THE LACHY DOLEY GROUP

Photo courtesy of Walter van Heuckelom

“Lachy Doley is the greatest living keyboard player
in the world today.”
- Glenn Hughes, Deep Purple & Black Sabbath

“Lachy Doley just makes you feel good,
the way he plays that Clavinet.”
- William Earl ‘Bootsy’ Collins, James Brown & Parliament-Funkadelic,
Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The guys quoted above know a thing or two about music. They rate Lachy Doley so highly, he was invited to play on the new version of ‘Highway Star’ with Glenn Hughes, Steve Vai and Chad Smith.

Dubbed ‘the Hendrix of the Hammond’, Lachy also plays the incredibly rare Hohner D6 Whammy Clavinet. Most people do a double take when they realise the sound they’re hearing isn’t an electric guitar, but rather a 70-stringed keyboard with a huge Whammy Bar sticking out of its guts.

Undoubtedly Australia’s most celebrated Blues, Soul and Rock organ player, Lachy pumps, pampers and pounds the most unbelievable sounds from his keyboard, sounds that are intense, ferocious and sometimes transcendent. But he isn’t just a great musician. A reviewer at a recent show at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel in Adelaide perhaps described it best when he said: “Lachy Doley is no stranger to showmanship. For a Bluesman, his hair flaps about as much as the avid metal-head and his stage antics are reminiscent of an electrified Jerry Lee Lewis.”

Lachy’s ‘Group’ is a power Trio also comprising Joel Burton on Bass and Jackie Barnes (son of Jimmy) on Drums. The Lachy Doley Group has played over 250 shows and festivals all around the world, from New Orleans and California in the U.S., to Germany, the Netherlands and Great Britain in Europe and of course major festivals throughout Australia.

The Lachy Doley Group is a super energetic Soul / Blues force like none other. I’ve been trying to get them to Eastern Lounge for years and at last, Lachy and the boys will be making their debut appearance on Friday March 9. Don’t miss this one. It will be HUGE!

Read more about The Lachy Doley Group online at: http://www.lachydoley.com/

THE KATE LUSH BAND
 

“Kate Lush is heart and soul on a stick. For me, it was love at first listen.”
- Pat Maloney CEO MUSICOZ
 

There’s an infectious joy that comes out of Kate Lush’s music. Her heart and soul are in every song and in every performance. Kate has the power to uplift, the sensitivity to comfort and the gravity to pull emotions from deep within. She crosses singer / songwriter borders with her harder rock edge.

Kate’s voice is capable of incredible power and yet, unimaginable tenderness. There is so much personality behind her songs that they get to you like a great book you just can’t put down.

When you add the quality of her original material, the occasional classic covers she belts out (Ray Charles’s ‘Tired of My Tears’, Joe Cocker’s ‘Space Captain’ or Chaka Khan’s ‘Tell Me Something Good’ come to mind) and the swinging R&B band that pumps out thick grooves behind her, you’ll understand why so many fans and industry reviewers consider Kate a ‘must see’.

She’s won more awards than you can poke the proverbial stick at, most recently receiving:

• An Hon. Mention in the 2017 U.S. International Blues Blast Magazine Awards
• The 2016 Australian Blues Chain Award for Best New Talent
• The 2016 Songwriters Association of Washington (US) Award for ‘Best International Act’
• Best Female Artist - US IAMA (Independent Acoustic Music Awards)
• The Australian Songwriters Rudy Brandsma Award for Excellence in Songwriting
• Best Female Artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards (US)

She also charted back-to-back No. 1 albums (2016 AND 2017) on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart and her 2017 album, ‘Let It Fly’ reached No. 11 on the US Blues & Roots Music Report alongside the likes of Norah Jones, Tedeschi Trucks, Taj Mahal and Robert Cray.

Kate tours regularly, both here in Australia and overseas. Locally she’s a Festival regular at events including the Thredbo Blues Festival, Sydney Blues Festival, Girrakool Blues Festival, Winter Blues Festival (The Entrance), Mitchell Creek Blues Festival, the Australian Music Week Festival and Patonga’s ‘Blues Across the Bay’ Festival.

This is Kate’s 3rd appearance at Eastern Lounge, her second at our annual Valentine’s Day Extravaganza. Don’t miss her.

Read more about Kate Lush online at: http://katelush.com/

PETER NORTHCOTE’S
‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE'

“Wow! Last night I saw the best guitarist in Australia, Peter Northcote, at the Basement. Peter possesses the ability to take an audience to another level of musical experience. Just like anything great you must do before you die, you also must see Peter Northcote in concert!”
- Pat Maloney CEO MUSICOZ

“Fuses are lit by the explosive Virginia Lillye.”
- Glenn A Baker, Rock Historian

Peter Northcote is a legendary Australian Rock Guitarist. Even if you haven’t heard OF him, you’ve certainly heard him!

