show the worried look on your face!” to which we all laugh heartily.

We all expect a Dylan cover, but Bragg’s signature mischief makes it current, changing lyrics to become “But the times, they are a changing BACK!” much to the glee of the audience. Bragg continues to make every piece of his set relevant to right now. One of the more pertinent moments is when he claims “Sexuality rules do not apply to me. There is a crisis in masculinity. This weekend, men all over will be pressurised in to doing things they don’t want to. For many, many years our sisters have rightly fought against the pressure to be a domestic goddess. Now it’s our turn to resist the pressure to be a DIY demon. Admit we’re never going to be as good at shit as our Dad’s were. To a man with a hammer in their hand, everything looks like a nail. That nail will never go in straight no matter how many times we bang it in. There are other ways to express your innate masculine creativity.” He has personality in spades and it’s the first time we’ve seen him live. It’s not his musicality hat commands attention, but his personality and attitude of inclusion and solidarity. He even gets a rarity at festivals, an encore, with the entire crowd singing along to “A New England”.

With our stomachs and cheeks hurting from laughing, we head back to the Crossroads stage at 6pm to catch Vintage Trouble’s guaranteed wowser of a show. They astounded us last year and this year is no different. Blasting on to the stage, they are full of energy and aim to please. A non-stop soul overload, with a cherry on top as Beth Hart joins the extravaganza on stage for “Run Baby, Run”.

We pop over to the neighbouring Jambalaya stage to catch the end of feisty Irish Mythen’s set, whom we lost our minds over last year. The atmosphere is thick with joy and the jovial feel only increases as we step inside, just in time for a stirring, completely a Capella rendition of Joplin’s “Mercedes Benz”, with every voice joining and all hands clapping. Mythen delivers a powerhouse, gut wrenching finale to  such a well known and loved song, complete with huge notes and a deserved enormous crowd response. In a delightful surprise finish, Mythen is joined on stage by an adorable toddler, Lois, the daughter of Cass Eager (who also joins them on stage). Mythen comments that “Four walls are very special to me. If the people around you are happy and healthy and you’ve got a roof over your head, you’re too goddamn rich” to introduce Eager giving a stunning a Capella performance of “None of that Matters” and to finish the set, Mythen tears the house down and fires up the crowd with her signature “Jesus Be Reasonable”.

We swing by the Crossroads stage to catch Beth Hart’s 7.30pm set and are met with a sassy, powerful, soulful performance with a delicate balance between the power and energy of the full band and the intimacy of her solo moments. The soul soaked blues wrap us all in familiarity while the funky piano riffs as Hart takes to the keyboard picks us all up in mood and energy for “Spirit of God”. The way Hart strikes a harmony between solemn piano interludes and the visceral, earthy backing from the band is mesmerising.

At 9pm we stop in at the Mojo stage and watch curiously as Sir Rosevelt’s video intro sets the scene, complete with moody tones and high production values. The crowd welcomes the band to the stage, the dapper gents and their instant impact of powerful, punctuated lyrics from lead singer Zac Brown energises the crowd and takes us in a direction we really didn’t anticipate! Some really divine slide guitar has their sound soaked in strings and attitude. Here we were thinking this was going to be an electrified pop-folk showcase, but then they bring on the dance! The instant reaction from us all is, “Woah!!” as a full scale dance track, complete with choreographed dancers smashes expectations and takes over the stage. We can hardly believe the combination of the funk laden dance with acoustic guitars! It’s a crazy, weird but funky meld of the two genres, pop-folk and dance, but we like it as we groove into the night.

To finish the night, we indulge in a quick stop to see Nahko and Medicine for the People at 9.30pm at the Jambalaya stage. We caught glimpses of them last year so make an effort to take in some of their set before departing for home. Filling the stage with energy and the vibe of fully intertwined workings of a 6-piece ensemble, the diversity is all encompassing with lots of influences and sounds melding together to create musical medicine for the people. They pack a punch with a very upbeat and full sound, enveloping us with their combination of rock and horns and strings. It feels like Power-folk!

After another huge day, we head for home and look forward to what is still to come over the next two days.

