One of Australia's most experienced and talented singer/songwriter/pianists in the Soul-Blues-RnB idiom, Andy has been described justifiably as the "King of the Keys". He ripples, rolls and rocks through original compostitions with passionate and soulful vocals, wrapping the audience in his energy and weaving an emotional and spellbinding magic. Andy has evolved into a refined and sophisticated songwriter/performer, arriving at his music after a long and winding journey - the resulting confidence, maturity and taste are well earned and deeply embedded.

Andy's musical career began in Melbourne, Australia, growing up in a household surrounded by music. Following classical piano studies, he began exploring improvisation, and absorbing musical ideas from soul, blues, and folk artists developing his very own signature style that has matured over time.

In his late teens Andy played and recorded with many well-known Australian and overseas musicians including legendary bands Madder Lake and Ayers Rock . When not composing and performing in his own right, Andy often toured as a hired gun for the likes of Renee Geyer ,Ian Moss and Kevin Borich , as well as piano and synthesiser arrangement calls on many film scores - including the cult movie Stone .

Andy's third album, "10.30 Thursdays" received exellent reviews from critics, both in Australia and overseas, and was voted Album of the Year 2001 Raw Talent Music Awards (Plenty Valley FM).
"10.30 Thursdays" was nominated for blues & roots Album of the Year at the Aria Awards 2001.

"..simply superb leaving you anticipating the next Andy Cowan date." Lee Howard (Sunday Herald-Sun)

Andy's second album, "One of these Days" - recorded live with his then band "Big Mamas Door" at the East Coast Blues Festival - Byron Bay, the St. Andrews Hotel and the Queenscliff Music Festival captured the energy and atmosphere of his live perfomances and was named Blues Album of the Year 2000 at the VicTas Music Awards:

"..nothing but pure class" Mark Doherty (Rhythms Magazine)

Andy's first album "Train I'm On" launched him as one of the premier artists on the Australian festival circuit. ABC Radio placed the title track from the album on rotation resulting in a national profile.

"A terrific little prize, swampy vocals on a foundation of virtuosic piano playing." Gary Tippett (The Age)


For more information visit www.andycowan.com.au

With inspirational inflections from the likes of Tom Waits, Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, Tim Buckley and Al Green evident in the emotional colour of his delivery, Barry can incorporate in a performance innovative scatting, interwoven with the unmistakable sounds of Tuva singing with influences here from [the late] Paul Pena. He also explores the technique of split harmonics and his phrasing is quite unique. He describes it as being like creative writing, ‘it’s creative singing’.


For more information visit www.barrycharles.com

Steve Iorio - Guitars and vocals; Renate Iorio- Vocals, keys, sax and percussion; Mike Hygemann - Drums and vocals and Daniel Kinnaird on Bass and vocals make up Blind Beatroot.

The Beatroot's go from searing guitar riffs to sultry female vocals. Their unique blend of roots music is riveting and hard to define. With such diverse influences as Ben Harper, John Butler, Etta James, Stevie Ray Vuaghan, Pete Murray, Hendrix and the Allman Brother's!

They have a knack for reading the audience and giving them what they want, A GOOD TIME! The band plays their rootsy original music with a variety of finesse and musicality. They can play a smooth number that borders on Motown soul then rock the house with a big blues tune. Playing mostly blues, it seems insane the way they sometimes play a jazz song, follow it up with country music, and make it seem logical. They have taken on the challenges of language barriers playing in Denmark, Germany, England, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, New Zealand, Japan and the USA as well as here in Australia. They love playing the coast so they can get a surf in before the gig.

This award-winning quartet has well and truly established themselves into Australia's musical heart since forming in 1989.

The Bondi Cigars have already released six albums, including Down In The Valley, nominated in last years ARIA awards for Best Blues & Roots Album. The Bondi's have consistently delivered the goods, with 1995's After Closing Time went on to be awarded Best Blues Album at the 1996 Lithgow Blues Festival, and two of their songs, Lead Me Not Into Temptation and Intensive Care, were chosen to be featured on the hugely popular ABC Seachange album.

They have just released their eagerly anticipated 7th album, 12 Lies, which promises to be one of their most successful yet. This album sees the band branch out a little more, with some tracks having an almost "alt country" feel, and others more pop rock than rhythm and blues. The response so far from fans and critics alike has been fantastic.

The Bondi Cigars have also built a solid reputation as one of the best live acts in the country.

The band has been invited to perform at festivals such as The Melbourne International Music & Blues Festival, Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival, Moomba Festival, Queenscliff Festival, The Byron Bay East Coast Festival and The Kangaroo Point Festival. The band are also regular guests at leading Australian venues such as The Governor Hindmarsh in Adelaide, The Basement in Sydney, The Healer in Brisbane, The Charles Hotel in Perth and The Corner Hotel in Melbourne.

With their fantastic mix of blues, soul, funk and R & B, they have maintained their status as one of this country's most in-demand touring acts, with shows numbering over a hundred and fifty each year. Over a decade later, many original fans are still supporting the band.


For more information visit bondicigars.tripod.com

Formed in Melbourne in 1995, Collard Greens and Gravy quickly established themselves as one of the country's leading blues acts with their unique style of stripped down swamp blues.