Pete started doing session work in 1985 and he’s still the busiest session musician in Australia. Turn on the TV and he plays in most of the commercials you see and hear. Pick your favourite show and there’s a good chance he’s playing guitar on or has written the music for the soundtrack.

Peter has recorded with everyone from Daryl Braithwaite Doc Neeson and Dragon, to Grace Knight, Guy Sebastian, Human Nature, Jenny Morris, Jimmy Barnes, Julie Anthony, Marcia Hines, Margaret Urlich, Marc Hunter, Neil Murray, Paul Kelly, Shannon Noll, Sharon O'Neill, Simon Philips and Yothu Yindi (to name a few!) He’s performed and toured with international acts including Elton John, Cher, Shania Twain, Billy Joel, The Monkees, Rod Stewart, Bo Diddley and Tom Jones.

His 1st solo album ‘Conditions Apply’ won critical acclaim from Virtuoso Guitarist Steve Vai (David Lee Roth, Frank Zappa, Whitesnake) and Peter has subsequently opened for Steve at The Enmore Theatre. He also counts guitar great Jeff Beck among his close friends and admirers.

He’s played every major venue in Australia (and most of the smaller ones too). He just loves playing! He also happens to be a great humanitarian, dedicating his time as an ambassador to great causes like the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) and Animals Asia.

GLEN CARDIER & THE SIDESHOW 

“A revelation! Imagine an Australian version of Warren Zevon… smart, clever, pithy lyrics with a dry, sardonic delivery.”
- Author & Music Columnist, Stuart Coupe

“…a true Australian music legend”
- Peter Noble, Promoter, Bluesfest

“A national treasure”
- Glenn A Baker

“Glenn Cardier’s songs are wryly funny, often dark and always entirely original.”
- Musician and Reviewer, John Hardaker

Glenn Cardier is a legendary Australian Blues and Roots singer-songwriter and guitarist whose mastery as a wordsmith has earned him the total respect of his fellow songwriters.

His enigmatic and compelling songs have enchanted audiences from London's Marquee and Ronnie Scott's Club, the Glasgow Apollo and Liverpool Empire, through to Australia’s iconic Sunbury Festivals, the Sydney Opera House and every major Blues and Roots Festival in the country.

Onstage, there are trademark flashes of dark humour in his songs of stark beauty and thumping Rockabilly/Blues. There’s a touch of Beefheart in his voice, a hint of Cohen in the lyrics, a pinch of Elvis here and there… but underlying it all are the songs… happy/sad songs… sweet/crazy songs… Glenn Cardier songs.

Rhythms Magazine has said: “There's no-one else on the Australian music scene quite like Glenn Cardier; from the finely chiselled storylines and razor sharp observations to the off- kilter delivery of his cryptic vignettes, he is a genuine one-off, a maverick… and you wouldn't want it any other way. Put simply, Glenn Cardier is our finest contemporary singer-songwriter, BAR NONE!”

Glenn’s latest album, ‘Cool Under Fire’ topped the Australian Blues and Roots Charts. Reviewer Samuel Fell wrote: “This album throbs with a dark resonance in parts and soars in others. There are strains of Tom Waits in there, a vocal delivery reminiscent of Dylan, while some of the arrangements are pure Beatles, loaded with hooks and harmony.”

Among over 16,000 entries from 146 countries, one of Glenn’s songs from the album (‘A Case of Mistaken Identity’) won First Place in the Performance category for the 2016 International Songwriting Competition. 

Glenn has played with everyone from Frank Zappa, Fairport Convention, Manfred Mann and Harry Chapin, to Cheech and Chong and Spike Milligan. Famous Rock Historian, Glenn A Baker says: “With captivating presence, a commanding vocal style and a gloriously perverse point of view, Cardier produces songs that take firm hold and linger long.”

We’re honoured to have this Legend of Australian Music back at Eastern Lounge. Don’t miss him.

Read more about Glenn Cardier & The Sideshow online at:
http://www.glenncardier.com/glenn-cardier-the-sideshow.htm

ILLYA SZWEC'S GROOVE DEPOT
 

“Groove Depot is full of laid-back and funky guitar playing, soulful vocals
and immaculate keyboard grooves."
- DRUM Media

"Illya Szwec's Groove Depot has been a great addition to The Thredbo Jazz Festival. They add an immeasurable depth to the artistic line-up."
- Stewart Wauchop, Artistic Director Thredbo Jazz Festival 

Illya Szwec's Groove Depot is a band that changes line-up from gig to gig, but always contains many of Sydney's finest, gettin' down and back up again on anything Funk, Soul, New Orleans, Blues, Reggae, Swamp Pop or Boogaloo. At this show we’ll see Illya on guitar, Vito Portolesi (Bass), Rob Woolf (Keys), Antero Ceschin (Drums) and the inimitable Pat Powell up front on vocals.