Missed Friday? Come for a walk with us through Bluesfest on Good Friday.
View our full Bluesfest photo gallery on our Facebook Page.

Highlights from Saturday at Bluesfest

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Bluesfest Review: Good Friday is a fine day!

May 6, 2017 at 13:59 (Festivals, Reviews)
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Busby Marou at Bluesfest. Photos by Stuart Bucknell Photography

This year, we thought we’d take you on a walking tour, dropping in to different stages across four days of Bluesfest – for those who might have missed an act, or couldn’t make it.

Welcome to Bluesfest, It’s Good Friday and the weather is glorious. Entering from Northern entrance, you’re greeted by an avenue of stalls and people with a vast and exciting line up ahead of you. It’s 12.30pm, the sun is overhead, you’ve got money on your RFID wrist band and the bars are plentiful! Taking a tour through the entire site, past the Juke Joint and Boomerang Stage, Delta Stage, past the enormous Mojo and Crossroad stages, all the way to the far end to find respite in the shade at the Jambalaya stage.

Busby Marou are already commanding an enormous crowd in spite of the early time slot and their upbeat vibes are well received with the crowd still flowing in, toe tapping and bopping along. Stories about meeting Paul Kelly at an Awards night and the advice given on the monumental difference between incredible international gigs and starting out in Mittagong in 1979 are the jovial introduction to “Drink the World Dry.” An emphatic cover of INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart” has us all singing along and indulging in a bit of air guitar. A final cover of Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer” carries us all the way to the bar for a cheeky bevy and through the food hall for a bite to eat.

Rhiannon Giddens Bluesfest 2017 by Stuart Bucknell PhotographyAt 2:15pm you find yourself at the Crossroads to catch Bluesfest sweetheart, Rhiannon Giddens in a banjo laden opening number. Showing off her range, a bit of scat treats the crowd to the power behind her vocals, as her diverse and all-encompassing set rolls out to very happy ears complete with some honky tonk blues, soulful a Capella and a hint of bayou country panache. The passion from Giddens is palpable as a hush settles over the crowd, “At the Purchasers Option” haunts the audience with it’s 18th Century sensibilities. With the crowd in the palm of her hand, Giddens delivers an emotive one-two with her signature style. “We Could Fly” tells us a folk tale of old the people who could once fly but have since forgotten how, in a tender yet compelling lyrical journey. To round out a set jam packed with plucky old time reminiscence, gutsy powerful vocals and vulnerable trilling notes, title track “Freedom Highway” brings everyone together for a final huge response.

Wandering up to Boomerang stage, in front of Juke Joint, 3:45pm strikes and Yirrmal takes to the stage with a stirring indigenous opening. Between the two acoustic guitars and the stunning clarity of storytelling, a beautiful blend of English and indigenous language delivers a delicious cross over of both the expectations of an indigenous performance and an acclaimed acoustic act. His language punctuates the story and connects it back to earth and people in a way that is felt rather than heard.

The Strumbellas hit the Delta stage at 4:30pm with a first impression reminiscent of an early Boy and Bear folk-rock vibe, complete with sweet violin that carries the melody out above the full band sound. Around us, the crowd gets involved in the call and response, calling “Hey” to the world and joining in the easy to pick up lyrics and chorus. They deliver feel good happiness, wrapped up in a song. Graduating from the indie folk feel in to the heavier rock influenced folk, we all still erupt in cheers for the violin solo!

After a break and recharge over hearty fare and a drink tapped on the wristband, the much anticipated Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue bust on to the Mojo stage like we’ve partied all night long, not like it’s 7pm on a Friday! With a cataclysmic trombone leading an all guns blazing repertoire, we take some time away from the folk to appreciate the funk. The high energy hypnotises the crowd and Trombone Shorty’s dexterity playing both trombone and the most amazing, long trumpet trill that would put even the best Circular breathers to shame has us all dancing. The sheer joy on stage, evident thank to the bands on stage dancing antics creates a kind of intimacy, like we’ve been invited to a private party or club. The jazz trips over the funk and falls amongst the RnB that pulls itself together and gives us the show of a lifetime, every time. A powerhouse performance.

