10 AUGUST 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
MILENA BARRETT & WOLF MAIL
“One of Australia’s most talented Blues & Soul vocalists…
an outstanding talent like no other.”
- Glenn A Baker
“Milena’s voice is loaded with pure, genuine and spontaneous
passion. It will transport you to a cherished place,
where only true lovers go.”
- Steve Arthur, LA Weekly
“Wolf Mail’s music is pure Chicago Blues, whether courtesy of
Elmore James and John Lee Hooker or the conduit for
British ‘Bluesers’ like Peter Green.”
- Michael Smith, TheMusic.com.au
Milena Barret & Wolf Mail is a match made in Music Heaven, combining the perfect balance of Roots, Soul & Blues.
Bluesman Wolf Mail is a true road warrior. Born in Montreal, Canada and raised in France and California, Wolf has been touring since he was 14 years old. He’s forged a reputation as one of the hardest working and most respected contemporary roots artists of his generation. He has performed around 3,000 shows all over the world, is loved in North America and Russia and revered in Japan, has had Top 10 Billboard hits, released seven original albums and supported artists such as Johnny Winter, Jimmy Vaughan and Jimmy Johnson.
Player Magazine Japan once selected Mail as its artist of the month among others like Robert Cray and Brian Setzer to have been so recognised. In 2012, MusicOz Australia gave Wolf Mail its International Performer of the Year Award.
For lovers of authentic Blues and Soul, the sonic shockwave that is Milena Barrett is like a rip in the space-time continuum. She’s been described as “…the wild child of Etta James and Steve Marriot" and her voice has been favourably compared to those of Aretha Franklin and the late great Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse. Neal Vaughan once said: “Milena’s voice reaches out and caresses your heart and makes it feel safe and unconditionally loved.”
Together Milena and Wolf create a not-to-be-missed Blues-Rock-Soul musical experience, which harks back to the music of old with a slick contemporary twist, creating the ultimate rhythm and blues night. With a six-piece band, they'll perform original material as well as songs made famous by the likes of Eta James, Aretha Franklin, The Faces, Free, Hendrix and more.
Read more at: https://www.wolf-mail.com/milena-barrett and https://www.milenabarrett.com/
SUGAR BOWL HOKUM
“Possibly the freshest take on the Blues I’ve heard in a long time.”
- Organiser, the Australian Blues Festival, Goulburn
Sugar Bowl Hokum goes way back to the dawn of recorded music to create their vibe. Driven by their love of obscure songs from the 1920’s and 30’s, the band has scoured the crackly grooves of old 78’s to find the best forgotten blues gems of that era.
The music of some very feisty trail blazers such as Merline Johnson, Barrel House Annie, Rosetta Howard and Ma Rainey makes up a large part of their repertoire. While always capturing the essence of these songs and this time, Sugar Bowl Hokum doesn’t slavishly stick to one style. The band incorporates the many sounds of Blues into their set, whether the classic blues of Bessie Smith, the R&B of Ruth Brown, the Ragtime of Blind Blake and Blind Boy Fuller, the Hokum of Bo Carter, or the gritty songwriting of Memphis Minnie.
The virtuosic trumpet of Tanya Maree weaves a call and response tapestry with the vocals of Lynsey Mackay and Nikki Steinfeld, each of whom brings her own special charm and flavour to the songs. The finger-licking picking of Michael Meissner’s guitar is ably supported by a rhythm section that swings like a monkey in the jungle - PK on double bass and Tim O’Driscoll on drums.
The resulting sound is a fun, entertaining upbeat take on the Blues. In keeping with the era Sugar Bowl Hokum released their debut recording, ‘Sugar Sings the Blues’ on 10” vinyl. The band’s new album, ‘Sugar Swings’, was released just this year. Bring your dancing shoes.
Check out Sugar Bowl Hokum online at: https://www.facebook.com/sugarbowlhokum/
13 JULY 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
KOOL VIBRATION
"When Kool Vibration added their mix of Island Vibes to our
Collaborate night at Lazybones Lounge, the whole room
started to shake that thang! The party started and
the vibe was irresistible"
- Calvin Welch, iHearMusic.com
Kool Vibration is a band made up of mixed nationalities, all coming together to create music that gets people up, grooving and having a good time. Band Leader ‘Jamino’ and co-singer Elsa are from Mauritius. Drummer Joey and guitarist Vernon are from the Philippines. Keyboard player Jack is from Taiwan, while Bass player Andy comes all the way from the Shire!
Originally formed in Sydney’s Inner West, Kool Vibration combines a mix of roots, reggae, soca and all-round island vibes. The addition of Mauritian sega and seggae transports listeners to a different space, where life is carefree, relaxed and parties seem to never end.
Audiences can’t help but catch the band’s contagious ‘riddims’, as they get down and boogie or simply sit back and relax, forgetting about the daily grind.
Though with Inner West roots, Kool Vibration has earned a big Fan Base on the northern beaches after regular appearances at Moonshine Bar – the Hotel Steyne, The Manly Fig and headlining the annual ‘Taste of Manly’ Festival in 2017 and again this year to a rapturous reception on both occasions
Along with the rum-based cocktails, the band also went down a treat in early June at The Lobo Plantation in Clarence Street - a cocktail bar based around the decadent lifestyle of Julio Lobo, Cuba's last sugar baron. Kool Vibration fitted in perfectly with the spirit of the night.
All members of the band are full-time musicians, playing in numerous outfits and teaching their individual instruments. Frontman Jamino also performs with Group Lafaya - an all-Mauritian band that showcases the music of their Indian Ocean island nation. After hearing of the success of V Tribe when they played our humble venue, Kool Vibration is thrilled to be making their debut at Eastern Lounge in July.
Read more about Kool Vibration at: https://www.facebook.com/koolvibration/
ASTRAL PLANE
“After three epic heats and a mighty performance in the Final,
Astral Plane is the worthy winner of this year’s
Northern Composure Band Comp.”
- Dan Brown, Northern Beaches Council & Competition organiser
Following in the footsteps of Black Iguana – a Northern Composure Band Comp. winner that so impressed us with their performance at Eastern Lounge back in March – Astral Plane is this year’s Judge’s Choice winner of the largest and longest-running youth band competition north of the Harbour Bridge.
Comprising Year 12 students from Mater Maria College (Warriewood), St. Augustine’s (Brookvale) and the Freshwater Campus of the Northern Beaches Secondary College, Astral Plane came together in early 2017 to play a variety of fresh tunes, blending Alternative, Indie, Soul and Jazz into their signature sensual sound.
The band plays a mix of originals and covers, all brought into focus by lead singer Anna Walding’s stunning voice, mature beyond her years, (as evidenced when the band covers Amy Winehouse). The band has already been noticed by members of the music industry who count. As a result they’ve been invited to support ‘name’ artists including Psych/Reggae outfit Ocean Alley, Australian Music Prize nominees The Delta Riggs and Melbourne rockers Kingswood.
In philosophical circles, the Astral Plane is supposedly a level of Heaven – a place populated by angels, spirits or other immaterial beings, that the human soul crosses on the way to being born and again, after death. The term was popular among members of the Hippie sub-culture in the 1960s/’70s.
However, as a band name, its origins are far simpler. Band members Harry and Sam were riding a bus to an inner-city gig one day when the word ‘Astral’ appeared on one shop window and ‘Plane’ on that of an adjacent shop. They combined the two, aware of the history of the phrase, but also realising the name would be open to interpretation, thus giving it its own personality… and the band liked that idea.
We like to think that Astral Plane will transport the Eastern Lounge audience to a level of Heaven… and what better day to do so, than on Friday the 13th!
Check out Astral Plane at: https://www.facebook.com/astralpband/
15 JUNE 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
STORMCELLAR
“I love these guys!””
- Mal Eastick, Australian Guitar Legend
“I met you at a gas station in Indiana with a bunch of my bike riding brothers. You handed out CDs and I was kinda sceptical, but took one anyway. You guys ‘f*#+&n’ rock! I can’t get your music out of my head.”
- ‘Jackyl’ … Rider of Undisclosed Affiliation
Jackyl’s reaction (above) to hearing Stormcellar is not unusual. Though irritating the ‘Genre Gatekeepers’ of almost all the major styles by refusing to stay in any one category and as a result, having been pursued with torches and pitchforks by Country folk, Blues folk, Folk folk, Jazz folk, Pop folk (and other folk who join the mobs, just because it looks like fun), those who love the band, LOVE the band. In fact, they’ve received critical acclaim in Australia, New Zealand, the US, France, Canada and the UK.
In 10 years, Stormcellar has played over 500 shows, completed four U.S. Tours and released nine albums, three of which have hit No. 1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Charts.
At any one of those shows, audiences may have seen Cellists, American Soul and Gospel Artists from the 60’s, Mongolian Throat Singers, Champion Australian Fiddle Players, Puppets, Multimedia displays, Light Shows, UV Face Painters, Flamenco Dancers and Singers, Magicians and any of over 60 different local supporting and co-billed bands.