Performing a mix of original material and covers by Mississippi blues artists such as R.L Burnside, T Model Ford and Fred McDowell, the band have created a sound which saw them win the 2001 ARIA award for best blues and roots CD.

In February 2001 Collard Greens and Gravy, competing against more than 50 bands from around the world were awarded runners up in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. To qualify for entry the band representing Australia won the local Blues Performer of the year competition held by the Melbourne Blues Society.

Since then the band have returned twice to tour the US, playing festivals and bars from New Orleans to New York.

Ian Collard is a gifted vocalist and harmonica player and winner of the Australian Harmonica championship in 1996.

James Bridges' playing stands out among today's legion of blues guitarists; with taste and economy he creates

an eerie style and feel that harks back to names such as Blind Willie Johnson, Son House and Robert Johnson.
Anthony "Shortie" Shortte completes the trio on drums. His approach to drumming has seen him develop a style all of his own, his eclectic drum kit is one of a kind. Playing dynamically yet precisely, his intense and passionate performing style has many an audience member transfixed.

Since its release in 1999, their self-titled debut CD won Album of the Year, Band of the Year and Male Performer of the Year at the Vic /Tas Awards and Best Song and Best Band Awards at the Goulburn Festival Australian Blues Awards.

Their second release "More Gravy" won the ARIA award for best Blues and Roots CD and won the Best Band, Best Album and Best Male Vocal Awards at the Australian Blues Awards in 2001 as well as best band at the Vic/Tas awards.

"Collard Greens and Gravy have tapped into some deep subterranean stream that connects us all to the source of the blues."

Mark Doherty, Rhythms Magazine


For more information visit www.collardgreensandgravy.com

Dutch Tilders has a swag of Awards including The Australian Blues Music "Heritage Award".

His album "Dutch Tilders and the Blues Club Live" was voted Australia's Best Blues Recording in 1990 and he has been invited to tour nationally with Terry and McGhee, Taj Mahal, and John Mayall, to name a few.

From Folk Blues through to Blues Rock, Dutch Tilders talent has stood the test of time, and 10 Albums later, is a benchmark for Blues and Folk Musicians to aim for.


For more information visit www.dutchtilders.com.au

After only 8 months of being together, Fats Wah Wah have finished recording their debut CD 'Fat Roots'.

It's a fat sound with a fat taste.

Fats Wah Wah is a six piece blues/reggae band with a dirty fat groove that's gonna make you move.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Dire Straits, Steve Miller, Tom Waits and Living Color, Fats Wah Wah's music is both diverse and unique, fun yet full of full of emotion.

Led by the dark and deep tones of Luke Spekes, singer/songwriter and guitarist, the band comprises of:

Josh Licht on drums (Xavier Rudd, Symbiosis)
Cam Walter on guitar (Brown Hornet, Relax with Max)
Steve Oats on bass (Box, Bakehouse)

The Swamp Mummies:
Jacki Weeks on backing vocals (Blue Bambinos, Glow Girls)
Denise Smith on backing vocals (Kate Ceberano, Girls 2)

Occasionly the band is joined by Andy Burns on keyboards, and we sure do love it when he does!!!

For more information visit www.fatswahwah.com

“I ain’t never heard a woman finger-pick a guitar like that since Memphis Minnie. She’s the best gal guitar player I heard in more than 35 years.” - Delta pianist & Blues Hall of Fame Legend, ‘Pinetop’ Perkins

“Far and away the most significant Australian female Blues performer” - Rhythms Magazine

One of the world’s most prestigious blues competitions began in is held in Memphis Tennessee every January. It’s called the International Blues Challenge, but for the first 18 years it was only won by American men. That all changed when Victorian blues stalwart Fiona Boyes took the award in 2003.

Fiona had been fronting her Southern and New Orleans style blues band, ‘The Mojos’, for 14 years and five album releases. In 2000 she released her debut solo album, ‘Blues in My Heart’ to critical acclaim. It won her the 2001 Female Blues Artist of the Year, the 2001 APRA Song of the Year, and 2002 Blues Performer of the Year awards, as well as accolades from reviewers and audiences around the world.

In 2002 Fiona recorded her second acoustic album, ‘Gimme Some Sweet Jelly Roll.’ It was the material on this album that took her, in January 2003, to the birthplace of the Blues, Beale St. Memphis, to compete in the 19th International Blues Challenge, the world’s premier showcase for emerging blues talent. Fiona became the first Australian, and the first woman, to win the acoustic division of this prestigious event. She returned to the US in May to perform at the W C Handy Awards, the Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Chicago Blues Festival, New York Rhythm and Blues Festival, Portland’s Waterfront Blues Festival, and leading venues across 15 States. ‘Gimme Some Sweet Jelly Roll’ was listed in the top three albums by ‘Jazz Review’ (USA) Best Blues Albums of 2003, alongside Marcia Ball’s and Rory Block’s latest releases.

For more information visit www.fionaboyes.com

Geoff Achison has a reputation as a guitarist’s guitarist.
Equally adept at acoustic or electric styles, either choice can be beautifully intricate or feature high energy explosiveness.
He has developed his own sound that is exquisitely tasteful.
Fans say you can recognize an Achison riff when you hear it.