After a bite and a breather, it’s time for what many have been heralding as the Folktastic headliner, The Lumineers at 10:45pm on the Crossroads stage. Their opening builds anticipation and when you realise their recordings sound the same as their live performance, you know you’re in for a great show. Such a genuine and authentic sound, true to what we are so used to, has the crowd besides themselves as “Classy Girls” bursts forward with a real fervour and speed yet haunting cello punctuation. We’re surprised with

“Ho Hey” very early on and, unsurprisingly we all respond with wild abandon. Darling of the set, “Cleopatra” follows soon after with all of us in fine voice while “Dead Sea” has an earthy, grounded tone, like a low cloud or fog on the crowd to hush and sooth us. While we know and love every offering from their back catalogue, there’s a particularly special air as an upbeat rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” delivers a great vibe through a combination of strings, piano and thumping bass to mesh the band and crowd together.

The late night and huge traffic queue to leave the car park is worth it as we’re buzzing from head to toe with the first day’s Bluesfest blast.

See the full gallery of photos on our Facebook page.

Highlights from Friday at Bluesfest

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Thank Folk It’s Friday – 28th April

April 28, 2017 at 15:39 (News, Week in Review)
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TFIF

This Week in Folk

All the News From The Week That Was

– Melbourne folk-pop duo Pierce Brothers have announced details of their upcoming EP The Records Were Ours and national tour dates in May. Details here

– Country-rock band Raised By Eagles released their new single “Shape & Line”. Details here

– We premiered the new video from the John Flanagan Trio, “Beauty On The Bottom”. Details here

– Busby Marou released their touching new video “Paint This Land” for ANZAC Day. Details here

– Australian bush music legends The Bushwackers released their new single “Dirt Under My Nails”. Details here

– Sydney jam night Bluegrass @ Yulli’s announced The Tawny Owl Stringband as their May feature artist. Details here

– Melbourne singer-songwriter Bill Jackson released his new video “Double Shot”. Details here

– American singer-songwriter Pieta Brown released her new video “Rosine”. Details here

Interviews

“The new album is definitely the most rock and roll sounding album of all my work,” Stringer says, after playing to a full house at the 2017 Candelo Village Festival. “The lead sound I’m getting now is definitely much more developed than when I was playing acoustic” – Liz Stringer chats to Elizabeth Walton. Interview here

Reviews

Track by Track

“Avid journaler, constant traveller and part time accordionist, Quinton Trembath, has returned to punk influenced acoustic guitar to chronicle his stories of friends and places. Just six months after releasing his first EP, Tuns of Fun, Trembath is back with new EP Good days, These Days, recorded in Hobart with the help of Cal Young and Hannah Morrell” – Track by Track here

Gigs

“Dreaming of the weekend? Wishing you could have another 4 days off? Well, step back in time to the Easter Weekend with our 5 things we learned at Bluesfest” – KT Bell recounts the 5 things she learnt at Bluesfest. Review here

Releases This Week

Blonde on Blonde
50 Years Of Blonde On Blonde – Old Crow Medicine Show
iTunes

Quinton
Good Days These Days – Quinton Trembath
Bandcamp

Timber and Steel Recommends – Go To This Gig

Davidson Brothers

Davidson Brothers

Davidson Brothers launch their amaizng new album All You Need Is Music’ in Melbourne.

Friday 28th April – Longhorn Saloon, Melbourne, VIC

Gigs Next Week

Appalachian Heaven Stringband
Monday 1st May – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC

Argyle Sun Sets feat. Katey Brooks, Lola Sola, Hollie Col
Sunday 30th April – Upstairs at Fred’s, Camden, NSW

Australian Celtic Festival
Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th May – Glen Innes, NSW

BATTS
Sunday 30th April – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne, VIC

Ben Wright Smith
Friday 28th April – Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW
Sunday 30th April – Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Thursday 4th May – Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Friday 5th May – Charles Sturt Univesity, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Billy Bragg
Friday 28th April – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle, WA