The band has scoured countrysides from the mid-west of rural Australia, to the Mid-West and East Coast of the United States in search of the shared myth that connects Celtic, Folk, Roots, Blues, Country and Rock. They’re probably the first Australian band ever to have written original songs recorded for and by authentic Delta Bluesmen.
After a decade playing lounge rooms, back porches, paddocks, dive bars, pubs, clubs, Biker rallies, VFW halls, RSLs, ‘Bowlos’, Festivals and even the occasional Arena, Stormcellar is undoubtedly one of the most prolific, constantly working, original writing acts in Australia. They’ve performed everywhere from Wollongong to Nashville and recorded everywhere from top US studios to the porch of a farmhouse in Cumnock, NSW, the dome of Skywatch Observatory in the ‘Dark Skies’ area of Coonabarabran, in the streets of Sydney, on Sydney Harbour and Coogee Beach… and on about every medium except wax cylinder!
Stormcellar has never shied away from following its own path… and now that path has led them back to Roseville, the suburb that provided the platform for their genesis. Let’s welcome them back with open arms. (Please leave your pitchforks at home.)
Read more about Stormcellar at: https://www.stormcellar.com.au/
LUKE ESCOMBE & KIMONO DRAGON
“Luke Escombe is funny and brave, a showman and an artist, a brilliantly engaging lyricist, expert tunesmith, fine guitarist and exceptional singer. Seldom is such sophistication wrapped in a coating of such overt fun. Hear him.”
- John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald
“Burn the name Luke Escombe on your brain. World-class musician… World-class comedian… World-class show. Brilliant!”
- Talkfringe, Adelaide
Luke Escombe has of course played many times at Eastern Lounge and also MC’d the long-lamented Mr K’s Cabaret to roaring approval. His latest show, written for the upcoming capital cities’ Fringe Festival circuit, is called ‘Disrespectability’. In it, Luke explores a vibrant, surreal and relentlessly hilarious landscape peopled by vampires, pimps and other secret beasts of the middle-class male psyche.
Luke is an award-winning songwriter, internationally acclaimed health advocate and respectable Northern Beaches father. He doesn’t believe in priests, has no concept of discretion and can’t afford a therapist. Instead, every few years the silly and puerile thoughts that make him snicker into his pillow at night, gang up on him and form into songs, which he really shouldn’t play to anyone. And yet he’s back at Eastern Lounge to do just that.
Be warned: you’ll be singing these songs in your head for weeks afterwards!
In the past, he has drawn comparisons to Nick Cave, Tim Minchin and Flight of the Conchords. He’s played everywhere from the Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the Edinburgh Fringe and received rave reviews for every performance.
Last year Luke won an international award for his health advocacy, which has seen him earn standing ovations on four continents. He is the creator of beloved Australian kids band The Vegetable Plot and an in-demand inspirational speaker at events across the country, not to mention (although we are) the proud owner of ‘Sydney’s Sexiest Man Voice’, a title he won in a radio competition on Mix 106.5 FM.
For his latest adventure into ‘adult’ musical comedy, Luke is joined onstage by versatile backing band Kimono Dragon, featuring Nick Hoorweg on Bass and Jess Ciampa on Percussion. Luke Escombe is indisputably one of the best kept secrets in the Australian music industry… except here at Eastern Lounge. See him again while you can!
Check out Luke Escombe online at: https://www.lukeescombe.com/
11 MAY 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
BLACK BIRD HUM
“Black Bird Hum just knows how to party!”
- The Music.com.au
“One of the absolute highlights of Australian Music Week”
- the AU Review
“Simply a tremendous local band”
- Chris Taylor, the Chaser
If you missed the absolute party that was our show on April 13, we have a band with a similar vibe appearing in May, that will more than make up for your loss.
Relentless ‘tourers’, Black Bird Hum have spent the last four years travelling up and down the Australian East Coast, constantly writing new material in the back of their van. They’ve supported massive international acts including Arrested Development and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic (USA), The Original Wailers (Jamaica), Black Slate (UK) and Six60 (NZ).
They’ve also shared stages with some of Australia’s best, including the Melbourne Ska Orchestra, Kingfisha, King Tide and The Strides. Their reputation for an impressively energetic live show continues to grow after festival performances at Caloundra, the Nimbin Mardi Grass and back‐to‐back Peats Ridge Festivals. They’ve also played ‘big city’ venues including Sydney’s The Enmore Theatre as well as The Metro.
The band plays a blend of Dub, Ska, HornStep, Roots, Reggae and Folk, all wound together with captivating hooks, solid grooves and striking harmonies. The result is a type of ‘Big Band Reggae’ that throws everything at you, from horns to percussion to tripped‐out synths and delay‐drenched keys.
A dual finalist at the MusicOz Awards (Blues & Roots as well as Acoustic Singer/Songwriter categories) Black Bird Hum also nabbed a gong at the Australian Independent Music Video Awards.
Black Bird Hum is also a band with a message. In a world full of poverty, pollution and intolerance, this band takes a stand, believing Life provides a natural high if you allow it to, leaving no room for negativity, hatred, bigotry or greed.
Their original songs tell us that we shouldn't let politicians dictate the way we're supposed to live… that it's better to look on the bright side of life. And I can guarantee they’ll bring a brighter side of life to Eastern Lounge on Friday May 11.
Read more about Black Bird Hum at: https://www.blackbirdhum.com/
IRLAN JONEY & THE CARCARA
“Irlan and his band really pull in the crowd here in
‘Dee Why de Janeiro’.”
- The Manager, JahBar
Remarkably, Irlan Joney is an entirely self-taught guitarist. As he starts to weave his magic, playing ‘Little Wing’, you’d think his name must be ‘Jimi’, not Joney. In another minute he’s become a Brazilian Chuck Berry and then Bob Marley! His band is named after a bird of prey, but perhaps they should have chosen a Chameleon.
Irlan Joney & The Carcará is a Power Trio bringing a little bit of Rio to Roseville this May. The band plays a unique blend of Blues, Baião and Reggae. Baião is a Brazilian rhythm that originated with the native people of Brazil’s North-East, but now incorporates elements of Mestizo, African and even European music.
Locals may have seen Irlan busking solo in Chatswood at the main Westfield entry on the concourse. He’s also regularly seen on The Corso in Manly, on The Strand at Dee Why, at Bondi Beach and in the CBD. If you’ve seen him, you’ll recognise him… he looks more like a Mexican Bandito from a ‘60s Spaghetti Western than the brilliant guitarist he is. And certainly, the beaming smile that emanates from beneath his tousled black hair and beard could easily pry the last peso from your pocket.
His compadres are Bass player, Caio Cesar from northeast Brazil, the same region in which Irlan grew up in Aracaju - home of ‘Baião/Forro’ music. Drummer Gabriel Guerra is from São Paulo. Both have a strong reggae background but now love playing their new band’s fusion of Blues, Baião and Reggae.
The bird from which the band took its name is a bold, opportunistic raptor, related to the falcon and found throughout South America. It’s used as the logo for Brazil’s Special Forces Paratroopers... and I can promise you that Irlan Joney & The Carcará is a special force itself.
Check out Irlan Joney & The Carcará here: https://www.facebook.com/irlanjoney/
13 APRIL 2018 | FRIDAY | 7.30PM
V TRIBE
"A highly energetic and enthusiastic band that just
makes you smile."
- Organisers, The Gum Ball Festival
"V Tribe is non-stop Polynesian dance music at its best."
- Proprietor, The River Canyon Restaurant, Parramatta
Filled with energy and a real love for 'Tongan backyard tunes' (as they put it), smooth Reggae & Roots outfit V Tribe has been influenced by the band members’ Polynesian heritage, together with all the great Reggae, Roots, Ska, Dub and Dancehall Masters from Bob Marley onwards.
Performing together since 2005, V Tribe has been trimmed from its original 11-piece line-up of brothers and cousins to a tighter six-piece, full of rhythm, percussion and horns. It still contains four of the Vaivao brothers and two close family friends, considered ‘brothers’ by the others.
The family-based group has come a long way since inception. They’ve supported Julian Marley (son of Bob) at Sydney’s ‘Stir It Up’ Festival… opened for Maxi Priest on his big ‘Easy To Love’ Australian tour… and played The Enmore theatre with Kiwi roots rockers Katchafire (nominated for Best International Band at the British Reggae Music Awards).
The band has also shared stages with Guy Sebastian, Grammy-nominee JBoog, Fiji and Stan Walker.
Though with plenty of wonderful original material in their repertoire, V Tribe also performs covers of songs by heroes such as Bob Marley, Blackstreet and Bruno Mars.
Regardless of origins, you can bet V Tribe will be cooking up some sweet Reggae vibes… and we’re going to party, Island style! So wear your loudest shirt or skirt and we’ll dress the room and provide the coolest cocktails to match the upbeat mood sure to pervade the room.