As a vocalist, Geoff possesses a soulful voice that evokes comparisons to Joe Cocker or Paul Weller. Add to this his award winning songwriting skills and you have the whole package.
He has been a musical force on three continents and won honors on all of them. Twenty years of touring and playing with scores of artists such as Tommy Emmanuel, ‘Dutch’ Tilders, Phil Manning, Jeff Lang, Jorma Kaukonen & Hot Tuna, John Mayall, John Mayer, Levon Helm of ‘The Band’, Hubert Sumlin and Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown to name a few, have challenged him to play as passionately and skillfully as they do.

Growing up in rural Australia, Geoff somehow developed a passion for American blues music and taught himself to play on his mother’s beat up acoustic guitar.
In his early 20’s he found employment as lead guitarist with Melbourne’s top blues band ‘Dutch Tilders & The Blues Club’. Geoff departed in 1995 to pursue his own musical ideas forming the first incarnation of his own band, The Souldiggers and releasing the first of many CD’s of his own blues/funk flavoured materiel.

Geoff started his worldwide explorations back in 1995 with his first trip to the US.
He was representing Melbourne at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. The question was could he succeed playing his distinctly Australian version of funky blues/rock in the land where it all began?
That was answered when Geoff won the coveted ‘Albert King Award’ and went on to score an endorsement deal with Gibson Guitars USA. He formed a US Souldiggers band in ’98 and recorded his Gettin’ Evil CD. He returns regularly to America playing clubs & music festivals. Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna fame has invited him each year since 1998 as a guest guitar instructor at his legendary Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio.

Moving to London in 1997 Geoff established a UK following eventually recording a live album with a British version of the band.
He returns regularly playing festivals, clubs, pubs and theatres winning more fans to his cause with each visit. His tours have extended throughout Australia, the UK and USA playing either his immensely popular Solo Acoustic shows or hiring the best musicians available to form The Souldiggers as he goes. In 2002 Geoff was honoured as an official Patron of the Frankston International Guitar Festival (hosted in his new home town) and later that year won the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society’s awards for Best Blues Band and Best Male Performer.

His newest CD, Little Big Men was released in November 2005 showcasing 14 new compositions. Besides being great music, this project displays a maturity and social conscience that deserves to be heard.
Geoff’s originality and remarkable ability as a guitarist are just part of the picture.
“…possibly one of the most gifted artists to arrive on the scene …”
David Sinclair- The Times, London

Check the St.Andrews Jukebox for samples of our live music.

Watch Video of the "Souldiggin' DVD" LIVE at St.Andrews

Check Geoff's "MusoBlurb".

For more information visit www.souldigger.com.au

Hey Gringo is the creation of multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Daryl Roberts who has previously performed in original bands in the 1970's such as Photo, Bandit & ex Blackfeather vocalist Neale Johns' Fingerprint as well as playing in US Blues legend Jimmy Witherspoons backing band to performing with Oz Legends SPECTRUM & good-time folksters Bobsy-Die. Hey Gringo has at times included guest appearances by some of Australia's most legendary performers.The band's relaxed and funky attitude and sound is characteristic of the influences that make Hey Gringo so different. Hey Gringo started out around 1993 as an acoustic duo with Daryl and Paul Gadsby(ex Paul Kelly & The Dots, The HotClub, Bouncing Checks, Men at Work, Colin Hay Band etc) playing tongue in cheek original and selective blues/countryish material . Around 1998 forming a band line-up with Iain McLennan(ex Ariel, Richard Clapton Band, Mondo Rock, Sports) on drums & Steve Hoy on guitar & vocals.

For more information visit www.heygringo.net

In the back streets of West Brunswick, Jaimi learnt his first lick on his father's beaten-up nylon string guitar at the tender age of eleven. He had been studying piano for the previous four years, but something felt different when he picked up the guitar. "It just felt right, I connected with it straight away'" he says with a smile. It was a connection that only grew stronger with time, and now, eleven years later, Jaimi and his guitar front an impressive roots band, play major festivals, and have already produced one full length album. It is still early days, but this ambitious young performer appears to have what it takes to carve out a place for himself on the world stage.

When asked about early influences, Faulkner rattles off a few names; "Ry Cooder, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Hendrix, Albert King. I used to sit in my room and learn all their licks, I loved that stuff!" But these days Faulkner's influences have changed."I don't listen to guitar music as much anymore, I'm really getting into songwriters, guys like Chris Whitley, Tom Waits and Ryan Adams. I could also never resist an old school soul classic! Early Al Green stuff, Bill Withers, those tunes just groove and always get you feeling something."

Jaimi has cemented a position as a permanent fixture in his beloved Melbourne music scene and is highly regarded amongst his peers, guitar virtuoso Geoff Achison exclaiming "This guy's going to be a monster!" . Faulkner also called upon good friend Mia Dyson and legendary Bluesman Chris Wilson to guest star on a few tracks on his debut album 'Last Light'. "They really added something special to the record, they're just awesome muso's and it's always great to work with them."

