Big ups to our very own Lennox-based blues bawler Dallas Frasca, who just took out MusicOz Artist of the Year and Best Blues and Roots song at their Awards last Friday night. Also of course to her right hand man, Eumundi’s very own Jeff ‘Goat Boy’ Curran, the filthiest chicken-pickin’ dobro hand this side of the Beyond. These two have worked their arses off for years now and righteously deserve the plaudits.
And onto the Blues itself. Checking out the programme, I don’t know where to start. In no particular order, tent or time, here’s who’s what.
Jools Holland; – absolute must see. Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea; fulsome songwriter, enduring voice. Jeff Beck; mate of Ronny Wood. Hat Fitz; another barbed wire bluesman from Eumundi, living. Lyle Lovett; all class, all country, Johnny Greens Blues Cowboys; Australia’s authentic blues survivors. 10CC; Don’t like cricket? I’m your man. Kev Carmody; the black Bob Dylan is still angry, potent and prodigiously important. Justin Townes Earle; Son of Steve. Gogol Bordello; genuine gypsy trouble. The Wilson Pickers; all I know is Sime Nugent is in ’em. Nuff said.
Mick Daley - Travelling musician and author 