Don't miss out when ‘The Tribe’ comes to Eastern Lounge, pouring their love and good vibes into Roseville like none other has. If you want to dance, and you want to dance with a smile on your face, come party with V Tribe.
Read more about VTribe at: https://www.facebook.com/VTribeMusic/
LINES OF FLIGHT
“From the first note, Lines of Flight owned the room
and treated us to a delicious musical narrative."
- Calvin Welch, iHear Music @ Lazybones
Since ‘Lines of Flight’ last played Eastern Lounge in 2016, supporting Gypsy Jazzmen Arabesk, (coincidentally ALSO on a Friday the 13th), the band’s fortunes have continued to rise… (lucky for some)!
They’ve since performed alongside the likes of multi-award winning Canadian Folk duo Madison Violet, as well as Folk Alliance Artist of the Year, Monique Clare, Victorian Festival regular Nigel Wearne and all the way from Mauritius, Kool Vibration (who we’ll see here at Eastern Lounge in July). They’ve played at venues across Sydney from Lazybones Lounge in Marrickville to Fairlight Folk, The Music Lounge and Kave Bar on the north side, as well as Festivals from Cessnock to Collaroy.
And they’ve had Chart success too… Lines of Flight has the distinction of having held the No. 1 spot on Reverbnation’s Sydney Folk Chart for no less than 10 months straight! As a result, the Reverbnation team selected two of the band’s songs for curation and their track ‘Oceans Calling’ is featured on a Reverbnation promotional playlist of ‘Top Emerging Folk Artists’ released just this month.
The band’s name describes the creative potential of not just breaking away from the norm but shooting in an unexpected and refreshing direction. This is the approach taken by Brent Keogh (vocals, guitar, mandolin and oud) and Katie Anderson (b/v, flute, Irish whistle, percussion) to their music. The line-up now also includes regular appearances by outstanding guest Tabla player Shaun Premnath who will again be joining Lines of Flight at Eastern Lounge.
With their unique and earthy fusion of Folk, World, Classical, Celtic and Pop influences, Lines of Flight is all class, yet retains a sense of fun within every performance. The band unearths hidden gems among the world’s acoustic sounds, taking us on a sonic journey that is at once familiar, yet completely unpredictable.
Check out Lines of Flight online at: https://www.linesofflight.info/
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/
BLACK IGUANA
“Winning both the Northside’s major band competitions in the same year has the phrase ‘Giant-Killers’ written all over it."
- Rod Bennett, The Manly Daily
Formed by brothers Will and Piers Hobkirk, teenage Funk Rock outfit Black Iguana started as a busking duo on Manly Corso. Since the addition of bassist, Kye Milne, the band has taken Sydney’s northside by storm.
In 2017, Black Iguana won both the Shoreshocked and Northern Composure band comps. – an unprecedented achievement that quickly saw them share stages with more established artists like Mihka Chee, Lime Cordiale, Old Cities and The Lazy Eyes. Now they can add supporting Lachy Doley to their CV!
A highly creative young Sydney three-piece, Black Iguana has been recording and performing original music since early 2016. The band creates a unique blend of punchy Funk Rock and pop influences mixed with post-punk vibes. Though all three band members are still teenagers, Black Iguana has already played festival and large public stages, including an appearance at the famous Manly Jazz Festival.
Now it’s on to Eastern Lounge… then the World!
Check out Black Iguana online at: https://www.facebook.com/TheBlackIguana/
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/
LIZA OHLBACK
“A stunning Singer / Songwriter with a powerful voice and songs that run the gauntlet of emotions, all sung with a wicked sense of humour."
- Graham Henries, 96.3 FM
"There are no ‘fillers’ on Liza Ohlback’s records. Every track is
worth waiting for, full of Mojo and Soul."
- Graham Henries, 96.3 FM
Blessed with a powerful voice and huge range, Liza Ohlback is now recognised as one of Australia’s very best Female Blues/Jazz artists. She’s played all the major festivals from Byron Bay’s Bluesfest to the Thredbo Blues Festival, Blues on Broadbeach, Sydney Blues Festival and Manly Jazz. She’s also played renowned Sydney venues such as The Basement, Lizottes, Camelot Lounge and more (as well as our own Eastern Lounge on three previous occasions). Liza actually closed our 2016 program at Eastern Lounge playing the role of Janis Joplin in the Chris Keeble ‘Rockumentary’, ‘PEARL’.
Her two original albums to date have been received with unbridled enthusiasm by punters, industry peers and radio programmers alike. Her first, ‘Trouble Goin’ Down’, took the Blues world by storm. That was followed in November 2015 by the release of ‘Give You Hell’, featuring guest appearances by Rick Melick (Joe Bonamassa Band), Continental Robert Susz (Dynamic Hepnotics, Mighty Reapers) and members of multi-award winning Melbourne band Blue Eyes Cry. The album reached No. 2 on the Australian Blues Chart and stayed on the Charts for over 10 months.
Liza is a Triple Chain Awards Winner (Best Female Vocalist, Best New Talent and Producer of the Year) and a 2016 Finalist for ‘Blues Artist of the Year’. She has a wicked sense of humour and her stage presence has been known to border on the burlesque side of New Orleans. Her original songs are filled with tales of love, lust and despair, all told with verve and honesty.
During the last three years, Liza toured Australia as the lead in theatre ‘Rockumentary’, Pearl – The Janis Joplin Story, receiving stunning reviews. She also appears in The First Ladies of Soul production and this year performed in two shows at the Sydney Opera House celebrating the music of Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Liza will be recording a new original album in January 2018 and will be premiering several new tunes from the new record at Eastern Lounge. We’ll also be treated to songs from her two previous award winning albums – ‘Give You Hell’ and ‘Trouble Goin Down’ – as well as her unique take on some Blues, Jazz, Funk and Soul classics.
Joining her on the night will be Matt Ross (Guitar/Vox) - a new force on the Australian Blues/Gospel scene; Mick Malouf (Bass/Vox) who has appeared at Eastern Lounge with Glenn Cardier, Genevieve Chadwick and in PEARL – The Janis Joplin Story; and Liza’s husband, Greg Ohlback (Drums/Vox), who toured Australia with Julian Lennon and is also part of the PEARL show.
Check out Liza Ohlback online at: http://www.lizaohlback.com/index.html
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.
Greg Agar
Appearing with Peter in ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE' is a host of stars – notably Producer/Singer/Songwriter and Keys player Greg Agar. Greg averages some 300 gigs a year, including corporate shows as Musical Director for INXS lead man, Ciaran Gribbin. He’s won multiple ARIA awards for albums he’s produced, recorded, and played on and has worked on The Voice Australia.
Virginia Lillye
Another of the four great vocalists appearing in ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE' is pocket rocket powerhouse Virginia Lillye. An accomplished singer, songwriter, dancer and choreographer, Virginia’s talents have been used in commercials for Mercedes, VW, Nokia, Telstra, IBM and Accor to name a few. She’s also blown audiences away appearing in musicals such as Cats, Grease, Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Life and Fame!
Virginia has thrilled crowds across Australia and throughout Asia and Europe (think the Domain in Sydney, The Queens Concert in London and The Dome in Berlin for starters). Whether performing solo, with bands such as Peter’s or in her eponymous Heavy Rock band, LILLYE, Virginia leaves audiences in raptures… as she did when she appeared on The Voice singing AC/DC’s ‘Highway to Hell’.
Danny Marx Young
On fire at every performance he gives, Danny Marx Young has a unique and powerful voice. The great Billy Thorpe himself once gave Danny a glowing review, saying that for him, Danny has a singing style that stands out from all other singers.
Danny has worked with legendary producer Harry (EASYBEATS) Vanda, renowned for his work writing and producing hits for a number of groups and solo singers including John Paul Young (Danny’s Dad), The Angels and AC/DC. Danny has performed with Dave Gleeson (Screaming Jets), as well as members of Air Supply, Noiseworks, Southern Sons, Icehouse and The Dissociatives. He’s also performed in front of superstars like Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), James Hetfield (Metallica) and Tom Morello (Rage Against the Machine).
Guy Delandro
Guy has written and performed with such artists as INXS and Richard Clapton. He relocated to LA in the early ‘90s before returning to Oz to release his album ‘Pool of Reflections’ – acknowledged globally as the first interactive CD ever released.
While these days mainly writing for and producing emerging artists, Guy still loves to get up on stage with good mate Peter Northcote and provide memorably outlandish performances for unsuspecting audiences.
Peter Northcote’s ‘That '70s and ‘80s ROCK SHOW, SOCIAL DANCE' will be a show like none other and a wonderfully memorable way to close out 2017 at Eastern Lounge. Don’t miss it!