The band has been through a few evolutions, but Jaimi is now perfectly accompanied by the tight unit of Nathan Adair on bass, Graeme Pogson on drums and Sam Cope on Hammond Organ. "These are the best guys I've ever worked with, not only do we gel as musicians but we're also great mates, which is important when you spend so much time rehearsing, gigging and travelling together." Jaimi's passion for his music is such that everyone takes something from the experience of watching him perform, and his range ensures that everyone will find a favourite tune in each set.

For more information visit www.jaimifaulkner.com

James Southwell is Australia's hottest new guitarist and he is on his first National Tour with his band the James Southwell band. James Southwell has been playing Guitar & Singing since he was only 7 years old. He has played on stage with Australia's greatest Blues band Chain, The Kevin Borich Express, Phil Manning, Stevie Wright, Angry Anderson and a host of other well known Australian artists. James is heavily influenced by these players as well as Geoff Achison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Hendrix & Joe Walsh. James was Angry Andersons Lead Guitarist at a resent festival. He currently has two projects a Solo Acoustic Show and a high energy electric trio the James Southwell Band. He is committed to his chosen career and he is now a full time professional touring Guitarist/Singer/Songwriter. James writes his own material as well as playing some very well thought out covers. James is a wonderful singer and a very accomplished Guitarist. James has just completed his first studio album "Dark Angel" which features some of Australia's finest and well known musicians, including Kevin Borich, Phil Emmanuel, Mal Eastick, Harry Brus, Mark Kennedy & more. "Dark Angel" was produced by Kevin Borich and recorded at Kevin's studio "The Vibrating House" on the Sunshine Coast. Dark Angel has just been released by MGM and is avalible at all good music stores.

The James Southwell Band will be playing at almost 60 music venues around Australia over the next 3 months. Special Guests that will be playing with the James Southwell Band duing this tour include Kevin Borich, James T from Canned Heat, Angry Anderson, Wilbur Wilde & Stevie Wright. Don't miss this great band and this fantastic young guitar hero!!!

For more on James Southwell, his music & National Tour check out www.myspace.com/jamessouthwell

JEFF JENKINS' LATE STARTERS is a band of mature professionals playing vibrant new, original music.

Songwriter Jeff Jenkins has emerged from a successful singing/acting career and has teamed with David Johnston, Mick Wenhuda and Kim Farrell, three seasoned instrumentalists with decades of experience in many fields of music.

Together they are equal partners in the creation of a distinctive, original and very Australian repertoire.

The 30 or so songs are rootsy, with influences from many music styles. The tight arrangements are laden with soaring melodies, striking harmonies and irresistible pop hooks .and they rock!

Jeff's insightful lyrics and the band's dynamic delivery connect with all ages - from the baby boomer generation, a group that's always loved hearing new music played by its peers - to younger punters who get off on the Late Starters' energy and sheer musicianship.

Individuality . creativity . musicality . spontaneity . just some of the features that add up to the onstage excitement of
Jeff Jenkins' Late Starters.


For more information visit Our Website

The Josh Owen Band have seen both their first two independent releases, a live album and studio EP, receive massive critical acclaim and airplay all over Australia, including Triple J, Triple R, PBS, FBI, ABC 702 and 774, Dig Radio, RTR and many more. Save Me Save Me was recently voted 1 on Triple J’s Unearthed Roots chart, and SonyBMG selected Save Me Save Me as one of their Hottest Picks in the last voting round of the UncharTED online band comp. Both CDs have been released in Japan and a track has been released on a Brazilian surf compilation. The band have become festival regulars with appearances at the Pyramid Rock Festival (06/07), Apollo Bay Music Festival (07), Melbourne 2007 Cultural Festival, and performed to 20,000 at Federation Square on New Year’s Eve (06/07). Josh has toured New Zealand twice, featuring on the Soundsplash Festival in 2007, and has appeared at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Frankston Guitar Festival, Narooma Blues Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival and Woodford Folk Festival, Swan Valley Blues & Roots Festival and The Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival over the last two years. Josh Owen Band are always spreading soulful music far and wide by touring WA, SA, Qld, NSW and Tas on a regular basis.

Raised amidst an environment of Led Zeppelin; Bob Marley; Jimi Hendrix; Al Green; The Meters; James Brown; Stevie Wonder and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Josh thrives on new musical flavours and always aims to incorporate the sounds he loves into the music he creates. Whether it’s funk, blues or reggae, the overriding element for Josh is the infusion of “soul”, and he combines all of these genres to produce his own very original sound.

Josh is quick to point out that his first priority is writing “really good songs” and then utilising elements of soul, rock and reggae. He’s been quoted as saying that “...in the blues-roots thing, I find a lot of artists doing something that’s really, really generic…just a little bit further along from a twelve bar (blues progression)…The difference with me, I guess, is that I’m applying elements of ‘soul, funk or reggae’ to songwriting.” Accompanied by Luke Hodgson on bass and one of Australia’s most outstanding young percussionists and singers Jason Heerah on drums, Josh is able to draw on their experience as well as his own to further enhance the music they create.