Illya himself is an in-demand guitar player. Darren Percival, Gail Page, Jim Conway, Johnny G & the E-Types and a whole lot more have been known to call on his services at a moment's notice. Writing in Rhythms Magazine, Martin Jones said: "Illya Szwec is dynamic, nailing that elusive David Gilmour tone." Dom Turner of Backsliders fame says: "I always love Illya's playing - especially his attention to tone."

Illya and the band get around, travelling to gigs from major music festivals to tiny watering holes right around Australia, clocking up frequent flyer points and regular tyre changes on the car like there’s no tomorrow. From Gympie to Thredbo, Devenport in Tassie to Wangaratta, Narooma to Noosa and Bellingen to Bridgetown in WA… seriously, ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’ could have been written about Illya.

In Sydney, Groove Depot has played The Opera Bar, The Mac in Surry Hills, The Pyrmont Bridge Hotel, The Townie, The Coopers Arms and The Newport. They’ve held down residencies and regular gigs inside LazyBones Lounge, B.E.D, The Basement and The Bald Rock Hotel. Twice, the band has opened up for visiting US Bluesman Lynwood Slim and his all-star band of Alex Schultz, Kirk Eli Fletcher & Richard Innes.

Lead singer Pat Powell’s credentials are impressive too. Pat's career spans more than four decades right across the globe. Hailing from the Jamaican community in Bristol, England, he toured Europe extensively before moving to Sydney in the ‘80s. Within a couple of years he was one of Australia's most in-demand studio vocalists.

On tour, Pat has supported among others, James Brown, Queen, Eurhythmics, Boy George, Crowded House and George Benson. He has also toured extensively throughout Australia, Asia & Europe as Kylie Minogue's primary backing vocalist. He’s recorded 15 singles and an album.

Check out Illya Szwec's Groove Depot online at: https://www.illyaszwec.com/

SOUL ROOTS REVIVAL BAND
featuring Michael Duchesne & Lana Rita Sayah

The Soul Roots Revival Band is a project put together by internationally renowned sax player, Jason Bruer, specifically to showcase the talent of two young singers he believes to be among Australia’s finest.

Though he’ll no doubt be embarrassed to read this, it’s impossible to highlight the quality of this band without reference to its leader and his vast experience. So just quickly, Jason has played with and arranged for a veritable Who’s Who of the music business including Eric Clapton, Sting, Mick Hucknell, Mica Paris, BB King, Stevie Winwood, Madness, Paul Weller and Van Morrison to name but a few.

He’s played as a muso. for hire with Aussie bands including the Models, the Dynamic Hepnotics, Eurogliders and Swannee and he’s supported Joe Cocker, Santana, Joan Armatrading and KC and the Sunshine Band on national tours. Suffice to say he’s acknowledged far and wide as one of the best.

Other members of this red hot band have played with or supported Robbie Williams, John Farnham, Olivia Newton John, Jimmy and Mahalia Barnes, Doug Parkinson, Tim Minchin, Percy Sledge, Jessica Mauboy, Brian May & Roger Taylor (Queen), 1927, Grace Night, Human Nature, Margaret Ulrich, Jenny Morris, Mental as Anything, Guy Sebastian, The Beautiful Girls and Mia Dyson. They’ve got cred.!

But it’s the singers Jason is truly excited about. He considers Michael Duchesne (The Voice, X-Factor) and Lana Rita Sayah (The Voice, Ricki Lee) to be two of Australia’s hottest young singers.

Michael is a distinctive and engaging performer with unique tone and a powerful vocal ability that effortlessly commands attention. He opened for internationally acclaimed Soul musician Eric Benét on his 2011 Australian tour and was also the opening act on the international stage at Soulfest Sydney 2014.

Michael has also worked in the studio alongside bands and artists like RÜFÜS, Luna Grand and most recently, Cold Chisel's famed, Ian Moss. He was selected for Team Seal when he appeared on ‘The Voice Australia’ in 2012 and then doubled up by impressing Chris Isaak on Australian X-Factor to the point the famous artist invited Michael to perform with him on his UK ‘Home Visits’ Tour.

Lana has been described as “Sydney’s most exciting new voice” by veteran music professional, Sam McNally. Her sultry voice draws you in before unapologetically twisting your palette with a hint of the unexpected. A review of her independent single ‘Addicts’ described her as follows: “It's like Amy Winehouse rose from the dead and threw a party with Ngaiire and some other bad ass bitches and they all drank red wine and ate dark chocolate and collaborated on this track.”