Bob Evans
Wednesday 3rd May – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba, NSW
Friday 5th May – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW

CANS w/ Alison Ferrier and The Happy Lonesome Duo
Friday 28th April – Tago Mago Club, Melbourne, VIC

Captain Spalding, Lachlan Bryan, The Weeping Willows
Sunday 30th April – Functions By The Bay, Frankston, VIC

Chloe & Jason Roweth, MaD aDaM
Saturday 29th April – Loaded Dog Folk Club, Sydney NSW

Dana Hassall
Saturday 29th April – Surfbeach Cafe, Narooma, NSW

Daniel Champagne
Sunday 30th April – Redcliffe On The Murray, Pinjarra, WA
Tuesday 2nd May – Little Village Music, Dunsborough, WA
Wednesday 3rd May – Mojos Bar, Fremantle, WA
Thursday 4th May – Four5Nine, Perth, WA
Friday 5th May – Town Hall, Yabberup, WA

Davidson Brothers
Friday 28th April – Longhorn Saloon, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 5th May – Goldmines Hotel, Bendigo, VIC

Diamond Duck
Friday 5th May – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne, VIC

FolkSwagon feat. Ella Belfanti, Cecilia Brandolini, Slow Ships
Wednesday 3rd May – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Frankston Music Festival
Friday 28th to Sunday 30th April – Frankston, VIC

Galilee Blockade Support Concert feat. Alannah Russach, Leah Flanagan, Steph Miller, Ricky Pann, Mark Lucas
Sunday 30th April – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW

Gena Rose Bruce
Thursday 4th May – The Tramway, Melbourne, VIC

Grigoryan Brothers
Friday 28th April – Birds Basement, Melbourne, VIC

Hootenanny feat. When Hawk met Sparrow
Sunday 30th April – Miss Peaches, Sydney, NSW

Jeff Lang
Friday 5th May – Imperial Hotel, Eumundi, QLD

Jemma Nicole & Mitch Power
Friday 28th April – LongPlay, Melbourne, VIC

Jo Meares and the Silver Bullets
Saturday 29th April – Tago Mago, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 30th April – Labour in Vain, Melbourne, VIC

Kasey Chambers
Friday 28th April – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton, WA
Saturday 29th April – Astor Theatre, Perth, WA
Sunday 30th April – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood, WA
Tuesday 2nd May – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury, WA
Thursday 4th May – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany, WA
Friday 5th May – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance, WA

Kelly Brouhaha
Friday 28th April – Billyroy’s Blues Bar, Bendigo, VIC

Kirsty Bromley
Sunday 30th April Shakespeare on the River Festival, Stratford, VIC

Lachlan Bryan & The Wildes and The Weeping Willows
Friday 5th May – Suttons House Of Music, Ballarat, VIC

Little Wise
Wednesday 3rd May – The Retreat, Melbourne, VIC

Liz Stringer
Friday 28th April – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs, VIC
Saturday 29th April – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 30th April – Torquay Bowls Club, Torquay, VIC

Lost Highway Bluegrass Festival
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May – Karuah, NSW

Mick Thomas
Friday 5th May – Basement Discs, Melbourne, VIC

Oh Pep!
Friday 28th April – Howler, Melbourne, VIC

Quinton Trembath
Saturday 29th April – Station Bar, Katoomba, NSW
Sunday 30th April – The Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle, NSW

Rich Davies & The Low Road
Friday 28th April – Two Goats Cafe and Baa, Armidale, NSW
Saturday 29th April – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW

Round Mountain Girls
Friday 28th April to Monday 1st May – Wintermoon Festival, Cameron’s Pocket, QLD

Songsters in support of the Galilee Blockade feat. Alannah Russack, Steph Miller, Ricky Pann, Mark Lucas
Sunday 30th April – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW

The 4 Divas feat. Jackie Marshall, Aine Tyrrell, Lucie Thorne, Melanie Horsnell
Saturday 29th April – Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre, Bega, NSW

The Beekeepers
Saturday 29th April – Bar Open, Melbourne, VIC

The Button Collective
Friday 28th April – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle, NSW