Read more about Peter Northcote online at: http://www.peternorthcote.com/
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 18th 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 19th 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 2nd 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/
SIMON KINNY-LEWIS BAND
“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/
“An awesome talent” Australian Guitar Magazine
“Plays guitar like an angel”
Sydney Morning Herald
Consistently averaging 150 shows a year in Australia, New Zealand and the USA, Nick Charles’ music encompasses a delightful and eclectic mix of acoustic roots including Blues, Folk and early Ragtime Jazz. Along the way there are stylish nods to the Great American Songbook and the finest contemporary players and composers from Chet Atkins to Lennon and McCartney to Leo Kottke.
Nick has achieved a list of Awards a mile long, among them ‘Blues Album of the Year 2016’ in the AGE Music Awards, ‘Artist of the Year 2014’ at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, ‘Song of the Year’ as well as ‘Solo Performer of the Year’ in the Australian Blues Awards and is a two-time winner of ‘The Australian Song Contest.
Renowned for his dazzling melodic fingerpicking on both six and 12 string guitars and stinging bottleneck slide, Nick Charles is known internationally as ‘Australia’s virtuoso of acoustic Roots and Blues’.
Throughout his extensive and much acclaimed career, Nick has released more than a dozen albums on major Australian and US record labels, garnering global recognition. So much so, that he has been signed to the Grammy Award winning label, Solid Air Records USA - “Home of the World’s Finest Guitarists”. The only other Australian recording for this label is none other than Tommy Emmanuel.
Check out Nick Charles online at: http://www.charlesguitar.com/
THE BLUES BROTHERS REBOOTED
“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/
THE NEW SOUTH
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
“One of the most celebrated guitar players in the history of Australian Rock.”
Ian McFarlane - Australian Rock Music Historian
This is Kevin’s ‘foreplay’ set… the warm up for the grand finale to come.
With a professional career spanning more than four decades, Kevin Borich has done it all. He began with The La De Das in his native New Zealand and wrote the band’s classic ‘70s hit ‘Gonna See My Baby Tonight’, which drew a rave review from Molly Meldrum in Go-Set magazine.
The La De Das shared stages with all the local greats of the time – bands like The Easybeats, Tamam Shud, Chain, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs and Daddy Cool and provided backing on two tracks for Richard Clapton's debut album. They also supported many great visiting international acts including Little Richard, Three Dog Night, The Guess Who, Lindisfarne, Elton John and Suzi Quatro.
At a festival in New Zealand, reviewer John Dix wrote: "The La De Das performed a well-paced set that blew Black Sabbath and everything New Zealand had to offer, clear off the stage."
Kevin has performed at some of the biggest Rock events Australia has seen - the historic Sunbury Festivals, the Rockarena Tours, the Sydney Opera House in front of 170,000 fans in concerts telecast live nationally and internationally into Japan and 18 sold out Australia-wide 'Long Way To The Top' arena concerts in 2002.
Now he comes to Eastern Lounge and will play an hour-long first set with two greatly experienced musos. - Jon Carson* on drums and Tim Curnick* in bass - showcasing a mix of his original Blues material, together with some well-known traditional songs and even a couple of protest songs commenting on our social environment. Kevin will play this first set on his 1930s National Acoustic Guitar, captivating us with his talent and skill while building towards the high energy set to follow.
KEVIN BORICH - Electric 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/
*Jon Carson (JC) Drums and Vocals
Jon started his pro music career at the tender age of 15. He played in many successful Brisbane bands throughout the 70’s and 80’s including Bootlace, Mighty Mouse and Big Red.
He worked as a session before travelling south to Sydney in the mid 80’s where was asked to join 1927, a band then riding a wave of success on the back of four hit singles.
JC returned to Brisbane in 1990 playing with the Dave Ritter Band and became the resident drummer at Someplace Else. His powerhouse drumming and vocals are now an exciting feature of the Kevin Borich show.
*Tim Curnick
Bass guitar/ backing vocals
Tim has was mentored under the late Sydney music great, Jackie Orszaczky. Prior to working with Kevin, Tim has toured with other legends such as Richard Clapton and Tim Freedman. In 2007 he was invited to join the house band on ABC's The Sideshow with Paul Mcdermott, where he played with Ian Moss, Tim Minchin, Martha Davis and Tripod to name a few.
He has since worked with artists including Adam Brand, Ngaiire, Elana Stone, Tina Harrod, Beccy Cole, Deni Hines, Jade Macrae, Ray Beadle, Doug Williams’ Gospel project, Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges, CODA and Mahalia Barnes.
THE SHANE PACEY TRIO
“The Shane Pacey Trio reminds us why this music grabbed us by the throat all those years ago. It still has the power to re-energise and satisfy the soul."
Julie Fox – Rock Journalist
“The 3-piece format allows Pacey to stretch out and show the full range of his inventive, cliché-free guitar playing and soulful singing
on songs written by various heroes.”
Tony Hillier – Rhythms Magazine
The band’s 1st album ‘Watch Out!’ spent nearly six months in the Top 10 Blues Albums Charts of 2015 and was also nominated in the annual Australian Blues Music 'Chain' Awards as ‘Album of the Year’ while the Trio was nominated as ‘Best New Act’. The band’s 2nd album, ‘Helios’ was released in September 2016 and immediately soared to No. 2 among the Best Blues Albums in Australia.
Helios showcases a great mix of mellow sounds, alternating with powerful, rockier beats, searing guitars, chunky bass notes and hard driving drumming.
As the principal songwriter, guitarist and vocalist in great Blues bands like the Bondi Cigars and Earls of Duke, Shane Pacey’s credentials are without peer. He’s renowned for his forceful, convincing vocals and hard-attacking, razor sharp guitar playing in the modern blowtorch style of Albert Collins, Joe Louis Walker, Larry McCray and other crazy string benders
Bass man Paul Blasi is one of Sydneys’ most respected musos., having played with many great bands including Bullfrog, Slewfoot, B’Dussy, The Leanne Paris Band, The Bluetongues and Red Slim.
Dave Fester on drums completes the engine room. Davo has been playing the Blues for over three decades, constantly touring and sharing stages with Blues greats such as Glenn Cardier & the Side Show, The PJ O’Brien Band and occasionally, The Bondi Cigars.
Already booked for major Festivals around the country in 2017, the goal of The Shane Pacey Trio is simply to produce a big sound that aims for the soul and the feet. “Don’t expect a polite little band tapping away in the corner”, says Shane... and he means it, too.
Check out The Shane Pacey Trio at: http://shanepaceytrio.com.au/
LOZZ BENSON’S
‘THAT REDHEAD’
“As a part of the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival, That Redhead managed to transform a rainy evening into an awesome experience for the audience, taking us through the full journey of Rockabilly Blues.”
- Hannah Heseding, Eastside Radio
Lozz has played in groups from Urthboy and the JHD Revival Band to Hedge Fund and the Sirens Big Band. She’s written and recorded original material with Paul Kelly, Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil), Jeremy Davidson (The Snowdroppers) and All Our Exes Live in Texas. She’s currently working on a brand new EP, which she hopes to drop early in the New Year.
Lozz lives and breathes Rock ’n’ Roll and dirty Blues. She hits way out wildcat Rock ’n’ Roll vocals without ever losing the snappin’ backbeat – in essence she’s Wanda Jackson upstairs and Gene Krupa downstairs!
Lozz has been playing drums since high school, completed a Bachelor degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and now drives That Redhead from behind her kit. This energy-filled, old school trio of Joshua Spolc (double bass), Cam Kinsey (guitar) and Lozz, has thrilled crowds at Sydney’s Retro Fairs, the Sydney Alternative Rock ’n’ Roll Markets, ‘50s theme days, street festivals, Rock ’n’ Roll theme bars, iconic venue The Basement and even Bluesfest in Byron Bay.
This is a band that audiences keep coming back to see; an outfit that brings vintage vibes, Rockabilly rhythms and endless energy to the dance floor! Don’t miss seeing them close the first show of 2017 at Eastern Lounge. (Our dance floor may never be the same!)
Check out That Redhead online at: www.thatredhead.com.au
‘A night with JANIS JOPLIN & JONI MITCHELL’
to nail the sound and essence of Joplin’s idiosyncratic vocal style with astonishing accuracy.”
Bill Stephens - Arts Review
“This is NOT your typical tribute by a pub band. This is Theatre. Nobody does a full Janis Joplin show. 90 minutes of Janis, lyrically and vocally, is extremely difficult. Janis couldn’t even do 90 minutes of Janis. But Liza Ohlback does.”
Chris Keeble – Producer/Director/Writer
Few would deny the brutal beauty of Janis Joplin. Hers was a voice that was at the same time shockingly raw and searingly honest. Yet while we know most of her great songs, many of us aren’t aware of the woman behind the music, other than that she’s a founding member of the tragic and perversely romanticised ‘27 Club’.
Joplin rose to fame in 1967 with an appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival, as the lead singer of the then little-known San Francisco psychedelic rock band Big Brother and the Holding Company. After releasing two albums with that band, she left Big Brother to continue as a solo artist with her own backing groups - first the Kozmic Blues Band and then the Full Tilt Boogie Band, with whom she appeared at Woodstock.