The reviewer isn’t the first to compare her with Amy Winehouse and she also draws comparisons with Meg Mac, who Lana counts among her influences along with BANKS, Nick Murphy, Nao and yes - Amy Winehouse.

Lana performed on The Voice with none other than Australia's very own princess of pop Kylie Minogue. In Lana’s own words: “The performance I did with Kylie on The Voice Live shows was one of the craziest things I've experienced in my life - it was all glitter, confetti, dancers, screaming fans. I had to pinch myself knowing that I was standing on stage with Australia's Princess of Pop.”

So that will give you some indication as to the quality that the Soul Roots Revival Band brings to Eastern Lounge. It’s going to be some party!

Check out the band online at: www.jasonbruer.com
 

RACHEL COLLIS

“If you love Regina Spektor… Rachel Collis is truly of equal prowess.”
- Fringe Benefits, 2014

Rachel has always admired the ability of an honest song to connect complete strangers in the shared human experience. Though a classically trained pianist and vocalist, her heart has always been in folk and rock music for the simple unpretentious joy of it.

As a live performer, Rachel Collis is known for generating a mood that possesses the entire building in which she’s appearing. Rachel sings about kind words, the infinite value of the present moment and inextinguishable hope. And sometimes she sings about gluten-intolerance… or Pet Hell.

Whether banging on the piano like Ben Folds, or recounting urban folk stories like a modern day Joni Mitchell, whether bringing an audience to laughter or tears, the spell she casts never really changes. It’s deep, tender and bursting with energy.

Rachel has released three albums, the most recent ‘The Remains of The Day’, produced by Rachel and Sean Carey (Thirsty Merc) and released just last year. This 10-track-record provides an intimate look into Rachel’s pysche, offering breathtaking vocals and fragile lyricism. True to form, ‘The Remains of The Day’ delves into familiar song writing territory, reminding listeners to appreciate the smallest things in life and to boldly embrace every moment.

Rachel Collis is sweetness, sophistication and good old-fashioned songwriting – with just a dash of funny in the mix!

Check her out online at: www.rachelcollis.com

JOHNNY G & THE E-TYPES

Otis Redding & Friends

“These guys are simply the best purveyors of the pure Soul sound in Sydney. A great night for both your ears AND your feet is assured."

- John Cass, The Vanguard

    “Listening to Julz di Sisto’s colourful, controlled and textured voice is like having your ears treated to an array of harmony served on a silver platter with a glass of red and a bowl full of chocolates at your side… total bliss.”

- Paul Carew, Devonport Jazz Festival

“Danny Marx Young has a singing style that stands out from all other vocalists.”

- Billy Thorpe, 2007

This is your chance to dance all night to all of Otis Redding’s great Soul classics including ‘Respect’, ‘Hard to Handle’, ‘Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay’, ‘Mr Pitiful’, ‘Try A Little Tenderness’ and many more.

Johnny G & The E-Types is simply Sydney’s premier Soul band, gaining notoriety far and wide for their spellbinding concerts, which stay oh so faithful to the original sounds that once ruled the music world.

Much like the legendary Booker T & The MG’s did with The Memphis Horns, Johnny G & The E-Types has been wowing audiences, delivering the great Soul classics in their raw and original form, as the backing band for brilliant guest vocalists who have appeared at Eastern Lounge… like Simon Meli, Sam Bennett and Carl Fidler.

This year, the E-Types return to Eastern Lounge with two of Australia’s very best vocalists out front – none other than Julz di Sisto (The Voice) and Danny Marx. 

Julz developed an eclectic taste in music from a young age, ranging from Classical to Musical Theatre, Rock, Jazz and Latin… but through this journey, she discovered that her true passion lies with Soul Music.

Selected as a contestant on The Voice Australia in 2013, Julz successfully won through the Blind Auditions and was chosen by Ricky Martin to join his Team. In the Battle Rounds she faced fellow Johnny G & The E-Types graduate, Simon Meli and these guys brought the House down singing Otis Redding’s classic, Hard to Handle.

She’s toured Australia with artists including Rex Goh, Peter Northcote, Jimmy Cupples, David Campbell, Bobby Fox and Ngaiire and now stands out front of the E-Types as ‘Soul Sista Julz’.

The son of John Paul Young, Danny Marx first had success as the frontman of alternative Newcastle band Zumanity. After finishing high school, Danny played several roles in Australian TV dramas such as All Saints and Home and Away, but claimed ‘‘… it just wasn’t my bag’’.

With JPY a member of the famous Vanda and Young stable, all the old Albert’s music was a really big influence on Danny. He’s even worked with legendary producer Harry Vanda (The Easybeats, AC/DC, The Angels and JPY). In his own words: ‘‘I have an appreciation for music that has commercial appeal, but a bit of substance as well.’’

