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ALEX BURNS
 Alex Burns is one of Australia's most respected blues and roots performers. Born in Glasgow in 1951, Alex came to Australia in 1973. Over the years Alex has become a very popular performer in the Australian blues scene. He has performed at the major music festivals in the country, and has also played overseas at the Edinburgh festival. He has performed at the Brisbane Steel Guitar Festival 2003 and 2004 and numerous pubs and clubs in between.
Alex has recorded three albums with partner Nick Charles. His solo album, Twighlight Blues achieved critical acclaim. Known for playing the broad repertoire of American string styles, going to back to his roots, by request, Alex is performing and touring solo, promoting his solo blues album, The Blues is Here to Stay.
www.myspace.com/alexburnsmusic
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ANDREA MARR
 The Andrea Marr band has been around since 1999, delivering sassy, soulful, original blues. In 2005 Andrea and her band won the coveted MBAS Blues Performer of the Year competition and represented Australia in Memphis Tennessee in the International Blues Challenge. Her other awards include Female Blues Artist of the Year (Vic/Tas) in 2002 and Female Vocalist of the Year (Newcastle Blues Awards, 2007).
Andrea was the only non-American to be included had a song on a 2007 US compilation CD 'National Women in Blues'.
Her latest CD is 'Watch me work it'.
'Andrea Marr is a blues shouter the likes of whom we have seldom seen in Australia.' Lee Howard, Herald Sun (2002)
www.andreamarr.com
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ANNI PIPER
 Sultry, sensual and with a voice as smooth as honey, Anni is a dynamic performer and insightful composer. She is currently turning heads throughout Australia and the world with her unique take on Texas blues.
Anni began playing electric guitar at 12 years old, but became a devoted musician when she was given her first bass guitar at age 14. She quickly discovered an affinity with the instrument, preferring to lay down a groove rather than scream out a solo. Anni completed a Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Music at only 19 years of age.
Anni and her band have performed at numerous pubs and clubs along the east coast of Australia. She has opened shows for the Bondi Cigars and Dutch Tilders, and has been a featured artist at the Queenscliff Music Festival (Vic), the Australian Blues Music Festival (Goulburn, NSW), the Gympie Country Music Muster (Qld) and the Tamworth Country Music Festival (NSW).
Her debut album, ‘Jailbait’, was recorded in April 2004. Anni won the category of ‘Best New Talent’ at the 2005 Australian Blues Music Awards, and received a nomination for ‘Best Female Vocal’. In 2007 she released 'Texas Hold 'Em', with a more raw sound that captures Anni's live sound. Her songwriting for this album scored her a nomination for the Rudy Bransma award at the 2007 National Australian Songwriting Contest and the album has been receiving airplay worldwide.
'Piper has the kind of voice that lulls men to their doom. It's soft and sweet when it wants to be, scared and vulnerable a moment later, then ripping through you like a razor.' Jeremy Loome, The Edmonton Sun, Canada
www.annipiper.com
www.myspace.com/annipiper
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ASH GRUNWALD
 Melbourne’s Ash Grunwald has stripped-back blues to its essence. With thick rhythmic blues grooves and deep commanding vocals, Ash is reinventing blues for a modern audience.
His debut solo acoustic album, Introducing... is a spare recording of voice, guitar and stomp box, that interprets the tradition with a contemporary attitude. Influenced by blues artists such as Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Kimbrough and Collard Greens & Gravy, this album was named No. 1 Album for the Year 2002 (Cue Sunday Herald Sun - Lee Howard).
Winning the Best New Talent Award and Male Vocalist Of The Year at The Australian Blues Awards (The Chain Awards) 2003, and Album of The Year and Emerging Talent Award for the Victorian Blues Awards 2002, Ash Grunwald is continuing to make his mark on the Australian blues scene.
www.ashgrunwald.com
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AUSTIN
 Austin brings a fresh sound all of his own, combining acoustic and lap guitars, drums, double bass and violin with soulful vocals - together creating a blues-inspired gypsy shindig. Austin’s performances show a versatility of styles from soulful blues ballads to gypsy reggae. The energy and joy that Austin and his band put into their set is clear, you definitely feel like you are sharing in the fun.
Austin has played at music festivals including Queenscliff music festival, Torquay Blues Explosion, Good Seed Festival, Guilford Blues&Roots Explosion, Melbourne Fringe Festival and the Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival.
He has supported artists such as Jeff Lang, Bob Brozman, Dallas Frasca, Carus and the True Believers, The Exploders and Liz Stringer to name a few.
Austin’s independent debut ep, Frame Of Mind, released in 2006, received airplay on both Triple J and PBS.
'With a musical gift that can be compared to the late Jeff Buckley and a purity only he owns. One
day the world will know Melbourne’s best kept secret and for me, that is Austin.' Dallas Frasca
'This guy is amazing - such a gorgeous jazz voice and a fantastic performer - he's gonna be huge!' Sarah Howells – Presenter of Triple J’s Roots’n’All
www.theaustinsite.com
www.myspace.com/austinsite
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BEN MITCHELL
 Playing pubs and parties in Melbourne since he was 17, in 2005 Ben returned from six years in London. Back in Melbourne, Ben has been playing gigs solo and with his band at venues including The Laundry, Cherry Bar, Soak Bar, The Vic, The Commercial Hotel in Yarraville and The Greyhound Hotel in St. Kilda.
Ben has been described as:
- a powerful performer with bags of stage presence and memorable songs
- fresh, energetic, fearless and varied
- a thoughtful songwriter with a gift for simple melodies, and powerful emotion
- a swamp rock version of Nick Cave, retro sounding and very refreshing.