As Bill Stephens cleverly wrote in Arts Review: “In PEARL – The Janis Joplin Show, Liza Ohlback doesn’t hold back. For nearly two hours, costumed in the type of opp-shop chic that Joplin affected, she pours out her heart in powerhouse versions of the Joplin repertoire, without any signs of vocal weariness. Quite a Tour de Force, especially considering that towards the end of her career, Joplin’s own voice would not allow her to perform for more than 45 minutes at a time.
“Me and Bobby Magee, Mercedes Benz, Try Just a Little Bit Harder, Piece of My Heart, To Love Somebody and Joplin’s extraordinary treatment of Gershwin’s Summertime are all included in the generous selection from her prolific catalogue of hits. Each song is superbly interpreted by Ohlback, supported by images of Joplin in performance projected onto a large screen behind Liza and her excellent four-piece band.
“Throughout, Ohlback provides just enough context for each song, with well-researched facts about the singer, her songs and career. Guitarist Jeremy Edwards leads the band, which successfully captures the drive and intensity of Joplin’s songs while providing strong accompaniment for Ohlback’s thrilling vocals.”
It was the anniversary of Janis Joplin’s death just last month - October 4, 1970. This show is likely to be the closest we’ll get to understanding what it was like to experience Janis Joplin live. In celebrating her legacy, Liza Ohlback manages to leave an indelible impression of her own.
Check out Pearl – The Janis Joplin Show at: http://www.rockumentary.com.au/janis-joplin
does Joni Mitchell justice. I almost forgot where I was!”
- Lauren Lucille, The Music.com
“Audiences are transported back in time, hearing of Joni’s lost loves, (including James Taylor and Graham Nash), her story of not quite making it to Woodstock and the heartbreaking recount of her baby’s adoption. Coupled with incredible musicianship on classic songs like ‘California’, ‘Both Sides Now’ and ‘A Case of You’, this is a show for Joni Mitchell fans and music lovers of any age.”
- Joy Yates, Singer
‘Take Me As I Am’ is set one night in 1976 in Laurel Canyon. Joni has just returned from a solo road trip across America, the journey of which she recounts in her album ʻHejiraʼ. Laurel Canyon at this time was a mecca for artists and musicians like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, Carole King and James Taylor who were all living within a few blocks of one another. “There was this freedom in the air, like anything was possible”, said Joni.
A rare thing happens to audiences watching Rainee in ʻTake Me As I Amʼ… they feel as if theyʼre actually in a room with a young Joni Mitchell whoʼs sharing jokes and anecdotes about the men, mischief and melancholy that inspired so many of her great songs like ʻBoth Sides Nowʼ, ʻA Case of Youʼ and ʻBig Yellow Taxiʼ.
Rainee Lyleson has performed this one-woman show to packed houses at the 2014 National Folk Festival in Canberra and at venues around Australia including The Basement, Foundry 616, Venue 505, Melbourne’s Paris Cat and our very own Eastern Lounge.
An accomplished actor in her own right, Rainee steps right into the shoes of the famed Canadian songbird throughout an intimate concert that explores some of Joni Mitchell’s most memorable songs and the stories that inspired their creation… all from the perspective of none other than the artist herself.
Rainee performs many of Joni’s best known hits, including those listed above plus Joni’s anthemic composition ‘Woodstock’ (a major hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young), ‘You Turn Me On (I'm a Radio)’, ‘California’ and ‘Free Man in Paris’.
Mitchell's gift for writing personal, folk-inspired songs about the thorny side of life and love was inarguable, particularly on albums like 1970's ‘Ladies of the Canyon’ and 1971's landmark ‘Blue’. The commercial and critical approval awarded ‘Blue’ was unprecedented: a luminous, starkly confessional set that firmly established Mitchell as one of Pop Music's most remarkable and insightful talents.
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of seeing Rainee Lyelson perform as Joni Mitchell, mark this date in your calendar now as a MUST. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Check out Rainee online at: https://rainee.com.au/
Pure Soul + Adult Music Comedy
“In this crisp, clean and punchy album, Kate Lush makes a quick and assured entry into the field of soulful Blues.”
Bernard Zuel - Sydney Morning Herald (SMH – Short List Review)
“It’s heart and soul on a stick! For me it was love at first listen.”
Mike Drayson, Radio 2SM
No. 1 - AMRAP Regional Chart
No. 3 - U.S. AirPlay Direct Charts
Winner of Australian Blues Chain Award for ‘Best New Talent 2016’
Best International Act - Songwriters Association of Washington Awards (U.S.)
Best Female Artist - International Acoustic Music Awards (U.S.)
Australian Songwriters Assoc. Rudy Brandsma Award for Excellence in Songwriting
The multi-award-winning Kate Lush is without doubt one of Australia’s most outstanding Blues & Soul vocalists. Gritty and soulful, she sings straight from the heart. The last time she played Eastern Lounge, our audience was in raptures.
Think Susan Tedeschi meets Sara Bareilles with a dash of Aretha’s Soul & Bonnie Raitt’s harder rock edge. She and her superb band (The Wild Captain Radio Band no less) play great original songs, with an occasional ripper of a cover thrown in for good measure.
There’s an infectious joy that comes out of Kate’s music, which has wowed fans and critics alike. Her first two albums won numerous awards, both here in Australia and in the U.S. Her third most recent self-titled Blues album won the Australian Blues Chain award for Best New Talent of 2016. In fact, this year has been a big one all round for Kate.
Along with the awards listed above came festival bookings at Girrakool, Winter Blues, Mitchell Creek and Thredbo, while singles from her latest album hit the top of the national Blues & Roots Charts.
And with yet another album on the way and a touted U.S. tour on the horizon, things are only going to get bigger and better for Kate.
Be prepared to be blown away by this beautiful lady with the stunning voice!
Check out Kate Lush online at: http://katelush.com/
"Luke Escombe is a Rock-Soul-Blues singer, raconteur, blistering guitarist, comedian and songwriter… and is very good at them all. Sophistication wrapped in a coating of overt fun. "
- John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald
“Luke Escombe is brilliantly witty, clever, adventurous, brutally honest and often hilarious.”
Yaron Hallis, Camelot Lounge and The Django Bar
If we’re lucky, Luke might also do one or two of his Bluesier songs and even a Dylan cover or two. He’s a great guitarist with a wonderful voice, but injects every performance with sheer adult-oriented, unadulterated FUN.
Many Lounge Lizards remember Luke from his stint as the M.C. at Mr K’s Cabaret when he literally had the audience in tears from laughing so hard. Yet Luke is an award-winning singer-songwriter as well as a comedian. He’s performed his magic everywhere, from Parliament House in Canberra to Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe.
His self-produced album ‘Mantown’ spent nine straight months in the Top Ten of the Australian Blues and Roots charts and earned Luke favourable comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Nick Cave. His musical comedy show ‘Chronic’ has taken him to Festivals around Australia and indeed the World.
Luke is also the MC and co-writer of the critically acclaimed stage show ‘Little Egypt's Speakeasy’ and is even the proud winner of a competition on radio station Mix 106.5FM to find ‘Sydney's sexiest man voice’.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Luke perform, mark this date in your calendar now as a MUST. I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Check out Luke online at: http://wwwllukeescombe.com/
THEY’RE BACK… the very best of Oz Roots ‘n’ Blues
“A Glenn Cardier album is full of idiosyncratic turns and twists, dropping in along the way to say hello to the Blues, Vaudeville and damn good Rock ‘n’ Roll!”
Rhythms Magazine
“Glenn Cardier’s new album covers everything from a caper through the prism
of Film Noir to Rockabilly on steroids!”
Anthony O’Grady, The Australian
Glenn Cardier’s been round for a while…
But post-2000, Glenn Cardier’s re-emergence as a songwriter/performer of real distinction has been nothing short of extraordinary. He’s returned to wide acclaim, playing festivals as well as humble venues like our own. And on stage at each performance, there are the 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.
Reviewer Keith Glass proclaimed: “Cardier is our finest contemporary singer-songwriter BAR NONE.” Trevor Leeden wrote: “There's no-one else on the Australian music scene quite like Glenn Cardier. From the finely chiselled storylines and the 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.”
Renowned author and Rock Historian, Glenn A Baker puts it like this:
“Glenn Cardier has been writing and performing moving, insightful, powerful and important songs for more than 30 years. His intriguing evolution has given us something like a cross between John Prine and John Lee Hooker.
“With captivating presence, a commanding vocal style and a gloriously perverse point of view that produces songs, which take firm hold and linger long, he comes dangerously close to being certified as a national treasure.”
If you haven’t yet seen Glenn Cardier & The Sideshow, do yourself the proverbial favour. As a music fan, it’s just about the best night out you can have. Come and see for yourself just how cool Glenn Cardier is under fire.
Check out Glenn Cardier & The Sideshow online at: http://glenncardier.com/
“Australia’s answer to Melissa Etheridge”
Lloyd Bradford Syke, Australian Stage
"Genevieve is one of the best performers we’ve ever seen live – mesmerizing!"