Danny has performed with members of numerous famous bands, including Dave Gleeson (Screaming Jets), Steve Balbi (Noiseworks), Southern Sons, Icehouse and The Dissociatives… and he’s performed in front of superstars like Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters), James Hetfield (Metallica) and Tom Morello (The Nightwatchman).

The ‘Otis Redding & Friends’ Show features the amazing music of the man considered one of the greatest singers in the history of American popular music and a seminal artist in soul and rhythm and blues. Otis Redding’s performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival is to this day, regarded as one of the greatest live performances ever. The King of Soul has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has also been bestowed a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

The ‘Friends’ in the show’s title refer to fellow artists on the famous Stax Records Label like Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett and Eddie Floyd as well as the lady who was Queen to the great man’s King of Soul title, Aretha Franklin, who had such a massive hit with the Otis Redding composition, ‘Respect’.

This is simply a ‘can’t miss it’ opportunity to soak up some of the best music ever written, performed by a band of awesome musicians and truly great vocalists who are also true fans of Otis Redding and his Friends.

Check out Johnny G & The E-Types online at: http://johnnygandtheetypes.com/

GRITS & SOUL

‘Green Onions’, ‘Hip Hug Her’, ‘Time Is Tight’, ‘Memphis Soul Stew’, ‘Soul Finger’…  undoubtedly some of the greatest Soul instrumentals in history. Grits & Soul perform a high energy 30 minute set that recreates an authentic 1960s experience and will lay the platform perfectly for the big show ahead. 

Just like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin had the finest backing bands perform with them Live and in the recording studios on their classic albums, Grits & Soul features phenomenal musicians that play the instrumental classics made famous by Booker T & The MGs, The Bar-Kays and King Curtis & The King Pins.

Mojo Magazine once wrote: “If ever there was a piece of music that deserved the epithet ‘timeless’, it’s Booker T. & the M.G.s’ ‘Green Onions’. The most basic of blues instrumentals, set to a walking 2/4 beat, and yet after more than 50 years it remains astoundingly funk - a vehicle for the most sinuous of Hammond organ grooves and for the vicious licks of Steve Cropper, cutting across the top like a sugar cane machete.”

Grits & Soul play ‘Green Onions’ note perfect to the original. Booker T. himself along with Steve Cropper, Lewie Steinberg, Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn and Al Jackson Jr. couldn’t play it any better. With Johnny G himself driving on Hammond organ, Grits & Soul now pay tribute to these amazing backing bands to open an incredible show that will take us back to Memphis in the ‘60s.

LOST LEGENDS SHOWCASE

“Just fantastic! The Dead Singers Band band delivered on all the hits of their past mates. They were absolutely awesome!"

- Gary Nadjarian, Patron, The Brass Monkey

When three former members of The Masters Apprentices – Colin and Denny Burgess and Roger Faynes - attended the funeral of the group’s legendary lead singer, Jim Keays in 2014, they expressed their grief and respect at the wake through combined tales and fond reminiscence. As they reflected, they realised Jim had now joined a long list of great Aussie singers with whom they’d been friends and band mates over the years… now all gone to that great gig in the sky.

The three veteran musos. decided then and there on a concept that would celebrate the lives of their mates in a way they knew they’d appreciate… and so the Dead Singers Band was born.

Between them, these guys had a collection of very personal and completely fresh stories to tell about a host of iconic lead vocalists – Jim of course, along with Billy Thorpe, Ray Brown, Shirley Strachan, Ted Mulry, Darryl Cotton, Bon Scott, Doc Neeson, Chrissy Amphlett, Michael Hutchence, Stevie Wright, Maurice and Robin Gibb and more.

To give just one example, when Colin toured with AC/DC as the band’s first drummer, he was Bon Scott’s room-mate! (The stories he tells from that experience alone make the mind boggle!).

The Lost Legends Showcase pays fitting homage to the lives and times of these guys’ mates and colleagues, with a truth that can only come from genuine experience. They toured, worked and partied with every artist featured and in at least one case, were the very last people to have seen their mate alive.

Their close-up and personal recollections are what make this tribute different. The packaging is the icing on the cake – from the accompanying audio visual show, light-hearted delivery, fun costuming, special guests, celebrity interviews, authentic renditions of all the songs we love and a true sensitivity to the era of each artist.

You’ll come away with fresh insights and an appreciation of the stars we’ve idolised over the years - those music heroes who broke down barriers and crafted unique sounds now recognised as classic Australian music.

The Dead Singers Band consists of Colin and Denny Burgess, Roger Faynes and Vanessa Lea - a distinctive vocalist in her own right who delivers captivating performances. Colin was twice voted ‘Australia’s Best Drummer’ and was part of the Masters’ classic line-up from 1968 -1971 along with Jim Keays, Glenn Wheatley and Doug Ford.