The Co-Ground Folk Show feat. The Bean Project, Susy Blue, Charm of Finches, Khristian Mizzi, Someday June
Friday 5th May – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC

The East Pointers
Friday 28th April to Monday 1st May – The Planting Festival, Woodford, QLD

The Last Jar Mussel Festival feat. Fat Cousin Skinny, Louisa Wise
Saturday 29th to Sunday 30th April – The Last Jar, Melbourne, VIC

The Mae Trio
Friday 28th April – Night Quarter, Gold Coast, QLD
Sunday 30th April – Brewery, Bellingen, NSW
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May – Vocal Ranges Festival, Kyneton, VIC

The McClymonts
Friday 28th April – CEX Coffs, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Saturday 29th April – Panthers, Port Macquarie, NSW
Friday 5th May – Dee Why RSL, Dee Why, NSW

The Northern Folk w/ The Bean Project
Wednesday 3rd May – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

The Planting Festival
Friday 28th April to Monday 1st May – Woodford, QLD

The Royal Parks w/ Slow Motion Picture, AmarinaWaters
Saturday 29th April – Bella Union, Melbourne, VIC

The Sauerkrauts
Sunday 30th April – The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba, NSW

The Spooky Men’s Chorale
Saturday 29th April – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 30th April – The Capital, Bendigo, VIC

The Sydney Square Dance feat. Narrownecks
Saturday 29th April – Annandale Neighbourhood Centre, Sydney, NSW

Tim Moxam & Liz Stringer
Thursday 4th May – The Lush Factory, Tilba Tilba, NSW
Friday 5th May – House Concert, Nowra, NSW

Tracy McNeil & The GoodLife
Friday 5th May – Longhorn Saloon, Melbourne, VIC

Vanishing Shapes
Sunday 30th April – The Sunken Monkey, Erina, NSW

Vocal Ranges Festival
Friday 5th to Sunday 7th May – Kyneton, VIC

Wide Open Space Festival
Friday 28th to Sunday 30th April – Ross River Resort, Alice Springs, NT

William Crighton
Friday 5th May – Bella Union, Melbourne, VIC

Wintermoon Festival
Friday 28th April to Monday 1st May – Cameron’s Pocket, QLD

Friday Folk Flashback

“Annabelle Lee” – Sarah Jarosz

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Bluesfest Review: 5 things we learned at Bluesfest 2017

April 27, 2017 at 17:40 (Festivals, Opinion, Reviews)
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Vintage TroubleVintage Trouble at Bluesfest, by Stuart Bucknell Photography

Before we give you our full wrap up, here’s 5 things we learned at Bluesfest this year:

1 – Byron Bay Organic Doughnuts are still THE most popular food item at the festival
It seems trivial, but food at festivals is a huge part of the experience, and ever since we’ve been going to Bluesfest, the Byron Bay Organic Doughnut stand has always had enormous queues. Our advice? Definitely get at least one, but get in the line any time you see that it’s short – no matter if it’s early in the day. #treatyourself!
NB: It turns out they’ve experienced heavy losses due to the floods, to we’re sending all the sugary vibes their way to be able to bounce back soon!

2 – Powerhouse Performances Guaranteed
I said it last year and I’ll say it again. Peter Noble knows how to program. Some of the most notable powerhouse performances to hit the Bluesfest stages this year were the electrifying Nikki Hill who blew the socks off everyone and had them clamoring for more, more, more; Kasey Chambers whose stellar set ranged through her back catalogue and her recent works, with everyone watching on proving they were in fine voice – when you’ve got a bearded man singing along word for word to “Am I Not Pretty Enough”, you know you’re on to a winner; Beth Hart stole hearts and minds both in her sass filled set and with her cameo with Soul legends, Vintage Trouble. Hart’s prowess and her effortlessly smooth transitions from full band, to solemn brevity on a solo piano piece, to funky piano riffs and soul soaked blues had her a firm favourite in the hearts of Bluesfest.