His songwriting style has its roots in the blues and its heart in soul, though he is hardly a purist. He’s been compared to Ben Harper and Neil Finn. His first full-length CD, The Stars Can See, was released in 2005.
www.ben-mitchell.com
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BLUELINERS
 Local blues outfit The Blueliners, have been serving up their mix of electric blues to rave reviews across the Bellarine Peninsula, for the past 12 months.
The tight rhythm section, featuring Paul Anderson on drums and Neil MacPherson on bass ably support Phil Wayth lead guitar/vocals and Gavin Butcher rhythm/vocals.
This energetic, four-piece band always leaves the crowd wanting more. If you're not grooving to these guys, you must be dead!
www.theblueliners.com
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CHASE THE SUN
 Chase The Sun have established themselves as a must-see live act through an increasingly hectic touring schedule in venues and at festivals up and down the east coast. From the powerhouse live delivery of guitar star-on-the-rise Jan Rynsaardt, to the soul-tinged song writing, combined with elements of old-school acoustic blues, Stevie Ray Vaughn boogie, hillbilly finger picking and Hendrix flash; this three-piece crank out a new take on a classic sound.
“This is not 12-bar blues. Blues is a launching pad for this music, so you can expect to go to some new places. This is innovative music, all original, not easily categorized, well captured and presented.” Groove Magazine
www.chasethesunband.com
http://www.myspace.com/chasethesunband
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CHRIS WHITE
 For guitarist Chris White, it's Piedmont Blues that ignites his passion. His second solo album, Piedmont Blues presents a variety of originals and reworked classics within this traditional music style. (Piedmont blues is an accoustic fingerpicking style originating from south-east America.)
Chris has appeared at major festivals around the country, including Port Fairy Folk Festival, The Australian Blues Music Festival and the International Guitar Festival.
Chris works solo, in a duo with delta blues maestro Dave Diprose, and with his band, The Casual Souls.
In addition to playing guitar and slide guitar, Chris has added lap-steel and mandolin to his act, and these can be heard on his latest solo release From the Sacred to the Profane.
His duo CD, About Time, with harmonica player Dave Nunn, was runner-up in the Vic/Tas Blues Awards for band or duo CD of the year. In 2004 Chris won Song of the Year at the Victorian Blues Music Awards for 'Cropduster Blues'. (Photo courtesy Dave McFarlane.)
www.chriswhite.com.au
www.myspace.com/bluefella
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CHRIS WILSON
 Chris Wilson has been an essential part of blues and rock music in Australia since taking the stage with the Sole Twisters 20 years ago. Stints with Harum Scarum and Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls followed, and the end of the 80s saw Wilson as one of our finest vocalists, harmonica players and songwriters, fronting the superb Crown of Thorns.
His instrumental gifts have oft been utilised on recordings by the likes of James Reyne, Hunters and Collectors, Vika and Linda, Renee Geyer, Archie Roach, X, Deb Conway and Ross Hannaford's Dianna Kiss. Chris has enjoyed the company of Australia's best musicians on stage and in the studio when realising his own visions in song.
Chris has appeared at every major Australian festival and his performances, filled as they are with his own brand of sensuality and the dynamic power that leaves his audiences so satisfied, are always a highlight. Chris' stage presence, voice and talent are all as big as the country he lives in. Chris Wilson is a master of his craft.
www.chriswilson.com.au
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CHUBBY RAE & THE ELEVATORS
 The blues is supposed to make you feel better, and a Chubby Rae & the Elevators show is all about feelin’ good. You’ll see sweating dancers in friendly agument with Chubby Rae & the Elevators about who’s having the most fun - them or the band?
Chubby Rae & the Elevators have been making converts to their vibed-up, good-time rhythm’n’blues since July 2000. Since then, Marisa Quigley (aka Chubby Rae), the 6’2” redheaded soulful powerhouse has been singing the blues like there’s no tomorrow.
The Elevators are dedicated blues men. Torquay’s Jim Dyson is the ‘Boss of the Boogaloo’ on guitar; Karl Inderburg and Craig Chiller hold it all together on drums and bassp; and the new guy, Kim Kellard, tears it up on keys and sax.
The Elevators dig deep to lay down grooves that a corpse could move to. That’s what the blues is for! Their second album, She Gets Unruly won Album of the Year at the 2007 Australian Blues Music Awards and Marisa also took out the Female Vocalist of the Year award.
www.chubbyraeandtheelevators.com
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COLLARD GREENS & GRAVY
 In February 2007, Collard Greens and Gravy beat 50 bands from around the world to become 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 Appreciation Society.
Formed In 1995, Collard Greens and Gravy quickly established themselves as one of Melbourne's leading blues acts with their unique style of delta-garage blues. This ARIA Award-winning trio is fronted by Ian Collard, a gifted and authentic blues vocalist and winner of the Australian Harmonica Championships in 1996. A Hohner Harmonica endorsee, Ian has featured on many other recordings including the UK Number 1 hit for Baz Luhrman, 'Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen)'.
'Collard has dug deep into some wellspring of blues... and dug out a sound similar in trance-like rhythms to north Mississippi hill country blues.' - Jeremy Loome, The Edmonton Sun, Canada
www.collardgreensandgravy.com
www.myspace.com/collardgreensandgravy
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CW STONEKING
 CW Stoneking, the bona fide king of old-time blues, was born in the Northern Territory to American parents and currently lives in Melbourne.
CW has a natural stage presence and rapport with the crowd. His power comes from his authentic vocal and guitar technique on material from the 1920s and 30s, which includes his original compositions such as his hit tune ‘Dodo Blues’, ‘Handyman Blues’, and the bawdy double entendre ‘You Took My Thing and Put It In Your Place’, a recording of which will feature on a soon-to-be-released compilation CD from PBS FM.