With two highly successful releases behind him, and an endless soulful stream within, Josh Owen’s dynamic personality and impressive stage presence look set to take him all the way from the streets of Melbourne onto the world stage. When Josh’s debut album “The Josh Owen Band Live” was released, Melbourne’s Sunday Herald Sun summed it up when they wrote: “Get in on the ground floor for a young man on the rise”. Their words have certainly proved prophetic. The album sold out two pressings and is now on a third and received such great airplay that Josh followed up with a special edition studio EP entitled “6pm”. It features four tracks as well as a bonus video clip shot at the “Live” album launch at The Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy. This is also supported by a clip shot on film for ‘Save Me Save Me’ which features an amazing single opening shot lasting almost three minutes. Check it out on myspace or youtube


For more information visit www.joshowen.com.au

Bored small-town kids move to the big city seeking fame, fortune and a new drummer. The latter they find at gig number one. The fame and fortune thing? It's a work in progress.

The first EP (2001) has enough charm to earn them "ones to watch" status, and some spectacularly average Tuesday night headline gigs. EP number 2 makes a surprise impression (although detractors claimed it WAS an impression), and our naïve young heroes join a national tour as the opening support, earning $100 per gig (not $100 each, by the way). In a logic-defying display of t-shirt sales, the band amazingly makes the tour profitable and celebrates with a Bloody Mary. Perhaps there is something afoot.

2004. Next logical step: full-length album. By now the band are hitting their strides, honing their craft, cutting their teeth, finding their feet and tiring of the clichés. The self-titled debut is embraced by the Australian kids and broadcasters. And so continues the quest to find the best roadhouse food in the country, catering for vegans and omnivores alike. They forget the merch in Brisbane, lose a hi-hat stand in Newcastle, leave an amp in Sydney, have a guitar stolen in Melbourne, lose track of time in Perth, forget their troubles in Hobart and lose sleep in Adelaide, but along the way our protagonists play some blinding gigs. The one night they are chosen by the hand above to be the greatest band on earth is unfortunately the night AFTER the live-to-radio, home-crowd, documentary-crew album launch. That one was a shocker. Oh well.

So here we are at album number 2, titled LONGING WAS A SAFE PLACE TO HIDE. It's a suitably indulgent affair, featuring chanting monks, tubular bells, a children's choir, a flaming gong and a 21 gun salute.

Perhaps not, but the Casio keyboard does get a good workout.

MEMBERS:
Joe Hammond (drums)
Jesse Lee (bass)
Jamie Slocombe (guitar)
Sianna Lee (vocals, guitar)

RELEASES:
Umabel EP (2001)
Something White and Sigmund EP (2003)
Love Outside Andromeda (2004)
Longing was a Safe Place to Hide (due for release mid 2006)


For more information visit www.loveoutsideandromeda.com

Who are the Zydecats ?
1992 - Escaping from the smoking wreck of the widely and critically acclaimed Dude Ranch, Lucky Oceans (world renowned steel guitarist, and by now button accordionist) approached Bill Rogers (vocals, sax and harmonica) about starting a band to play some Zydeco. With ex-Dude Ranch guitarist/vocalist & Rock and Roll encyclopedia Kent Hughes involved, this trio began to rehearse while they searched for both repertoire and rhythm section.

From the start, the idea was to combine Zydeco with 'Cat' music - swing, jump blues and rockabilly, plus any other style that suited the line-up, including rock and roll, country blues, soul, R&B, Cajun and New Orleans R&B, plus a handful of Lucky's and Kent's own songs from the Dude Ranch song book.

Gary France (ex-Dude Ranch) was onboard during the formative stages and first few gigs but was soon replaced by the recent graduate of the Edith Cowan University jazz course, Evan Jenkins. Evan and fellow graduate, Paul Binns were the Zydecats' rhythm section for the first year, but were eventually replaced.

The drummer's stool was soon taken over by lovable giant, Konrad Park - a powerhouse funkster, whose enthusiasm for the band made a huge difference. Six months later, Paul was replaced by Ben Franz, who despite his age (early 20's) already had knowledge and experience of most of the styles encompassed in the Zydecats' repertoire; particularly blues, R&B, rockabilly and rock and roll.

By the end of the first year, the band had a healthy batch of good songs written by the three singers (Lucky, Kent and Bill), an ever-increasing repertoire in the various styles previously mentioned, and with a young and committed rhythm section willing to push the boundaries - with all members involved in arrangements.


For more information visit www.zydecats.com.au

Mark Lowrie is a singer/songwriter/guitarist who has been involved in the Melbourne music scene for over 10 years. Playing both electric and acoustic guitar, he has explored a wide variety of musical styles, from alternative rock and roots-based acoustic stylings, through to contemporary blues rock and traditional Chicago electric blues.

As a founding member and guitarist with Insomnia, he played a key role in their two well-received albums of the mid-nineties (Chinese Wolf Game, 1994 and Insomnia, 1996). With songs like "Is This The Nineties?" and "No Money For Lawyers", the band received extensive airplay on Melbourne's alternative radio stations, and played highlight gigs at venues such as the Continental Café, The Ritz and the Gershwin Room at the Espy.

Mark was also instrumental as the guitarist/songwriter/arranger with the blues rock Wrecking Ball. Their all original CD, Bakehouse Whitebread, was released in 1998. This band played nearly 300 gigs around Melbourne's blues venues, including the St Andrew's Hotel, the Rainbow Hotel, and a three year residency at the Royal Hotel in Clifton Hill.