Brother Denny replaced Wheatley on bass in 1972 while Roger played guitar and keyboards from 1988 - 1991 after the band had re-formed. The Masters are responsible for some of Australia’s greatest ever Rock and Psych Rock songs including ‘Turn On Your Radio’, ‘Elevator Driver’, ‘Undecided’, ‘Living In A Child’s Dream’, ‘Buried and Dead’ and ‘Because I Love You’.

Check out the Dead Singers Band online at: https://www.facebook.com/DeadSingerBand/

Vindan is an Australian multi-instrumentalist, singer and song-writer with a unique sound and perspective. He was born in war-torn Sri Lanka and raised in exile across his homeland, London, Borneo and Australia.

He grew up on a steady diet of classic Folk, raw vintage Soul, old-school rhymes, Afro-Caribbean sounds and assorted exotica. He now melds these influences with a fresh melodic and lyrical beauty. Caught between new world and old, his original songs tell tales of transformations, culture-shock, transcendence and common ground.

He is currently recording his debut solo album ‘Songs to Surround Me’ partly in Sydney and partly in Berlin.

Though focusing on his solo career, Vindan also sometimes plays with The Zion Band, which he describes as “… an existential reggae project - akin to the bastard child of Roots Manuva and the Police.”

Check out Vindan online at: http://www.vindan.net/ and https://www.facebook.com/vindanssongs

PSYCHO ZYDECO

“Psycho Zydeco’s ‘Get On Board’ is one of the finest home grown Roots albums ever released - worthy of an ARIA nomination.”
- Pedro Manoy, Drum Media

"This band just keeps getting better. Go and see them. You can't help but have a great time!"
- Triple J Unearthed

With performances at every major music festival across the nation, countless TV and radio appearances and three tours of the U.K. and Europe, Sydney band Psycho Zydeco is one of the most successful touring ‘Blues & Roots’ acts in Australia’s history. All four of the band’s recordings, ‘Swamp Box’, ‘Sell Your Soul’, ‘Zydeco Factory’ and ‘Get On Board’ have been favourably received by fans and critics alike.

Zydeco is music originally spawned in the melting pot of Bayou culture found from New Orleans to Louisiana's Deep South. In the 18^th Century French immigrants in Acadia (present-day Nova Scotia, Canada), were expelled by the British and for some strange reason, many settled in Louisiana alongside local Indians, Spanish, French, Anglo-American and African slave peoples.

They became collectively known as Cajuns and played folk music influenced by this cultural milieu. In the 19^th Century the German piano accordion was introduced as well as the Spanish guitar. Rhythm ‘n’ Blues and Soul music were mixed in during the early 1900s by black Creole musicians and Zydeco was born.

There are two instruments vital in creating the modern day Zydeco sound: the squeeze-box (piano accordion) and the ‘frottoir’ (or washboard). Back in the early 1990s, founding members of The Psychos, Stefan Sernek (accordion) and Gregg Hatton (washboard, guitar and triangle) had the key ingredients covered and soon added Chris Wilson (saxophone, washboard and triangle) and Gene Gill on drums.

The group began performing around Sydney, forming a reputation as purveyors of a new and exciting foreign sound. The band released its debut CD in 1995 and began making regular appearances at folk, jazz, and blues festivals along the eastern seaboard. In 1996 Psycho Zydeco received an invitation to perform at the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, proceeding to play a total of 17 shows in 12 days in Edinburgh, London and at the Brecon Jazz Festival in Wales.

The band’s 2^nd album was released in 1997 just in time for their 27 date tour of the UK and Europe that August. This tour again included the Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival plus the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as festivals in Lancashire, Wales and even Belgium.

On returning to Australia the group concentrated on the promotion of their new CD through media appearances and interstate touring. They were guests on Nine's 'Midday Show', as well as Triple J's 'World Music Show, while the ‘Sell Your Soul Tour’ took in Brisbane, Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.

At the end of 2000 Psycho Zydeco proudly announced the release of their third full length CD, ‘Zydeco Factory’ - an eclectic, spicy gumbo of original songs covering everything from Cajun instrumentals to steaming Country Grunge and rollicking Zydeco Funk. They set off on a tour supported nationally by JJJ and the ABC, during which they shared the bill with artists such as Paul Kelly and Blues-Meister Damon Davies. The band finished the 25 date tour on New Years' Eve with a rousing finale in front of thousands of fans at the Woodford Folk Festival.

When The Psychos played the famed Byron Bay Bluesfest American Zydeco star, Terence Simien joined them on stage and loved the band’s vibe. Even now, after more than 20 years of ‘spreading the Zydeco Gospel, the band’s amazing accordion playing combined with driving washboard, drums, guitar, saxophone and the odd industrial-sized triangle continues to create music that makes you feel so good you just want to grab a washboard, get up on stage and start scraping.