CW Stoneking is in the process of making his first all original album including some never-before heard ‘secret hits’.
mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/king_hokum/web/
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DALLAS FRASCA and HER GENTLEMEN
 With the success of Triple J airplay on Roots n All, Dallas Frasca and her Gentlemen are fast spreading an epidemic of down-and-dirty roots rhythms around Australia. Described as 'The Modern-Day Janis Joplin', Dallas Frasca and Her Gentlemen surely appreciate the comparison. Continuing the strong roots contingent, Frasca kicks against the male dominance and sounds off like she's got a pair.
At age 19, she started singing in country NSW, nailing her debut solo EP 'Acoustic Slide Groove' in 2005 and simultaneously stitching up Triple J's Light Your Fuse competition from over 500 entries. At the time she had no idea her music would cause the stir it has during the year. From there, two of her songs hit top position on MP3.com, she's played almost every major festival in Australia, including East Coast Blues and Roots, Falls Fest, Apollo Bay, Narooma Blues and Rockabilly Fest and Nepean (alongside artists like Joss Stone, Ben Harper, John Butler and many more).
She's been on the road with Xavier Rudd and her remarkable voice has been described as 'like diving off a rock into a pristine gorge with the worst hangover of your life, and emerging from the cool depths rejuvenated.' With a wail as big as her dreadlocked hair, she is a force for the future: she is woman, hear her roar.
Joined by the upside down, left handed, back to front, slide dobro and mandolin extraordinaire, Jeff Curran makes the two-piece-without-kit a wall of guitars and stomp box that delve into raw, double duelling slides, launching from a rock-solid ground of roots influences. One thump on that stomp box demands attention from any audience and is a sure-fire way to get the crowd worked up... Dallas Frasca and Her Gentlemen are a live experience you don't want to miss!
www.dallasfrasca.com
www.myspace.com/dallasfrascamusic
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DAN DINNEN
 Singer-songwriter, guitar fingerpicker and blues-harp wailer, Dan Dinnen plays soulful, solo-acoustic blues with a feel and style that harks back to the '30s and '40s.
Dan has played Byron Bay to Tasmania and was an MBAS Blues Performer of the Year Finalist in 2007.
He’s supported the likes of Chris Wilson, and has accompanied many of Melbourne’s finest players, including folk-roots singer Kavisha Mazzella and Jimi Hocking.
At the 2008 Port Fairy Folk Festival Dan was invited onstage with Kavisha Mazzella, and had the thrill of playing blues harp and singing harmonies with the amazing Ruthie Foster (USA) and Melbourne's own Suzannah Espie.
Dan also plays '20s and '30s style blues with the Heather Stewart Trio. The trio played at the 2008 Broadbeach Blues Festival.
'You rocked it, man! - Ruthie Foster
http://www.dandinnen.com/
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DAN WARNER & AL MACINNES
 One of the longest-running acts on the Blues Train, Dan and Al are a unique accoustic duo.
They are legendary around Melbourne for their residencies: seven years at the Punters Club on Sunday afternoons and four years at the Corner Hotel on Tuesday nights.
They really put their stamp on the earlier years of the Blues Train. Sadly they only play together nowadays on special occasions.
www.almacinnes.com
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DAVE STEEL & THE WELCOME WAGON
 Dave Steel is a veteran singer/songwriter/instrumentalist who has been working in the roots music area for over 25 years. Many music fans will be familiar with his five solo albums and some with his work as a session muso for folks like Archie Roach, Ruby Hunter, Rose Bygrave, Marcia Howard and Tiffany Eckhardt.
He was also the original guitarist with Weddings Parties Anything and in recent years, Dave has also produced several albums for other musicians.
www.davesteel.net
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THE DETONATORS
 Before rock, there was rockabilly, blues and rhythm'n'blues.The Detonators, through their original songs, recreate the styles that made the mid-to-late 50s such a vital time in music's history. They play an era, not simply a genre.
Their inimitable sound is infused with the driving energy that's inherent in the music of their heroes - Chuck Berry, Little Walter and Hound Dog Taylor. Melbourne-based, they have just released their fourth album, Top Night Out.
The Detonators are 'Rockbottom' James Moloney on vocals and harmonica, Paulie 'The Kid' Bignell on guitar, 'Doghouse' Dave Philpots on bull fiddle bass and Eddie Fury on sticks and skins.
'The Detonators' blazing jump-rock tunes are as slick as their teddy-boy quiffs.' - MX newspaper
www.detonators.com.au
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DIAMOND JIM AND THE TUFF TONES
 One of the most talked about new acts to hit the blues scene, Diamond Jim & the Tuff Tones' fuel-injected, hard-drivin’ mix of R’n’B, blues and swingin’ jump blues stops folks in their tracks.
The love child of guitar-playin’ boogie man Diamond Jim Dyson (ex Blues Train favourite Chubby Rae and the Elevators) and Wailin’ Chris Fogaty, harp player extraordinaire (ex Diddley Daddies etc back to the mid 60s). Their mission: to get down and boogie hard, whatever the weather, and dress sharp doin’ it!
Steve 'Stooka' Bennett (ex Grisly Brothers) rocks up a storm on lead vocal, with thunder and lightning provided by the too-cool-for-school rhythm section of Luke 'Young Man' Hines on upright and electric bass and Henry Andre Janss keepin’ it tight on drums.
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GEOFF ACHISON
 A country lad from rural Victoria, Geoff learned to play guitar via a fascination with American blues music. In 1995 he represented Australia at the International Blues Competition in Memphis, USA and won the coveted Albert King Award for his guitar skills.