Since then, Mark has been performing and arranging for a variety of bands, including indi pop band Scrumptious and an acoustic duo from New Zealand, Big Love.

Mark also continues to write and record his own material. Earlier in 2004, Mark released an 8-track CD of all original material, recorded in a solo acoustic format. Some samples are available on the Music page.

Currently, he is writing, performing and recording for a CD of all new, original material with his drummer brother that is scheduled for completion early in 2005. He has recently released the "Stop Talking" single.

For more information visit Our Website

What a great couple of years for the mighty Max Merritt & The Meteors!

Since the Long Way To The Top tour, things have gone from strength to strength for the mighty Max Merritt & The Meteors. They have become one of the most popular and sought after Headline Attraction for Special Events and Music Festivals nation wide.

In recent years, Max Merritt shared the bill with Wilson Pickett, James Brown and Ray Charles and did Australia proud.

As a leading Oz Rock Icon, the legendary Max Merritt & The Meteors continue to wow audiences whenever Max returns to Australia. During visits over the past couple of years, Max and the band have headlined shows at the Melbourne Music & Blues Festival, The Perth Moonlight Festival, The Byron Bay Blues Festival, The Veterans Games in Alice Springs, The Queenscliff Festival and The Toyota Muster Gympie ....... and each and every time has been 'the high point of the event'.

To quote John Faine on ABC Radio in Melbourne on the Monday morning after the Queenscliff Festival, John glowingly reported "If you missed seeing and hearing Max Merritt & The Meteors last Saturday, you missed something really special".

For more information visit www.maxmerritt.com.au

As one of Australia 's finest singer/songwriters, Monique Brumby is just as at home in a recording studio as she is performing live with her four piece band The Riders.

Strong melodies, powerful storytelling that is musically emotive and exciting have become synonymous with the name Monique Brumby. Having already won 2 ARIA Awards for Best New Talent in 1996 and Best Female Artist in 1997 along with a nomination for Song Of The Year in 1998, Brumby is now forging her way as an independent artist and producer, as well as building on her reputation as one of Australia's premier performers and songwriters.

Following on from the critically acclaimed albums Thylacine and Signal Hill, Monique Brumby is now set to release her third studio album Into The Blue.

Together with co-producer Doug Roberts (Deborah Conway, Chris Wilson, The Badloves) Brumby has delivered a musical feast of songs exploring themes of friendship, hope, love and loss in a manner that will leave the listener yearning for more. The album has been mastered by Leon Zervos at Sterling Sound, NYC, and with guest performances by Paul Kelly, Michael Spiby and Kerri Simpson to name a few, Into The Blue is set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated releases of 2006.

Monique has toured extensively throughout Australia during her 3 album career headlining her own shows in addition to sharing the stage with acclaimed international artists such as the Bangles, Shawn Colvin, Jewel, Luka Bloom and the late Jeff Buckley.

Brumby has the unique ability to tap into the human consciousness through her writing. Stylistically, Brumby crosses various genres in her music. Not content to be musically pigeonholed, her songs encompass elements of rock, pop, blues and soul.

They are lyrically honest, entertaining, emotive and thought provoking.

As her strong live following will attest, Brumby is a powerful and charismatic performer. Whether she is performing before thousands with her band or in an intimate acoustic setting, Brumby will always make it her mission to make a connection with her audience.

For more information visit www.moniquebrumby.com

Foot-stompin' Blues duo Muddy Puddles featuring Kenny 'Stringy Bark McDowell' Terrington on strings, foot-percussion and vocals, and Geoffrey 'Bluey G Hohner' Donaldson on harmonica, jug and bush-bass first performed together during the 90s.

After going their own ways in mid 2004 the boys did a gig together and had such a good time, they decided to get the 'rack and pinion' together again, belt'n out the tunes in the raw form.

With more than a good grasp of blues history and delivery, Muddy Puddles are seasoned musicians and performers in their own right but together they are a well-oiled machine Muddy Puddles take tunes from the early Blues masters of the 1900's and onwards and get crowds up and dancing.


For more information visit www.stringybarkmcdowell.com

Ray Vanderby uses the Hammond organ as the cornerstone of his progressive blues album 5th Dimension Blues.

On his second release Vanderby, from Melbourne, translates Robert Johnson and Big Joe Williams songs into his own style. His sound is the result of his love for classic delta blues and 1970s progressive rock.

5th Dimension Blues is largely biographical; Vanderby’s past can be found woven into the album’s lyrics and atmosphere.

“I find a deep connection to the delta blues artists. What they sang about 70 years ago is relevant to my own life,” he says. “I relate to the lyrics because I’ve been there myself. I believe I’ve retained the spirit of those songs,” he says. England’s John Myall, Robert Fripp, Keith Emerson and America’s Jimmy Smith and gospel musician Billy Preston are also inspiring names for Vanderby.

The album opens with the title track, a meandering instrumental with ominous undertones. Ramblin’ On My Mind is over seven minutes of hard pumping blues set against a haunting Hammond wail and Vanderby’s signature staunch vocal style. The avant-garde Where the Wind Blows comes from left-field to deliver its solid groove with echoes of experimental rock.

The album features John Dallimore on guitar, Ashley Davies on drums and Dean Hilson on tenor sax.