- Robyn & Steve Elliot, Manly Fig
She has the power to bring an entire venue to a complete standstill. Her own original brand of Blues and Roots – poignant songs full of rich melodies - are sung with a voice that’s confoundingly gravel-like, yet smooth, all at once.
Genevieve has been selected as one of only three Australian artists to become part of the global Playing For Change music project, which in turn has seen her play Bluesfest at Byron Bay and support Joan Armatrading and Ben Caplin during their Australian tours.
Her debut album, ‘Riding the Wind, Forgetting Time’ established her firmly on Australia’s Blues ‘n’ Roots festival circuit. Her much-anticipated self-titled second album was produced by The Hit Factory’s Grammy award-winner Mark Johnson (Paul Simon, Jackson Browne, Taj Mahal, Rickie Lee Jones, Keb’ Mo’, etc.).
If you want to see a powerful performance complete with supremely skilful guitar playing, sultry smokehouse vocals and a totally professional attitude, don’t miss the latest episode of ‘Gen Chadwick plays Eastern Lounge’.
Check out Genevieve Chadwick online at: http://www.genevievechadwick.com/
LUKE ESCOMBE
comedian and songwriter… and is very good at them all.
Sophistication wrapped in a coating of overt fun. "
- John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald
If we’re lucky, Luke might also do one or two of his Bluesier songs and a Dylan cover of two. He’s a great guitarist with a wonderful voice, but injects every performance with sheer FUN.
Luke is an award-winning singer-songwriter and comedian… and he’s a bona fide Northern Beaches treasure! The Avalon resident has performed everywhere, from Parliament House in Canberra to the Edinburgh Fringe.
His self-produced album ‘Mantown’, spent nine straight months in the Top Ten of the Australian Blues and Roots charts and earned Luke favourable comparisons to the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Nick Cave. His musical comedy show ‘Chronic’ has taken him to Festivals around Australia and indeed the World.
Luke is also the MC and co-writer of the critically acclaimed stage show ‘Little Egypt's Speakeasy’ and is even the proud winner of a competition on radio station Mix 106.5FM to find ‘Sydney's sexiest man voice’.
If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Luke perform, mark this date ion your calendar as a MUST. I promise you will not be disappointed.
Check out Luke Escombe online at: http://www.lukeescombe.com/
of this year’s Sydney Blues & Roots Festival.”
- James Glendenning, Organiser
It seems obvious that these teenagers are born to be on stage. After winning an inner-west Battle of The Bands competition, Omri, Caleb, Aidan and Harry were invited to perform as part of The Basement Blues Society program, lighting up the stage at the iconic venue with sensational performances supporting Australian Blues legends Ray Beadle and Genevieve Chadwick.
Privileged to be in such extraordinary company on such a stage, Just Us paid their respects to all the great artists who have played The Basement by playing their own take on the Blues, quickly winning over a knowledgeable crowd who were stunned at just how comfortable these teenagers were. Not content with playing covers, the band also performed its own surprisingly high calibre originals.
In fact, surprise is what you can expect when you first see and hear these guys on stage. But once you deal with that initial disbelief at just how good they are, you’ll start to appreciate their selection of music, the soaring guitar work, the haunting keyboards, the great vocals and the super solid rhythm section.
If you ever find yourself worrying about the future of music… don’t!
Check out Just Us online at: https://www.facebook.com/Just-Us-145530452447902/
SOPHISTICATED SOUL & BELTING BLUES
Starring:
MICHELLE MARTINE
+ PJ O'BRIEN BAND
“One of the most spectacular female artists I’ve seen perform in Sydney.”
Georgina Reed – Northside Radio 99.3FM
MICHELLE MARTINE is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most ‘in demand’ vocalists. She’s performed with everyone from Smokey Robinson and Robbie Williams to Silverchair, Ronan Keating and Jessica Mauboy… (plus Eric Benet, Cut Copy, Leona Lewis, Guy Sebastian, Marvin Priest, Paul Mac, John Butler, David Campbell, Richard Clapton, Wendy Matthews, Ricki-lee Coulter and Danielle Spencer, just to name a few.)
Her own brand of Vintage Soul & Jazz is strong, sultry and heavily romantic – think Amy Winehouse meets Billie Holiday and Natalie Cole.
Michelle has made many television appearances including, Good Morning (UK), X Factor, The Arias, So You Think You Can Dance, Good News Week, The Sideshow, Sunrise, The Morning Show, 9am and Mornings with Kerri-Anne. More recently she landed a recurring performance role in the television drama series ‘Love Child’, currently showing on the Nine Network.
But she’s perhaps best known for her stunning run on Season 2 of The Voice Australia, when she wowed the judges with performances of songs like ‘Lady Marmalade’ and ‘Dedication to My Ex’ and was swooped up for Team Seal. She eventually won her way through to the Final Eight. Michelle’s debut EP peaked at No. 1 on the Australian iTunes Soul/RnB Album chart.
Michelle walks that sparkly line between energy and elegance. Her show contains dance floor favourites, introduced to a treatment of vintage glamour, swing and jazz. Michelle exudes high vitality based on a mix of innocence and allure, with a dash of old world charm thrown in for good measure. Her show has been described as “… like High tea with Amy Winehouse” and “… elegance, whipped with mischief”.
In an age of fast food, fast living and anti-social media, someone’s bringing the romance back… her name is Michelle Martine! Check out Michelle online at: http://michellemartine.com/
"O'Brien is a talent to watch"
Tom Hyslop, Blues Revue Magazine USA
“An international Blues star on the rise"
Al Hensley, Rhythms magazine AUS
Multiple award-winning Bluesman, PJ O’Brien and his awesome band, return to Eastern Lounge by popular request. Paul is a superlative guitarist with signature blistering fretwork that has turned heads from Perth to Memphis, Chicago to Austin and London to Singapore.
Along the way, he’s gathered a swag of awards including: Blues Song of the Year at the WA Music Awards (WAMIs); Music Oz Blues Artist of the Year; Sydney Blues Society Performer of the Year; Best New Talent, Song of the Year and Group Of The Year at the ‘Chain’ Australian Blues Awards.
PJ’s album, ‘Jefferson Blues’, debuted at No. 1 on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Chart. It held the top place for two months, spent the four months in the Top 3 and 5 months in the Top 10. The album received fantastic reviews and regular airplay in Australia, the UK and the United States.
Driven by PJ’s searing Chicago/Texas style guitar and smooth vocals, the PJ O’Brien Band also features a sensational ‘engine room’ well known to Eastern Lounge regulars - the legendary Al Britton (Bondi Cigars) on Bass and Dave Fester (Glenn Cardier and the Sideshow) on drums.
Check out the PJ O’Brien Band online at: http://www.pjobrienblues.com/
AUSSIE SUPERGROUP PLAYS EASTERN LOUNGE!
Starring:
AUSSIE ‘SUPERGROUP’ FREEDOM FRIENDS
+ Sam Joole
These four superstars have played with and for everybody from Billy Thorpe to SLASH (and from Renee Geyer to Seal in between). How’s this for a line-up:
Mitch Anderson is probably best known for winning through to the Finals of The Voice in 2013. Mitch has actually been plying his trade professionally for two decades. He is quite simply one of the best white Soul singers of our time.
He thrilled audiences and judges alike on The Voice with his renditions of classics like The Beatles’ ‘Dear Prudence’, Marvin Gaye’s ‘Sexual Healing’ and The Commitments’ ‘Take Me To The River’, before he brought the house down in a piano duel with Steve Clisby as the pair performed Marc Cohn’s ‘Walking in Memphis’ to a standing ovation. Mitch delivers a powerful Soul-filled performance both on Keys and behind the mic. with a passion which has to be experienced live to be believed.
Harry Brus has already graced the Eastern Lounge stage with touring Canadian star, Charlie A’court. Harry is THE bass players to the stars (both Australian and international). He’s jammed with Leon Russell, Billy Preston and Ron Wood among other luminaries.
His career started way back with Jeff St John and Copperwine, playing on the band’s Top Five Australian hit single ‘Teach Me How To Fly’. This was followed by stints with (among others) Blackfeather (‘Seasons of Change’, ‘Boppin’ The Blues’), Dave Miller Set (‘Mr Guy Fawkes’), Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock) and Phil Jones and The Unknown Blues Band (‘If I Had a Ticket’).
Since then Harry’s played with a veritable ‘Who’s Who of the industry, including Renée Geyer, Kevin Borich, Barry Leef, Marcia Hines, Joe Walsh, Phil Emmanuel, Billy Thorpe, Brian Cadd, Jimmy Barnes and Russell Morris… and he’s been a pivotal member of both Australian Crawl and Matt Finish. Enough said.
Paul Wheeler was the Whizkid Drummer in Icehouse. He had been drumming for the Machinations when at just 19 years of age, he was asked to slip into a six piece band in 1986 as Icehouse evolved from Flowers.