He has since branched out into the realm of songwriting and leading his own band, developing his own ideas in which to frame his blues playing. Subsequent tour schedules have kept him on the move around the globe and earned him something of a cult following amongst fans of blues ‘n’ roots music.
Performing either as a solo musician or with his mighty Souldiggers, Geoff delivers heartfelt gutsy songs which often defy classification. Certainly blues-influenced and very funky, but prone to launching into spontaneous improvisations without losing focus on the song.
http://www.geoffachison.com/
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GEORGE KAMIKAWA
 Born and bred in Japan, George found that being a salary man wasn't his thing and took off on a working holiday. He ended up busking around NZ and moved to Australia in 2001.
With ten years of professional experience under his belt, George has fronted various rock and blues bands playing in pubs and restaurants in both Japan and New Zealand. His playing is typified by its raw energy and broad tonal range - from delicate harmonics to searing rips and slides on guitar, soulful singing and driving rhythms on harmonica.
When his debut solo CD ‘Blue to the Bone’ was released in 2003, he toured extensively throughout Australia, New Zealand and Japan. In 2004 he won the Australian Country Music Busking Championship at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and started receiving critical acclaim in the national print media. In 2007 George joined the Blues Train and is featured on the 'Train Trax Volume 2' CD.
www.georgekamikawa.com
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HEATHER STEWART
 Heather Stewart is a fiddle player with vigour. After growing up in the Riverina, where she started violin lessons at age 7, Heather graduated from The University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in 2001. She then left Australia to travel, study and perform in the UK and Europe. She performed at the Edinburgh Festival, undertook masterclasses with some of the best musicians in the world, and sang in professional performances with Opera Del Mar. Since returning to Australia, Heather has been involved in a number of projects including jazz and blues festivals in NSW and Victoria.
Heather currently performs with several bands in and around Melbourne, including Jimi Hocking’s Blue Mandolin Band (featured at the 2008 Port Fairy Folk Festival). Heather's new blues trio features Dan Dinnen and Danny McKenna (Jeff Lang; Those Bloody McKennas).
www.myspace.com/heatherstewartmusic
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ILLANA
 Singer/songwriter and guitarist Illana has been singing since she was four. She attended singing lessons at a local church after school and by third grade, she ‘knew’ that music would be a huge part of her life.
Illana's roaring voice is reminiscent of a vodka fuelled Joss Stone with a shot or two of Amy Winehouse, and her swag of songs blur the lines between blues, soul and rock.
To date Illana's treaded the boards with Paul Kelly, David Bridie, Yothu Yindi, Tiddas, Killing Heidi, Renee Geyer and shared the bill with George and Tex Perkins amongst others.
Look out for her upcoming album in 2008.
Listen: www.myspace.com/illana
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JAIMI FAULKNER
 Jaimi Faulkner, has a reputation as a gifted songwriter, an accomplished musician and an exciting live performer. He captivates audiences with his powerful live performances. He has played at Port Fairy, Apollo Bay, Queenscliff and Wangaratta Jazz & Blues music festivals.
At 21, his impressive debut album ‘Last light’ (featuring Aria award winners Mia Dyson and Chris Wilson), debuted at number 5 on the Rhythms Magazine charts and held its position for four months. In late 2006, Jaimi’s second release ‘Back to you’ featured heavily on national radio with singles debuting at #3 and #4 on the Triple J Unearthed Charts.
In 2007 Jaimi played more than 200 shows, including the American JUKE JOINT FESTIVAL in Clarksdale Mississippi and Europe. Early in 2008, Faulkner took out the prestigious Australian Blues/Roots Performer of the Year (band category) and represented Australia in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennesee, followed by a second European tour. Faulkner will release his next album in 2009.
‘Ripping conventional blues and roots grooves into confetti and hurling them over the audience, inciting wild yawping, dancing of all sorts’ Sam Fell, Rhythms Magazine
www.jaimifaulkner.com
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JARRAH THOMPSON
 Jarrah Thompson seamlessly fuses flute rock, blues, roots, folk and latin, moving effortlessly between guitar lickin’ garage rock to fingerpickin’ melodic folk.
2008 saw the unveiling of his explosive nine piece blues/rock band. The group awed audiences all over Victoria. When Jarrah Thompson began to play there were twenty people at his stage, by the end of the set more than two thousand people had come over to hear a flute vs. guitar battle with the intensity and musicality of a Mozart piece!
Jarrah Thompson has been playing music for as long as he can remember, striking his first chord at six years of age, he went on as a teenager to study Music Performance and returning to Melbourne in 2001 saw the birth of rock band ‘147k’ with the guidance of Australian Hall of Fame Inductee, Lobby Loyde.
Drawing inspiration from early Santana, Joe Walsh, Jimi Hendrix and Jethro Tull, Jarrah Thompson’s live performances exude a raw energy reminiscent of the great rock festivals of late 60’s. Jarrah Thompson’s music has the power to transcend the listener to a different time, a different place and the best part of it all is…
www.jarrahthompson.com
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JEANNIE LUSHES AND THE BLUES BOYS
 Jeannie Lushes (Lubricators) formed in 2000 as a fifties rockabilly band. For four years, Ms Lushes entertained patrons with this raw sound but was always itching to do what she loved most. Lushes acquired an early love for gospel and blues music and so she put away the blue suede shoes. The Blues Boys is comprised of some of our city's best blues musicians: guitarist Mark (Harpo) Greenway, Glenn Simkin on electric/double bass, the drummer's seat is shared between Rob O'Toole, Ray Tully (Straight 8s) and Shane Antonie (Redliners) and the horn section is made up of Joe Greenway and Jimmy Sloggett.