“I love the purity of the Hammond sound and its versatility,” Vanderby says.

The sound of the Hammond organ is instantly recognisable: smooth, bluesy, infectious. Ray Vanderby fell in love with the sound at a young age and would pound away on his Hammond every day before and after school. He slowly drove his family insane playing Burt Bacharach tunes and his own blues inventions. Weekends would take Dutch-born Ray and his Hammond M100 out to halls and shearing sheds around Orange, NSW to jam the blues with like-minded musicians. It was Jimmy Smith, Booker T and The MG’s and Motown music for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Playing his first show at 12 made him the youngest semi-professional organ musician in Australia at the time. When he took up a job as an apprentice piano tuner at 16 he couldn’t resist playing on the footpath to showcase the latest Hammond organ model. Crowds would gather every Saturday morning for Ray’s free concert.

Delving into Sydney’s rock n’ roll scene found Ray performing and recording in bands like Blackfeather, Marcia Hines, Stevie Wright, John English, John Paul Young, Doug Parkinson and Cosmic Nomads before returning to his first love - the blues. He won the W.R.O.C./BMG National Songwriting Competition in 1991 with pop hit ‘Suspicious’.


For more information visit www.rayvanderby.com

2006 has seen the release of an album that is getting as much attention as the man who, to quote Jeff Glorfeld of The Age "is one of those quintessential Australian singer-songwriters with buckets of talent, heaps of stories to tell, and impossible to pigeonhole. He's got blues man in him, some soul belter, red-dirt country and home-grown folkie"

Rory Ellis has performed at many major festivals in Australia over the years including Port Fairy Folk Festival, National Folk Festival, Apollo Bay Music Festival and just recently completed his third tour of the UK in 2005 performing around 120 shows in 7 months. He performed at festivals such as Larmer Tree Festival, Fylde Folk Festival, Southsea Festival, Middlewich Festival, Broadstairs Festival, Great British R&B Festival and many more as well as venues all over the UK including Londons famous Borderline, The Spitz and The Garage.

Whilst on tour in the UK he has also supported, amongst others, Eric Bibb, Chumbawamba, The Beautiful Girls, Rory McLeod and Gordon Haskell. Audiences at Rorys numerous UK festival appearances and intimate performances have been captivated by his powerful vocal command and subtle acoustic instrumentation that bring the vivid stories to life.

Ellis launched his debut CD Ride in March 2001 to a four star review in The Age EG section by Lyall Johnson who challenged the readers "If you're not deeply moved by this superb debut by Melbourne singer-songwriter Rory Ellis, it's doubtful you're human. Ellis, with his wonderfully deep, resonant voice, plumbs the depths of the human experience to come up with a sophisticated, inspiring album of predominantly earthy ballads about life on the streets"

Jackey Coyle of Rhythms acclaimed 'Road Of The Braver Man' (released in 2003) "that the quality of Rory Ellis's voice alone the richness of the timbre, the skill of his technique - that he conveys an irresistable charisma, and that's not even counting his song writing skills. The first few verses I heard, I was done for - instant fan". Ellis's particular style, that he calls "urban folk", was melded living in a boxing gym, honed playing in Melbourne pubs and polished gigging the festival circuit. He recorded this, his second solo album, over three days live in the studio with Dave Steel (guitars, accordion, percussion, mandolin and it's celtic cousin the cittern). Jackeys enthusiasm continues "He is a master of light and shade, of knowing when not to sing in order to give full effect"

The Melbourne native has spent many years touring locally and internationally with his eclectic sound of roots, folk and blues based music, he takes inspiration from his homeland and the varied histories of its people, and from his own eventful life.

His latest album 'The Rushes', like his debut album 'Ride', also earned him four stars in The Age EG from Jeff Glorfeld whos opening paragraph reads - "When the big fella opens up his chest and lets fly with that lusty, rumbling voice, even then it's as if he's pulling back on the reins in fear of what might happen to innocent bystanders - it's that potent"

Rory himself says of 'The Rushes' "the stark minimalist quality to it which took me back to my roots of blues and country music, the stuff that made me want to write music in the first place"


For more information visit www.roryellis.com

Stovetop is a band that has been quietly making a name for itself playing Melbourne's many inner city venues since forming in 1997. Playing a mixture rootsy, infectious grooves infused with soul vocals has kept this band busy for years.It wasn't till 2004 that the band was ready to make the transition to a studio album. 'There there' is their first such endeavour. It has the trademark sound of their live performance as the recording was done live to preserve the feel.


For more information visit www.stovetoptheband.com

TH3 (aka Tyson Hodges Trio) are a 3-piece instrumental act that has jaws dropping every time they perform live.
This powerful trio has blown punters away as curtain-raiser for Chris Wilson, Geoff Achison, Jeff Lang, Ashley Davies (& the Mighty Servant), Matt Walker, Killing Heidi & - more recently – as a headline act in their own right. In April 2005, TH3 performed at the first annual Mildura Beer & Blues Festival & earned rave reviews for their rootsy, honest approach to song writing & their explosive stage performance.