Both fans and fellow band members quickly developed an unreserved and unending admiration for Paul’s virtuosity behind the drum kit. Normally quiet, unassertive… even a little dreamy, as soon as he places his hands on a pair of sticks, he springs to life in an unmistakable way. Worth the price of admission just to watch this guy in action.
Through the ‘90s and into the ‘noughties’, Dai Pritchard found himself the guitarist of choice by some pretty big – and diverse – names. Among them was Jimmy Barnes, Glen Shorrock of LRB, Doug Parkinson and even Olivia Newton-John. But it was his eight years playing with the late, great Billy Thorpe that consolidated his reputation as a hard-working power player. This association took him around the country not only with Thorpe but as part of the incredibly successful Long Way To The Top tours in 2002/3.
In July 2005, with the endorsement of the late Pete Wells (the man he was about to replace), Dai became a fulltime member of Rose Tattoo, proudly blazing his own chops into their musical legacy on their latest album, Blood Brothers. Dai toured throughout Australia and Europe with The Tatts. In 2014, he was invited by none other than world renowned guitarist SLASH (Guns N Roses) to perform with him at Hisense Arena in Melbourne.
While playing guitar is still glorious, exhilarating, unadulterated fun for Dai, these days he brings an incredible arsenal of technical expertise that’s broad enough to allow him to slot in easily behind anyone that needs a slice of his power, versatility and finesse.
This the band known as FREEDOM FRIENDS. We’ve not seen their like before at Eastern Lounge and may not again. DON’T MISS THIS ONE!
Check out the band online at: https://www.facebook.com/events/277712779228738/
Australian Singer, Sam Joole has seemingly been touring the world forever, combing through musical traditions from the U.K., Europe, the U.S. and the Caribbean for inspiration he then transforms into song.
On the one hand, he draws heavily from American Blues, Country and Soul. On the other, you’ll hear African Harmonies, Celtic Riffs, Classical melodies and classic Aussie Rock.
In short, Sam Joole is a storyteller and entertainer and has remained undefinable and unable to be categorised throughout his career. His first solo album, ‘The Crescent and the Moon’, was released in 2011 to five star reviews, while he launched his second album, ‘Shapeshifting’ right here at Eastern Lounge.
Sam has also appeared at our humble venue as ‘Jim Morrison’, fronting ‘The Light My Fire’ band as they paid powerful tribute to The Doors. Who’ll turn up when Sam returns to EL for this show? Only time will tell. But regardless, judging on past appearances, you know you’re gonna love him.
Check out Sam Joole online at: http://www.samjoole.com/
A SOUL & BLUES EXTRAVAGANZA
Starring:
Liza Ohlback & her all-star band
+ ‘Continental’ Robert Susz & The Teenage Organ Party
Kevin Jacobsen
“Of all the soulful Blues singers I’ve come across, Liza has to be up there
in the Top Ten - and I don’t mean just in Australia…
I mean in the whole world!”
Georgina Reed 99.3FM
Liza Ohlback has one Helluva voice, blessed as it is with the depth and Bluesy tones of Etta James and the power and soul of Aretha Franklin. It’s been described in the press as a voice that can “… howl, growl or soothe a furrowed brow”. Liza’s preferred music is best described as ‘a whole lotta Blues’ mixed with Soul and Jazz and lashed with Gospel-style harmonies.
Her first album ‘Trouble Goin’ Down’ won no less than three prestigious ‘Australian Blues Chain Awards’ including Best Female Vocalist. She launched her new CD ‘Give You Hell’ in November last year. It reached a high of No. 2 on the Australian Blues airplay charts.
Liza has worked at most of Australia’s major music festivals including Byron Bay Bluesfest, Broadbeach, the Australian Blues Festival in Goulburn and the Manly Jazz Festival. She has sung with Richard Clapton, Tony Neville, Jade Macrae and many other luminaries.
Liza also tours the country in ‘PEARL: The Janis Joplin Story’ - a ‘Rockumentary’-style theatrical that showcases Liza’s sheer versatility and enigmatic stage presence as she successfully takes on the challenge of presenting ‘The Queen of Psychedelic Blues’ as no-one else can.
And Eastern Lounge regulars will also remember Liza as a founding member of the fabulous First Ladies of Soul who drew a full house and rave reviews at our favourite venue.
Her current band features players who are among the cream of Sydney’s musicians. They include Rick Melick on Keys (Jo Bonamassa), Jeremy Edwards - guitar (Karise Eden, Genevieve Chadwick), Mick Malouf on bass (Genevieve Chadwick) and Greg Ohlback on drums (Julian Lennon).
And expect Liza to be joined on stage on this special night by ‘Continental’ Robert himself… a Soul & Blues Extravaganza indeed!
Check out Liza online at: http://www.lizaohlback.com/
Clayton Doley's flowing Hammond organ/Wurlitzer piano sounding keys,
together exhibit an unflinching commitment to their craft, spanning
the overlapping zones of Soul and Blues.”
Al Hensley, Rhythms Magazine
‘Continental’ Robert Susz & The Teenage Organ Party
Born in Budapest, Hungry, before emigrating to Australia, ‘Continental’ Robert Susz was the lead singer of the Dynamic Hepnotics and composer of the band’s ‘80s Megahit, ‘Soul Kind of Feeling’ – a Gold APRA Award Winner.
During the summer of 1984 ‘Soul Kind of Feeling’ was a song you could simply not ignore. It was everywhere – on radio, on TV and in clubs and pubs across the country. In fact it was the most played record on Australian radio that year. The song has become an Australian Rock ’n’ Soul classic and is still played regularly on radio.
Robert’s a legendary Harp player and frontman, who after the huge success of his first band, went on to form two more renowned groups - the Mighty Reapers and the Continental Blues Party.
This time he brings to Eastern Lounge an amazing trio - The Teenage Organ Party - featuring the incredible Clayton ‘Teenager’ Doley on Hammond organ and Antero ‘Skinny’ Ceschin on drums and vocals.
Clayton is a Hammond Organ virtuoso as well as singer, songwriter, TV musical director, arranger and record producer. He has achieved international renown in his own right, touring the globe with his own projects as well as backing Canadian Bluesman Harry Manx and Texan Bluesman/Guitarist, Eugene 'Hideaway' Bridges. His other credits include sharing stages with Joe Bonamassa, Steve Cropper and Donald 'Duck' Dunn (Booker T & the M.G.'s, Blues Brothers), David Garibaldi (Tower Of Power), Jimmy Barnes, The Divinyls, The Dead Daisies, Guitar Shorty, Renee Geyer, The Mighty Reapers and Jackie Orszaczky, to name just a few.
As well as performing many of Robert’s timeless originals, The Teenage Organ Party will treat Lounge Lizards to a Soul, Blues and Boogaloo bash, as we soak up treasures from Ray Charles, James Brown, Junior Wells and more.
And later in the night, Robert is sure to join his good friend Liza on stage during her set… it’s gonna be a party!
Check out ‘Continental’ Robert Susz online at:
https://www.facebook.com/Continental-Robert-108909365870532/
ROSEVILLE – MAY 13
ARABESK
+ Tyler Rivers
+ Lines of Flight
who deliver their own style of European Gypsy Jazz with soul.”
Originally formed in 2003, the band comprises a stunningly talented quartet of musicians - Veren Grigorov (violin/viola), Rob Shannon (guitar/d’rrbuka), Calvin Welch (drums/percussion) and James Haselwood (Electric/Double Bass).
Bulgarian born Veren has toured with chamber orchestras AND INXS. He’s previously played with Four Play, is a current member of KUSH and is in demand as a composer for film and television soundtracks. Rob has played with numerous World and Jazz combos and is an avid fan of the great Gypsy virtuoso, Django Reinhardt.
Michigan born drummer Calvin is one of the most respected and versatile musicians on the local and international music scene. He’s played and toured with everyone from Renee Geyer, Kevin Borich and Christine Anu to Jackie Orszaczky, Harry Manx, Indie Pop band Philadelphia Grand Jury and Indie Rock legend Deniz Tek. James, the bass man has played with a ‘Who’s Who’ of Australian music from Mia Dyson (Montreux Jazz Festival) and Jenny Morris to Harry Manx and Natalie Imbruglia.
With such a wealth of musical experience it is little wonder Arabesk is such a powerhouse of invention and innovation. Their sound is fused with constant hypnotic rhythms and laced with the lushness of violins and guitars. Their music has been likened to “a series of conversations across the ages” where all kinds of traditions converge into a modern day celebration of intoxicating global grooves.
Judging by the enormous reception they’ve received at festivals such as The Great Escape, Woodford Folk Festival and Peats Ridge, it’s obvious they have hit upon a truly international language. This was reinforced in May 2011 when they performed before large crowds at the Takatsaki Jazz Festival in Osaka, Japan and literally had people dancing in the streets.