On stage these six dynamics exude qualities of cool at odds with the torrid emotions of their songs - an elusive contradiction between blues, soul and rock.
www.myspace.com/jeannielushesthebadbluesboys
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JIMI HOCKING
 Mention the name Jimi Hocking and festival-goers will know him from major folk and blues events. Mention the name Jimi the Human, and rock music fans will recognise him from Spectre 7, the Angels and the Screaming Jets.
He has opened for, and toured with, many major artists, including Joe Satriani, George Thorogood, Edgar Winter, Robben Ford and he even played a little blues to BB King himself … who declared, 'I been watching you, you’re real good.'
Now known to many as an electric blues stylist, Jimi still regularly performs his material in an acoustic setting, both in Australia and on the NYC anti-folk and blues scene. Known for his hilarious preambles, Jimi performs a mixture of thought-provoking and 'tongue in cheek' original material that spans a ten-album career.
In 2005, Jimi won the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennesee, following his winning the title of Blues Performer of the Year, awarded by Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society in October 2004.
www.jimihocking.com
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JONNO ZILBER
 At 18 years of age, Jonno Zilber plays with a maturity far beyond his years. Over the past six years, Jonno has won the Canberra Roots Music Young Performer Award twice and one of five finalists in the 2006 National Youth Week "RockIt" music competition (the only blues artist to make it to the finals). He has performed with Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges as well as local blues heroes such as Lloyd Spiegel, Dutch Tilders and Matt Corcoran. He's toured the country numerous times and has developed his skills and reputation as an energetic and entertaining solo performer.
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JULES BOULT
 The Jules Boult duo delivers a show demonstrating original and standard blues steeped in the finest traditions from New Orleans to the Mississippi Delta and beyond.
Jules Boult (vocals/guitar/ukulele), a former truckie, oil-rigger, boxer, engineer (not a train driver), poet and model, and now renaissance man and loving father recognised for unique blues music.
The duo currently features the highly acclaimed Chris Mac on harmonica and percussion - arguably the finest exponent of blues harp in Australia today. His 'chops' have seen him work alongside local blues greats such as Llyod Speigel, Dutch Tilders, Geoff Achison, Fiona Boyes and many more.
www.myspace.com/julesboult
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KERRI SIMPSON & RON TABUTEAU
 Kerri Simpson is one of Australia's most respected and versatile singers. Her unique, powerful voice has traversed a huge expanse of musical styles across a large portion of the globe, enriched through the years by the music and musicians she has encountered. Having toyed with singing for a few years, Kerri joined the Five Aces, an R&B outfit formed by Ken Farmer (of Paramount Trio) and Steve Purcell (who would later form the Swinging Sidewalks). It was a time when a handful of R&B bands had taken to playing impromptu on Melbourne's sidewalks and the Five Aces were often found busking in the city streets, with Kerri's distinctive voice gaining a great deal of attention.
www.kerrisimpson.com
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LIL' FI
 'One of the perennial stars of music festivals around the country, Lil’ Fi has an uncanny ability to capture an audience with her dynamic performances, humour and a collection of songs that invariably hit the mark...' Brian Wise, Rhythms Magazine, March 2002.
Lil' Fi is a singer/songwriter of Australia-wide renown. She has a unique way of electrifying an atmosphere with her enviable stage presence, wit and pizzazz. Audiences cannot help but enjoy themselves immensely when they are at one of Lil' Fi's performances.
She has been awarded Best Female Vocalist at the Australian Blues Music Awards five times (94, 95, 96, 99 & 2000), has 14 years of touring and recording experience and has released 7 independently produced albums and 8 compilations.
'Lil' Fi is an uncommonly convincing "blues mama" ... all the more so because she writes intelligently, understands dynamics and can eloquently express a tender thought as well as a raunchy notion...' Lucky Oceans and Doug Spencer from ABC's 'The Planet'
'This lady never ceases to amaze me - not only a brilliant songwriter who always hits the nail right on the head with observations about life, love and our need to look after the environment, but a beautiful voice and first class entertainer... rating: 10/10.' Julie Fox, Sydney Blues Society
www.lilfi.com
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LLOYD SPIEGEL
 Upon first playing on the Blues Train at just 24, Lloyd Spiegel already had over 18 years experience in the Australian music scene. Performing, writing and recording since age 10, he has become one of Australia's best-known blues performers. His shows combine acoustic blues with funk and rock to give an energetic, fresh sound to acoustic roots.
Since 1995 he has toured extensively in Germany, Italy and the USA, where he has become a highly sought-after artist on the festival circuit and has played with blues legends like Buddy Guy, the Fabulous Thunderbirds and Etta James.
Lloyd's awards include: Ambassador to the Australian Blues Festival 2005 and 2006; Australian Blues Award, Band Of The Year 2005; Victorian Blues Award, Band/Solo Artist Of The Year 2004; Victorian Blues Award, Song Of The Year 2004; Victorian Blues Award, Male Artist Of The Year 2004.
His first original album, 'Tall Stories' (2006), is packed with powerful songs about his experiences on the road and has received critical acclaim all over Australia. In 2007 he released a DVD 'Live in Japan' which has led to TV and radio appearances in Japan and regular return visits.
www.lloydspiegel.com
www.myspace.com/lloydspiegel
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LUKE WATT
 Luke Watt, a songwriter/guitarist from the Victorian coastal town of Warrnambool, was introduced to the recordings of blues legends such as Robert Johnson and Mississippi John Hurt at an early age. Luke has since turned an appreciation of acoustic roots music into a passion.
Luke's sound is hard to pigeonhole. His songwriting is personal and emotive, and often draws on uniquely Australian stories conveyed with an emphasis on melody. Combine this with a dynamic and percussive guitar style (delivered solo or with the aid of a drummer) and the result is a young musician with a force of presence few his age have achieved.