3 – Legends Never Die
Ok, so some actually do, and it’s sad when we lose a musical talent that has helped shape what we know and love, but the great thing about Bluesfest is the ability to bring out absolute legends who may be advanced in years but still have enough swagger to floor multiple thousands of people at once, just like 80 year old Buddy Guy did on the Sunday at the Crossroads stage, resplendent in polka dots and serving up a voice that shackled the high notes yet melted all the way down through every blues note to the bottom, playing guitar with his elbow, or his belt buckle, or it seems with his just his sheer personality. Mud Morganfield had the crowd entranced with the whim of his jive and old school blues sensibilities. And Mavis Staples blew the roof off the Jambalaya stage when her elegance and grace meshed with the most divine harmonies between herself and her backing singers. Staples spoke of her love for Bluesfest – the warmth and hospitality they receive from the people behind the scenes, acknowledging them as family. She declared that she came “to bring you some joy, some happiness, some inspiration” and that she did. Given it was Easter, it seemed only appropriate that a voice as deep and smooth as chocolate can smother you in blues, as Tony Joe White’s did, rumbling along like a percolated coffee – earthy, enticing, and altogether satisfying.

4 – Diversity in Styles and Causes
Bluesfest may boast the best line up of Blues, however, it’s steadfast reputation for quality means the door is open for Noble to select an eclectic mix of styles and genres that may be close to, derived from, or inspired by blues music. Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue carved up the stage with their cataclysmic, high energy, RnB fuelled, jazz infused funk; Sir Roosevelt’s moody intro and high production values set the scene for the melding of acoustic and dance music –  slide and acoustic guitars accompanied a full club scene vibe complete with choreographed dancers! Madness whipped the crowd, both young and old, in to a frenzy with hit after hit. The Boomerang Festival with it’s astounding array of Indigenous performances, country style hoedowns with an electrifying edge, synths vs electric guitars, Hip Hop and RnB, ukeleles and two covers of Bohemian Rhapsody… This year’s Bluesfest had everything. The festival is also a solid community supporter, with multiple fundraising groups on site, drumming up support for their cause. It was heartening to see the Northern Rivers Flood Appeal, a devestating disaster only weeks before the festival, included at short notice int he fundraising efforst at the festival, alongside the famous Cyctic Fibrosis Raffle and the steadfast Playing For Change band.

5 – The Gender Gap Exists
In no way was Bluesfest deficient in amazing female performers, in fact, it feels that year after year, the festival selects some of the best and most inspiring women from around the world to grace the stage. However, these women are almost exclusively front women, women who are the main attraction with a band behind them. Time and time again, we saw bands of all males, whether a backing band or a feature act – if it was a group, it was a high likelihood that the members would all be male. While there were a few exceptions, like Mavis Staples’ fantastic backing singers and the inimitable Little Georgia, the prevalence of all male bands and groups was quite noticeable, especially after the ongoing social commentary about the issue across the music industry of late and with festival and gig line-ups being scruitinised and questioned regularly by the public. While it’s no fault of the Bluesfest team, it is proof of the endemic issue across the music industry which hopefully the inclusive nature of festivals like this can start to shift through leadership and discourse, and innovations like the Buskers stage and the nurturing nature of this festival itself. We want to see more gender diversity across all aspects of music – not just front women, but musicians in bands of all gender identities. I know it will be festivals like Bluesfest that lead the way as a much needed change begins.

All in all, Bluesfest left it’s mark on the 100,000+ strong crowds and we’re still dreaming about the amazing musicians we saw. Our full wrap up coming soon, in the meantime, check out the photos by Stuart Bucknell Photography on our Timber and Steel Facebook Page, and if you’re keen to experience Bluesfest yourself, get in line for an early bird ticket to next year’s festival!

 

 

 

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The Gum Ball Interview: Irish Mythen

April 7, 2017 at 10:56 (Interviews)
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Photo by Stuart Bucknell, taken for Timber and Steel at Bluesfest 2016

We fell in love and got all fan-girly over Irish Mythen when we met her at Bluesfest last year (and we’ll see her again at Bluesfest this year), so we’re really looking forward to seeing Irish at one of the most intimate festivals in Australia, The Gum Ball!