Check out Psycho Zydeco online at: http://zydeco.com.au/index.php

HUCKER BROWN

“Hucker Brown is a collaboration that has produced a beautifully smooth, positively mellifluous, yet thoroughly real eponymous debut album.”
– Michael Smith, Rhythms Magazine

“I consider Hucker Brown the best and most unique musical find of 2015."
– Forrister Jenot, ‘Spreading the Seed’ music blog

Formed in late 2013, Hucker Brown has already achieved much in its short life, including bookings at numerous festivals and an extremely well received debut album, which charted for six months in the Australian Blues and Roots Charts, peaking at No. 5.

There’s a lot to like in their music – strong melodies, storytelling lyrics, compelling delivery and a focus on subtle instrumentation. Listeners will find moments of soulful intensity, wide open space and some slightly crazy psychedelia.

Duncan Smith from Top Shelf Music 89.7FM reviewed the album saying: “This sounds like seasoned musicianship with soulful, expressive vocals, the tastiest six string work and exemplary keyboard fare.  Hucker Brown deserves your ears and your full attention”.

Members of Hucker Brown have played in legendary Australian bands including Goldrush, The Flood, Ganggajang, King Horse, The Danglin Brothers and Astro Tabasco. They’ve been involved in recording collaborations with renowned musicians from Oud Maestro, Joseph Tawadros to fiddle player Daniel Weltlinger, Michel Rose on pedal steel, Mark Collins and his banjo, Chris E Thomas and her powerful Soul voice and the boys from The Vampires’ horn section.

Hucker Brown will surprise you. They deliver intensely emotive, beautifully layered original music, stylistically spanning several genres including progressive Urban Soul and East Coast Roots. Their songs feature personal and soulful vocals, rich Hammond beds, cutting Blues-influenced guitar, melodic bass lines and back-pocket grooves.

The band’s lush, ‘70s-inspired sound will lure you in from the first chord, fill you with a familiar Retro feel, then drag you unwittingly to the dance floor before you know you’re there. Enjoy!

Check out Hucker Brown online at: http://huckerbrown.com/

“Street Blues is great man. Your voice has a little Bonamassa in it… which is very cool. Love the title tune too - KILLER solo!"    
Steve Lukather (Toto, Michael Jackson, Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, G3)    

"Not many Sydney guitarists profess they want to sound like Robert Cray. Then again, not many Sydney guitarists can play like Robert Cray. Simon Kinny-Lewis can."    
Sydney Morning Herald

Simon Kinny-Lewis has played all over the word – the U.S., Brazil, Thailand… and of course, at Festivals right around Australia (Bridgetown Blues, Thredbo Blues, Tamworth Music Festival, Woodford Folk, etc.).

He’s performed and recorded with world class artists from Christian Howes and Ric Fierabracci to Anton Davidyants, Simeon Cain and more. Those who play with him or see him perform are universally impressed. Christian Howes – a renowned American musician, composer and associate professor at the Berklee College of Music, called Simon: “… one of the most soulful guitarists on the planet”.

T.J. Helmerich - producer/engineer for great artists including Steve Vai – says: “Simon’s releases never cease to amaze me! I love his writing and his guitar talent truly shines, as he effortlessly navigates through tricky progressions with fire, grace and taste!”

Simon has now released four albums, including his latest ‘Street Blues’, earlier this year. He plays with a world-class band featuring Rick Melick (Joe Bonnamassa) on keys, Tony Boyd (Mal Eastik) on drums and Rob Ewan on bass.  

Check out Simon Kinny-Lewis online at: https://www.sklblues.com/

“Blues Brothers Rebooted is a high energy ‘Danceathon’ of smash hits with excellent stage performances and superb delivery.”
Nancy – All Things Entertainment

“I’ve travelled the world watching live music and the Blues Brothers Rebooted is right up there for professionalism and in-character performance.”
Paul Hannan – Soul Central, Dee Why

Out front of some of Sydney’s top musicians, Shane Peters (Jake) and Chris Clarkson (Elwood) take to the stage as an 8-piece band to recreate an authentic tribute to those two Soul brothers who donned the black hats, ties and dark shades in the classic cult movie 37 years ago.

Blues Brothers Rebooted features all the songs from the original – some of the finest Soul and Rhythm ‘n’ Blues classics by The Temptations, The Four Tops, Wilson Pickett and more as performed in the movie by legendary stars including James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, Steve Cropper and Donald Dunn. There’s  ‘Everybody Needs Somebody’; ‘Sweet Home Chicago’; ‘Soul Man’; ‘Mustang Sally’; ‘Gimme Some Lovin’; ‘Rawhide’; ‘Stand By Your Man’; ‘Hit the Road Jack’; and of course, ‘Shake A Tail Feather’.