Recent gigs include Queenscliff Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and support slots for Jeff Lang, Derrin Nauendorf, Carus and Epicure.
'Watt continues to prove himself as an artist on the verge of a big career in the world of roots music.'
Matt Neal, Warrnambool Standard
www.lukewatt.com
www.myspace.com/wattluke
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MALLEE ROOTS
 Mallee Roots draw their inspiration from early-1900s blues, paying homage to the passions of Lead Belly, Charlie Patton and Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers.
Formed in the late 1900s, Mallee Roots is made up of Sugar Ray Byrne on National bottleneck guitar, Bluey G. Hohner on harmonica, jug, kazoo, bush bass, and the very handy washboard, and Sam Phillips on his home-made percussion kit of pots, potties, hubcaps and assorted crashabilia.
Together they brew up a life-experience brand of authentic Mallee dustbowl blues. One that is as infectious as it is soul stirring, and one that bears the marks of distant travelled paths and time forgotten crossroads. Along the way they have individually and collectively soiled the stage with the likes of Bob Brozman, Muddy Puddles, Salty Dog, Hatz Jug Slouchers and Queenscliff’s own Blues Train favorites Chubby Rae and the Elevators.
www.entireentertainment.com
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MARK EASTON
 Son of a Wollongong Jazz musician, Mark Easton embraced music from an early age. He plays the raw, basic sounds of the blues on slide guitar and harmonica - using a looping pedal to lay down underlying grooves, with his guitar and vocals over the top. Mark forms an extremely strong connection with his audiences through the emotionally sincere, unprocessed music he creates.
He spent all of 2007 on the road, touring the country from Victoria to North Queensland and South Australia. Known for his loud, high energy and interactive live show, Mark's built up a strong reputation as a true entertainer.
www.myspace.com/themarkeastonlimousine
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MARSHALL & THE FRO
 Marshall & the Fro create Aussie-Mojo workin rock-roots music that has been described as 'Infectious As Hell!' by Sam Fell from Rhythms Magazine.
Their fresh sounds features Marshall O’Kell’s delta-edged vocals and filthy slide guitar, backed up by massive driving rhythms from Nick Ohlson on bass and Jacob Mann on drums.
They held number one position on the Australian Roots chart on MySpace for six months, won Best Blues & Roots NCEIA Dolphin Award, and were finalists in Music Oz Awards and have two successful East Coast Tours under their belts.
www.marshallmusic.com.au or www.myspace.com/marshallmusic
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MASON RACK BAND
 The Mason Rack Band is a growly, blues-rock three-piece based on the Gold Coast. Their high-energy live shows, consisting of infamous drum duels, busting guitar and gravely vocals, have earnt them a powerful reputation. Audiences are left begging for more of their raucous and rowdy, drunken and dirty, infectious performances.
The band won (from 1500 entries) Q Music's 2007 Q Song Blues and Roots award. They scored in the top five in the Blues category at the MusicOz Awards.
'I just wants to bring the best, meanest, horniest, rockin', swampy, smokey Blues music to my audiences'. Mason Rack
www.myspace.com/masonrackband
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MATT DWYER
 Originally from Sydney, guitarist Matt Dwyer had become an established and respected veteran of the roots music scene while still in his 20s. While in seminal blues outfit The Bondi Cigars, Matt picked up a Rhythms Magazine award for Best Live Australian Blues Band in 1996. Then he played with swing kings, The Louisville Sluggers, for two years, while at the same time fronting the Matt Dwyer Quartet. During this time The Louisville Sluggers appeared on every television network and served as the house band on Channel Nine sports/variety show ‘Sam and the Fat Man’, for which Matt was musical director.
Matt has received two ARIA nominations for his guitar contributions to soundtracks for film and television. In 2001, Matt moved from his home town of Sydney to Melbourne. In the time he’s been in Melbourne, Dwyer has established himself not only as a sideman (playing with Louis King’s Liars Club , Nina Ferro, Bob Valentine, The Shuffle Club, Eugene Hamilton, Chris Wilson, Matt Taylor and Angry Anderson), but as a band leader, singer and songwriter.
www.mattdwyermusic.com.au
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MIA DYSON
 Growing up in Coastal Victoria, Mia Dyson began playing her father’s handmade electric guitars after finding inspiration and heart in the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Ray Vaughan. She performs her own spacious and powerful original songs with a depth and maturity belying her age, along with impassioned versions of blues, soul, country and contemporary songs.
Cold Water (2003) was Dyson’s debut album and it was arguably the best debut album this country has seen for many years. It highlights her exceptional songwriting and musicianship as well as the dynamic collaboration she had with Dean Addison and Carl Pannuzzo. Parking Lots was released in 2005. In 2007 Mia will tour as support for Bonnie Rait and later with Eric Clapton.
www.miadyson.com
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MIKE RUDD AND BILL PUTT
 Alongside Chain and Daddy Cool, the valiant Spectrum was one of the first underground bands of the early 1970s to gain mainstream acceptance. Spectrum's brand of progressive rock was often built around long, complex musical passages, very much in the vein of UK bands like the post-Syd Barrett Pink Floyd, early Soft Machine and Traffic. Yet the band did embrace a commercial aesthetic at times, as its number-one hit single, the compelling 'I'll Be Gone', displayed. Spectrum Plays the Blues now plays a collection of blues classics and blues-inspired originals.
www.mikeruddbillputt.com
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MOJO WEBB
 Utterly fresh and unique, but steeped in the tradition of real, authentic blues, Mojo's music is truly world-class. With charisma and a naturally captivating stage presence, 30-something-year-old Mojo breathes new life into roots-based sounds. Mojo combines his incredibly soulful natural voice with expressive songwriting and all the passion and honesty of the deepest blues singers.