We caught up with Irish to see what she loves and what she’s looking forward too.

When did you first visit Australia and how did it make you feel? How do Australian audiences respond to your style of music? 

I actually first arrived in Australia in 2000! Went to Perth and never left until 2005. Had a ball and met the most amazing people. Never came to the east though so when I first started touring the east in 2015 it felt like the first time. It’s just such a bloody amazing country. The Australian audience is unlike any other. They get behind a new artist like their one of their own and I’ve been shown incredible support. They learn the songs, buy the merch, follow you to all the shows. Incredible stuff

How do Festivals like BluesFest compare to your experiences back home and overseas?

The calibre of artists at a festival like Bluesfest speaks for itself so that and Woodford are unlike any other in the world. You just have to go because words don’t do them justice. The other Aussie festivals I’ve played are a little different from the rest in that people feel a real connection with the festival…they take over the space and it’s their home for the day, weekend or week. They are all so well run and so many volunteers. You turn around and there’s someone there asking if you need anything. I love the way every artist at any level is treated like the headliner. On ya Straya!

 What’s your favourite kind of show to play, venue gigs or festivals?

Well they’re completely different animals but I think festivals would sneak it but only because I get to see so much music myself at festivals so I get to also GEEK OUT!

What’s your favourite thing about your previous visits to Australia and what are you looking forward to most this trip?

Food, people, wine, weather (even the rain), crowds. Answer number two see first answer 😉

Do you find there are customs, jokes or themes that don’t translate for Australian audiences? Or perhaps that really do resonate more than expected?

I think due to the amount of world travel that goes on there’s not much of a difference BUT I surprise some Aussie audiences when I throw in a Kath and Kim reference or The Twelfth Man …hahaha can’t get enough of his Richie Benaud

What are you looking forward to about performing at The Gum Ball?

Ah look just getting back there. I was there for their other festival, Dashville Skyline, and I mean ye can’t get a more beautiful setting truly. And the people who run it, volunteers etc well they are brilliant. I also met some real characters in the crowd who’ve promised they’re all coming back so hope to see them all!

Irish Mythen plays on Friday 21st April at The Gum Ball (Dashville, Belford, Hunter Valley NSW).

Tickets are available to buy online.

Irish Mythen’s remaining tour dates are below:

Friday 7th April – The Heritage, Bulli, NSW
Saturday 8th April – Revamp The Amp, Kuranda, QLD
Thursday 13th to Monday 17th April – Bluesfest, Byron Bay, NSW
Friday 21st April – The Gum Ball Festival, Dashville, NSW

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Billy Bragg & Joe Henry Announce Australian Tour Dates

January 13, 2017 at 10:49 (News, Tour News)
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Billy Bragg
Image Courtesy of Billy Bragg and Joe Henry

Following the success of their amazing 2016 album Shine a Light: Field Recordings from the Great American Railroad folk music legends Billy Bragg and Joe Henry have announced plans to tour Australia this March.

The two singers will be in the country for Bluesfest followed by shows in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adleaide and Fremantle.

Check out the full list of dates below:

Thursday 13th to Monday 17th April – Bluesfest, Byron Bay, NSW
Wednesday 19th April – Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 20th April – The Playhouse, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 22nd April – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 23rd April – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC
Monday 24th April – Fowler’s Live, Adelaide, SA
Friday 28th April – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle, WA

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Michael Kiwanuka Announces Bluesfest Sideshows

December 1, 2016 at 12:51 (News, Tour News)
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Michael Kiwanuka
Image Courtesy of Michael Kiwanuka

Our love for English folk-soul singer Michael Kiwanuka is well documented so we’re pretty excited that he’ll be in the country next year for Bluesfest.

And if you’re lucky enough to live in either Sydney or Melbourne count yourself lucky as Michael Kiwanuka has a couple of sideshows coming your world. Check out the full list of dates below:

Thursday 13th to Monday 17th April – Bluesfest, Byron Bay, NSW
Tuesday 18th April – The Corner, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 19th April – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 20th April – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW

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