More than that, you’ll see all the moves and feel all the energy and excitement that you loved in the movie, complete with guaranteed crowd participation never before seen at Eastern Lounge.

If you want a totally FUN night out, centred around some of the best music ever written, performed true to the original movie, this is your BIG chance. These guys are re-booted, re-suited and ready to rumble.

Come dressed in theme (as I know one big group is definitely doing) and savour themed $10 cocktails at the bar. (I’m personally looking forward to trying a ‘Rawhide’!) Don’t miss out. Book your tickets to this exciting production that pays tribute to both an unforgettable and infectious style of Soul music AND to those brilliant characters created by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.  

After all… “It's 106 miles to Roseville, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. Hit it!”

Check out Blues Brothers Rebooted online at: http://bluesbrothersrebooted.com.au/

Not content with playing brilliant covers written by their Blues Heroes, The New South is now writing more of their own original music… and it’s great!

From the time these teenagers from The McDonald College in North Strathfield won an inner-west Battle of The Bands competition, they started on a trajectory to music stardom. The College is renowned for being Australia's Best Performing Arts School and these guys are the living proof.

At 15 they were invited to play the Sydney Blues and Roots Festival and were later described by organisers as “… the find of the Festival”. (They were invited back this year!) Soon after, the band wowed a knowledgeable crowd with a stunning performance at The Basement Blues Society. (They’ve now played that famous venue several times.)  They ‘ve had the pleasure of supporting great acts like Ray Beadle, Peter Northcote, Genevieve Chadwick, Lachy Doley, Mitch Anderson, PJ O’Brien and Luke Escombe and this year played the Thredbo Blues Festival to great acclaim from punters and fellow musos. Alike.

If you didn’t see them the last time they played at Eastern Lounge as ‘Just Us’, you’re in for one heullva surprise. They may be baby-faced, but these guys are killer players that make you wonder just how they can be so good, so young. 

Close your eyes and you’ll forget their age and be swept up by the music - the soaring guitar licks, haunting keyboards, super solid rhythm section and passionate vocals.  Open your eyes and you’ll discover that they’ve all changed instruments in between songs – they’re that good, they can play anything and everything – guitar, bass, drums, trombone – bring it on!

If you ever find yourself worrying about the outlook and direction of modern music… there’s no need! The New South is evidence that the future of Australian music is in safe hands.

Check out The New South online at: https://www.facebook.com/TheNewSouthBand/

KEVIN BORICH - Acoustic Set

“Rock 'n' Roll Sandwich is one of Australia's finest rock albums - a fiery, cohesive work dominated by the superbly
talented Kevin Borich.”
Glenn A. Baker – Australian Rock Music Historian

And this is the Climax…

After the La De Das disbanded, Kevin relocated permanently to Australia and formed The Kevin Borich Express in 1976 (with Eastern Lounge favourite Harry Bruss on bass). The Express supported the 1977 tour by UK guitar great, Jeff Beck and later that year were part of the famed Rockarena Tour with Fleetwood Mac, Santana and Little River Band. Kevin was famously invited on-stage to jam with Carlos Santana in front of 60,000 people. In May 1978, the band toured the USA supporting AC/DC.

In 1979, Kevin joined ‘side project’, The Party Boys, which was formed by previous Express band member Paul Christie (Mondo Rock), Harvey James (Sherbet) and Graham Bidstrup (The Angels). In the ‘80s, The Party Boys had Top 10 success with singles including ‘He's Gonna Step on You Again’ (which reached No. 1) and ‘Hold Your Head Up’. Post The Party Boys, Kevin joined Jimmy Barnes’ band for the 1990 ‘Two Fires’ tour.

For the record, Kevin has also supported Status Quo, Buddy Guy and Peter Frampton to name a few and has jammed live on stage with Bo Diddley, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ron Wood (Rolling Stones), John Mayall, Joe Walsh (The Eagles), Taj Mahal and Carlos Santana (twice!). He was twice voted ‘Best Guitarist’ at the Australian Rock Music Awards and Kevin has also been inducted into the Australian Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.

This second ‘Electric Set’ is 90 minutes of Kevin’s favourite music styles – what he calls “the Funkin’ Rockin’ Blues" – played on Fender Strat and Gibson Firebird slide guitar. We’ll hear a lot of Kevin’s great original material written over the years, songs both old and new… and all of it high on guitar playing genius and pure, unadulterated energy.

Again, as Kevin himself puts it: “If this music doesn't move you, you must be dead! Go see your Doctor!”

Not a lot more to say really… our humble venue is being visited by Australian Rock Royalty. So don’t miss this opportunity to spend an entire evening with Mr Kevin Borich. This is one of those shows you’ll be talking about with friends for years to come.

Check out Kevin Borich online at: http://www.kevinborich1.com/