Mojo began singing and playing the guitar at age twelve. He also plays harmonica, saxophone, bass and drums. Mojo spent six years on the road with Buzz & The Blues Band (1992-98). Since then, Mojo has fronted his own bands and also performed solo.
He has played the East Coast Blues Festival, numerous blues/jazz festivals in Lithgow, Bridgetown, Wangaratta, Bellingen and Thredbo, the Woodford Folk Festival, had months-long residencies at The Story Bridge Hotel's Bombshelter Bar in Brisbane and the amazing Bebop Bar in Pai, Mae Hong Song Province, Thailand.bCheck out his album The Burden - Mojo plays every instrument on the entirely self-penned 14-song collection!
www.mojowebb.com
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OWEN CAMPBELL
 Owen, from Queanbeyan in southern NSW, mixes up blues with a soul-based approach. He inherited his musical ability - and a love of classic soul and blues - from his parents.
Owen won the Declan Affley Award for songwriting at the 2006 National Folk Festival and toured extensively through NSW and Queensland, with plans to accept offers to perform in New Guinea later in 2008 and at the Himalayan Blues festival - the 'highest Blues Festival in the World', held in Kathmandu in Nepal.
His first album 'Mice On The Wheel' (released early 2008) garnered airplay on JJJ and community radio.
www.myspace.com/owencampbelltunes
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RORY ELLIS
 Rory Ellis is one of Australia’s leading acoustic performers taking audiences by storm, nationally and internationally. Both his solo releases Ride and Road Of The Braver Man have impressed all the critics, which is no mean feat.
Rory has built a huge reputation at festivals and venues in Australia and, more recently, overseas. He is arguably one of this country's finest vocalists and songwriters and uses a collection of roots music influences to create a style he labels as 'urban folk'. He takes the listener on a journey through the back alleys of Melbourne and into his home, letting you in to his own private world, a man blessed with an extremely colourful life and a voice that has lived the tales he tells.
'Such is 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 songwriting skills. The first few verses I heard, I was done for - instant fan.' Jackey Coyle, Rhythms Magazine
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ROSIE BURGESS
 Playing straight from the heart, Rosie keeps herself warm with her skillful rootsy guitar, harmonica and mandolin playing, singing up a storm everytime she takes the stage.
Travelling all over Australia, Rosie has had the pleasure of playing along side some of Australia's finest musicians at our best festivals, including Ash Grunwald, Mia Dyson, Deborah Conway, Chris Wilson and Blue King Brown.
Rosie's quirky and original tunes captivate audiences wherever she goes. Her high-energy live shows combine humour with a real love of music. Rosie Burgess brings fun with her to the stage, for a truly engaging performance.
'When you have heard Rosie perform, you're sure to be tongue-tied trying to tell people how good she is...' Dave Ritter, organiser of the Bruthen Festival of Blues and Arts
www.rosieburgess.com
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SHANNON BOURNE
 A fixture of the roots music scene, Shannon has been making an impact on the Australian blues and roots scene for ten years, touring with Richard Thompson, Tony Joe White, Bob Brozman, Bob Margolin, John Butler, Jeff Lang, Matt Walker, The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He has toured overseas supporting Duke Robillard-Buddy and Julie Miller and The Waifs. He has also worked with John Schumann, Andy Cowan, Kerri Simpson, Black Sorrows and Vanessa Amarossi.
His 2005 debut album 'Burn It Down' has been described as 'a must for any music lover' by Joe Yammouni and 'the finest blues/roots release for 2005' by Billy Pinnell.
Over the last ten years Shannon has built a reputation for himself as one of Australia's finest guitarists and singer/songwriters and done time as sidekick to local legend Chris Wilson (notably on the Blues Train since 2005).
www.shannonbourne.com
Or listen on www.myspace.com/shannonbourne
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STEVIE PAIGE
 While comparisons to music giants Janis Joplin and Ann Peebles are frequently drawn, it is clear that Stevie's contemporary edge will pioneer a new trail that others will follow in years to come. Stevie has worked and performed with Diesel, Tommy Emmanuel, Sam See (John Farnham band), Chris Wilson, Geoff Achison, Andy Cowan, Lloyd Spiegel, Fiona Boyes, Mia Dyson, John Williams, George Golla and Tony Summers (Masters Apprentices).
A graduate of Australia's most prestigious music school, Victorian College of the Arts and with numerous awards to her credit, Stevie is now poised for a very successful national and international career. Her latest album, III, crafted from Stevie's popular live performances over the last two years, is making big impressions both here in Australia and abroad.
'Paige is a gifted guitarist playing with class and passion, along with a soul-tinged voice that any diva would die for.' Lloyd Spiegel, Ambassador for the Australian Blues Music Festival Goulburn.
Stevie has been asked to sing lead vocals on 5-7 tracks on Junior Brentley's new album (Fabulous Thunderbirds) along with his old band mates Jimmie Vaughan, Chris Layton and Tommy Shannon (from Double Trouble), Charlie Tuna (from the BB King Band), Chris Tofield and Albert Lee.
www.steviepaige.com
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STRINGYBARK MCDOWELL
 Stringybark McDowell (aka Kenny Terrington ) is known to audiences around Australia of all ages and cultures, mainly as front man for band 'Muddy Puddles'. Australian band 'Muddy Puddles' carved a niche through rural Australia for many years with their jug junk band attitude to the blues.