Ethanol is a 100% original, guitar–driven band grounded in groove… Ethanol’s performances are a soulful celebration of life, love & funk music.
This 5-piece band has an eclectic repetoire of smooth mellow grooves, to funked up explosions of dance-inducing jams. It’s all smiles all-round when Ethanol bring the smut-funk! Ethanol’s self-titled debut album has received airplay on numerous radio stations including Triple J & Triple R. Ethanol’s second album is currently in post production.

Check the St.Andrews Jukebox for samples of our live music.


For more information visit www.ethanolmusic.com

This is the sound of voices three
Singing together in harmony
Surrendering to the mystery
This is the sound of voices three
--"One Voice", Ruth Moody

When chance shakes hands with discovery, it earns itself a new word: serendipity.

How serendipitous, then, has been the career of the Wailin' Jennys?

Looking at the current incarnation of the Jennys, soprano Ruth Moody, mezzo Nicky Mehta, and alto Annabelle Chvostek, it would seem like few groups could be so perfectly aligned, by fate or by design. It is no wonder that music critics are inclined to phrase their descriptions in honeyed phrases. The Jennys, music reviewers say, make music that is "lush," "luscious" and "sweet." Their masterful three-part vocal harmonies are "haunting" and they "shimmer."

Behind the words, however, there are the songs: an informed mix of original and traditional tunes that visit a variety of roots styles, focusing on harmony but grounded by a moving and intricate instrumental base. And behind the songs, there is a tale worth the telling. So let's begin, as all good stories do, at the very beginning.

On a cold Winnipeg night in January of 2002, three of Winnipeg's most accomplished singer-songwriters prepared to take the stage at a cozy music store and erstwhile concert venue. Nicky was a folk scene veteran (her debut album, Weather Vane, would soon be nominated for a 2002 Canadian Music Award for Outstanding Roots Recording), as was Ruth, who had been a member of the Juno-nominated roots act Scruj MacDuhk. The third member of the trio was Cara Luft, who had been making waves in Winnipeg since arriving in the city in 2000.

As the three sat down to strum and sing for a one-night-only trio performance, they were excited about a playful departure from their solo careers. When they began to weave their voices together, however, it would seem that serendipity was dealing them a different hand. What they began separately, they would continue together.

Fans would later describe the sold-out first show as divine: an enchanted union of three powerful voices that made the kind of melodic magic that audiences yearn for, but rarely get to witness. A second performance was swiftly added, and when it became clear that the magic was there to stay, Sled Dog Music owner John Sharples stepped forward to offer the three women a name that would seal the deal: the Wailin' Jennys.

For more information visit www.thewailinjennys.com

The WolfeGang is a melting pot for the considerable talents and experience of a group of Melbourne blues musicians who have performed at venues and festivals across Australia and internationally.

The Gang formed early in 2002 through the popular Sunday afternoon Elwood RSL blues jam. Sharing a love of blues in all its forms, the members joined forces to perform original songs and cover versions of classic R&B, soul and blues tunes.

Following the success of their debut CD, Coming Back For More (2003), the Gang has recorded a number of Live At St Andrews sessions with acclaimed sound engineer Rob Harwood, for release in 2005.

As testimony to their musicianship and dedication to the spirit of great live music, the core band of Diana Wolfe, Broc O?Connor, Roy Zedras and Peter "Robbo" Robertson have been joined onstage by some of Australia?s blues and roots greats as guest artists.

They include Mike Rudd (Spectrum), Mick “The Rev” O'Connor (Broderick Smith Band), Broderick Smith, Ron Tabuteau (Chickenhead; Kerri Simpson), Steve Williams (John Farnham Band), Jimmie Sloggett (Andy Cowan Band, Max Merritt & The Meteors), Fiona Boyes (2003 International Blues Performer of the Year), Ash Davies (Matt Walker), Dirk Dubois (Lil Fi Band, Chain, The Giants) and others.

For more information visit www.thewolfegang.net

Canadian born Wolf Mail started playing guitar at age 10 listening to Elmore James and Ray Charles records. He did his first gig at 14 and ran away from home at 17 to tour with his own band. Later on that year he met with Detroit guitarist Ted Nugent and spent some time on the road with him. Meeting Ted was very influential for Wolf as he decided to relocate to California shortly after to pursuit his musical career.

From his early gigs at the famous Whisky a go–go in Los Angeles, to the Shibuya nights in Tokyo, Japan or the “Quartier latin” in Paris, France, Wolf always had an intense passion for the stage as he is currently one of the rare artists in today’s scene to successfully tour four continents on a yearly basis. He clocks in over 200 gigs a year in the US, Canada, Japan, Europe and Australia.

Mail who has been describded by NPR in Memphis, USA as “The missing link between Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan” has a very clean, powerful and yet intense guitar style.

During his headline performance at the Narooma Blues festival with the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Tony Jagger has said “Words simply cannot describe the intensity and clarity that comes out of this man’s guitar” . The Australian southern star also states “ The man has a voice that will raise chicken skin down your back” Wolf’s playing is concentrated with no waste, as the UK Gloucester times recalls “Wringing emotions out of every note and making each one count”.

Wolf’s live performances are legendary, and as Ron Edmonds from Exclusive management puts it “You always get something out of a Wolf Mail show, if you don’t relate to his songs you will sure relate to the intense passion he’s got for it”


For more information visit www.wolf-mail.com