His style of raw rootsy blues drawn from the great masters of the late 19th and early 20th centuries mixed with his eccentric aussie humour and homemade instruments combines for a blues loving and rib-tickling good time. Like we say in Australia - There's no flies on this man', but you can see where they have been.
www.stringybarkmcdowell.com
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THE SURE SHOT HUNTERS
 The Sure Shot Hunters are an explosive trio who bring a unique blend of blues, roots, reggae, 70s rock, electrifying guitar, dynamic bass grooves and explosive drumming to the stage.
Since 2002, The Sure Shot Hunters have been busy carving a reputation for their energetic and dynamic shows, with well-received performances at many of Melbourne's renowned venues (Cape Lounge, The Spot, the Espy, the Evelyn Band Room, Vineyard, Revellers and local music festivals: St Kilda Festival (2003, 2004, 2005), Care Benefit (2004), Oz Music Showcase (2005) and Afro Beats (2006).
The Sure Shot Hunters are fast becoming one of the top blues/rock/roots style bands on the Melbourne music scene and are looking forward to cementing that status in 2007. The Sure Shot Hunters' lead guitarist and singer, Zevon Hiltz also plays as a solo act on the train.
Listen to the Sure Shot Hunters on their MySpace page or visit their website:
www.thesureshothunters.com
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SWEET BABY JAMES AND ROB EYERS
 Something triggered in Sweet Baby James, 29, when he heard Eric Clapton’s 'Cocaine' at age 15.
James’ debut album 'Rhythm ‘n’ Blues' is a cornucopia of assorted Blues styles - there’s delicate fingerpicking, growling slide guitar and sparse country Blues evoking wild nights at the traditional juke joints in America’s deep south.
The Adelaide-based blues guitarist has shared the stage with Jeff Healy and Canadian Blues queen Sue Foley. In 2003 James played his original 'Bullet Through My Heart' on Canadian national television. He appeared on the 13-part documentary series 'Talkin’ Blues' alongside B.B. King, Clarence ‘Gatemouth’ Brown, Pinetop Perkins and other blues legends.
Rob Eyers, originally from London and now living in Adelaide, completes the duo on percussion.
Sweet Baby James was 2007 Australian Blues Music Festival (Goulburn NSW) ambassador.
www.myspace.com/sweetbabyjamesandrobeyersmusic
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SWEET FELICIA AND THE HONEYTONES
 Sweet Felicia charms audiences around Australia with her distinctive and powerful yet touching vocals and bass work. Her band swings hard and her music reminds us of the hot clubs of the 40s and 50s.
She has played all over the country, including festivals such as Byron Blues and Roots, Woodford Folk, Bridgetown Blues, Thredbo Blues and Wangaratta Jazz, to name a few.
Sweet Felicia played bass for Lil Fi and the Delta Rhythm Kings for four and a half years and during this time a highlight was supporting the legendary BB King at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. She has played bass for such legends as Phil Manning, Chris Wilson, Jeff Lang and Red Rivers.
She has numerous awards to her credit including Female Artist of the Year, Band of the Year and Album of the Year 2000 from the Blues Association of South East Queensland. She was also nominated Best Female Vocalist in the Goulburn Chain Music Awards in 2000.
feliciatone@yahoo.com
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TABASCO TOM
 As a native New Yorker, Tom was influenced by a wide range of musical styles. At a young age he was introduced to jazz and swing by his father, who took him to see the jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy Rich and Lionel Hampton. Growing up not far from the Greenwich Village scene at Washington Square, where folk, blues and delta mingled together, Tom heard the music which would shape the style he has developed into what he calls 'eclectic soup'. You can hear these mixtures in his original material, which is a melting-pot of blues, folk and delta mixed with a bit of swing.
His covers carry on and keep alive the past greats such as WC Handy, Robert Johnson, Scrapper Blackwell, Rev Gary Davis and even Cab Calloway.
Tom Rogerson keeps it traditional with his bright clean fingerpicking style with alternating bass on acoustic guitar and brings the old blues to light playing slide on a resonator guitar, all complemented by his rich, powerful voice.
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TOM RICHARDSON
 Tom Richardson hails from Victoria's south-west coast, where he picked up a guitar at 10 and taught himself bottleneck and lapsteel slide. His furious, Blues slide guitar, excellent musicianship and powerful vocals reflect his natural talent as a performer and entertainer.
Since winning the 2004 and 2005 Australian Busking Championships and the 2007 Apollo Bay Music Festival Young Performer of the Year award, Tom has been performing at festivals around the country, including Port Fairy Folk Festival, The National Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Yackandandah Folk Festival and Portland Bay Festival.
His debut EP 'Follow Me' was released in late 2006, Tom has been gigging with local blues and roots musicians and toured as part of the 'Young Guns of Blues' for two months in early 2008.
www.myspace.com/tomrichardsonmusic
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THE LYMAN DEBUT
 From the first note, it’s apparent that there is something different about The Lyman Debut. A sound blues lovers can identify with, and an instinct for melody that appeals to a wide range of listeners. Many of the influences heard in songs by The Lyman Debut stem from Delta blues style guitar playing and singing, mixed with slight jazz grooves, with some deeper, dirtier electric moments that reach into a rock territory without assailing the audience with volume, and a stripped-down drum approach where needed.
Their album Blue Harvest flows with a powerful collection of songs influenced by past blues masters and contemporary heroes alike. With its strong emotive lyrics, and heartfelt playing, Blue Harvest is one dobro-laden, harp-squealin’, blues-hollerin’ collection of songs. A musical journey you will want to take!
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ZEVON HILTZ
 Born and raised in Melbourne, Zevon Hiltz has become one of the most talented blues musicians in town. Following in the footsteps of his mentors, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Muddy Waters and Jimi Hendrix to name a few, he formed the Blues'n Roots trio, The Sure Shot Hunters, to develop his music, soulful vocals and explosive guitar skills.
www.myspace.com/thesureshothunters
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