In September that year Arabesk performed at the Sydney Fringe Festival and in November the band won first place for their composition ‘Good Month, Bad Month’ in the Australian Songwriters Association Awards. Arabesk regularly packs out famous Sydney venues like The Basement in Sydney and The Marble Bar and continues to tour nationally and internationally, bringing their unique brand of musical fun to as many people as possible.
Don’t miss their debut performance at Eastern Lounge.
Check out Arabesk online at: http://www.arabesk.com.au/
in the UK, Europe and America’
Rob Saunders, Founder, Deuce Management
Since the release of his first single ‘Fool For You’, Tyler Rivers has toured the UK relentlessly sharing stages with the likes of Jake Bugg and Hannah Symons (‘The Voice’ 2015). Having seen Bugg play the Glastonbury Festival when aged just 17, the Nottingham native became a major influence on Tyler… so it was a great privilege to support him at The Maze in the young star’s home town.
Tyler lists solo artists Noel Gallagher, James Bay, Ed Sheeran and George Ezra among his other influences, along with bands including Oasis, Deaf Havana, Arctic Monkeys and Catfish and the Bottlemen. He has an acoustic style with a focus on melodic writing… however it’s his high-energy performances that set him apart from other acoustic artists.
Early last year, Tyler signed to Australian label Strawberry Hills records, which saw him move from The Midlands in central England to Sydney for an extended stay. ‘Fool For You’ was produced by Sean Carey - former guitarist of Aussie band Thirsty Merc and occasional visitor to Eastern Lounge. (Sean was last at our venue to see the performance of another of his protégés, Jenny Biddle, who ironically has now moved to the UK to pursue her career.) ‘Fool For You’ received airplay in the UK, Europe and America.
Tyler is now working on his second single and aims to release an EP later this year. In the meantime he’s gigging all over town and hopes to be added to the line-up at various Festivals, once the EP drops.
Check out Tyler Rivers online at: https://www.facebook.com/tylerriversofficial/
“Narcissism? Perhaps a little… but I guarantee
the Eastern Lounge audience will love Lines of Flight.’
Dave Keogh, Promoter, Eastern Lounge
‘Lines of Flight’ is a term that designates the infinitesimal possibility of escape; that elusive moment when change happens… when a threshold between two paradigms is crossed.
That’s why the name was selected by the new Indie-Folk Duo of Brent Keogh and Katie Anderson. To them, ‘Lines of Flight’ describes the creative potential of not just breaking away from the norm, but shooting in an unexpected and refreshing direction. And that’s what they do, like bolts of pent-up energy, surging, breaking, exploding into new, original music.
Brent (vox, guitar, mandolin, oud, percussion) has an eclectic musical background - he has shared stages with renowned Indie outfits like The Jezebels and Cloud Control. He’s studied vocals with Darren Percival (The Voice 2012), Egyptian oud with Aria award winner Joseph Tawadros and has completed a doctorate in World Music through Macquarie University. Brent has played Eastern Lounge a couple of times, most recently with those wizards who make up Martinez Acustika.
Katie (vox, flute, Irish whistle, percussion) is an accomplished musician and teacher. After completing music degrees at UNSW, she studied flute under professional flautists Karen Lonsdale and Kathleen Gallagher. She’s been performing for over 10 years with the Sydney Wind Symphony.
After years of close collaboration, the duo infuses World, Folk, Classical and Pop influences into original compositions to create their own unique and earthy sound. 'Lines of Flight' also weaves the sounds of guitar, Middle Eastern oud, mandolin, Irish whistle, flute and vocals into refreshing arrangements of traditional folk songs.
This great new duo is driven by a desire to experiment and explore. The best and brightest always want to break out and head for the horizon. Let Lines of Flight take you there, while you escape into a whole new musical experience.
+ AKoVA
"If you can describe it, it ain't funky."
STREET PARTY - 'WONDERFUNK'
WONDERFUNK is a new concept show from accomplished Sydney-based groove outfit STREET PARTY who played Eastern Lounge in May last year. It comprises two great sets of mixed mainstream Funk, Soul and Disco from the 70's and 80's, heavily seeded with the stunning songs of the one and only Stevie Wonder.
Other artists to whom the show pays tribute include Kool and the Gang, Jamiroquai, Michael Jackson, KC and the Sunshine Band, the Bee Gees and Earth Wind and Fire.
The basic idea of funk is to create a strong groove. The emphasis is always on rhythm and a heavy bassline – that's what truly characterises Funk. The upbeat sound of Funk emerged at a time when African Americans were feeling a new sense of empowerment, which in turn was reflected back in their music. Post-James Brown, this deeper, more groove-oriented sound would prove to be the biggest thing in Soul music for the next 20 years.
And at the vanguard of that movement was Steveland Hardaway Judkins, who at the age of 11 was signed to Motown's Tamla label and became Stevie Wonder.
In the '70s, Wonder created some of the most indelible songs ever released. Eight outstanding albums - notably dual 1972 releases 'Music of My Mind' and Talking Book' and the 1976 smash, 'Songs in the Key of Life' - produced an incredible collection of hugely popular singles, among them 'Living in the City', 'You Are the Sunshine of My Life', 'Boogie on Reggae Woman' and 'Isn't She Lovely'. Stevie Wonder captured no less than 15 Grammy Awards during that decade.
In all, Stevie Wonder has recorded more than 30 U.S. Top Ten hits, received 25 Grammy Awards (the most ever awarded to a male solo artist) and has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the top 60 best-selling music artists of all time.
This will be a night of sheer, exuberant celebration. Sing and dance along to all the classics from that era you secretly know and love - from 'Superstition' and 'Higher Ground' through to dance hits from the Bee Gees such as 'Night Fever' and 'You Should Be Dancing', to Disco faves like 'Shake Your Bootie' and 'Get Down On It'.
It's a show guaranteed to leave you with a long-lasting feeling of euphoria.
Check out Street Party's 'WONDERFUNK' online at: www.streetparty.com.au/wonderfunk
"I sing about what touches me emotionally, because
life can change in an instant on this crazy journey."
AKoVA
real substance and meaning. I still can't believe it's just one guy playing all
those instruments at the same time... what a showman."
Adam Iffland 92.5FM
Formerly of Triple J favourites Shoebox, AKoVA is a multi-faceted, multi-instrumentalist. He's one of the most unique performers in Australia. Dubbed by music media as 'The Rhythm King', he enthrals audiences by combining vocals, guitars, ukulele, cajon, djembe, ankle bells and an assortment of other percussive instruments (often all at once!).
AKoVA has been playing music since he was a kid. As he tells it: "One day I was driving with the old man when this song came on the radio that put me on my path right there and then. That song was Sunshine Superman by Donovan. He's been a big inspiration to my music ever since. Like Donovan, I took the acoustic root. I'm a multi-instrumentalist with no sequences, loops or pedals. I just get a kick out of getting the most sound out of what I can hold at the one time, while singing about what touches me emotionally."
Among others, AKoVA has shared the stage with Ash Grunwald, The Living End, Kingtide, Fyre Walk, Tijuana Cartel and Afro Moses. When Grunwald saw him play, he commented simply: "This guy is sic!"
Forte Magazine wrote: "AKoVA’s welcoming vibe has a worthy place at festival gatherings universally. He's a natural showman. Any act that gets people dancing like no-one's watching is always welcome in this crazy world."
AKoVA is a breath of fresh air. He exudes talent, but uses his gift to uplift and encourage us all to help others and contribute positively to society. The world needs passionate people who are inspired every day to make a difference… people like AKoVA.
Check out AKoVA online at: www.akova.com.au
+ BOOKER T & THE M.G.'s - Tribute
“These guys are simply the best purveyors of the pure Soul sound in Sydney
JOHNNY G & THE E-TYPES - ‘MEMPHIS Vs. MUSCLE SHOALS’
Johnny G & The E-Types is Sydney’s premier Soul band, delivering all the legendary STAX Label hits, PLUS those of their great Alabama rivals in Muscle Shoals.
The band has gained 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 as the backing band for brilliant guest vocalists like Sam Bennett, Simon Meli, Julz di Sisto and Carl Fidler, delivering the great Soul classics in their raw and original form.
In the 1960s and ‘70s, Memphis was home to the Stax Records Soul Music Label. Their artists included Legends like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett and Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The Label’s distinctly Southern sound stood in sharp contrast to the smoother, more ‘Pop’ style records coming out of Detroit's Motown.
At the same time, the ‘Muscle Shoals Sound’ was born in Alabama, first at Rick Hall’s FAME Studios and later at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (from 1969). Huge hits by renowned artists Percy Sledge and Aretha Franklin among many others, were recorded in Muscle Shoals. Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers and even the Rolling Stones later cut records at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio using the same backing musicians who’d given FAME its original sound – The Swampers.
The band has performed at countless festivals as well as their favourite sweaty inner city bar room Soul nights and played a SOULED OUT show at Eastern Lounge in 2015 to mark Otis Redding’s birthday. If you like the great Soul sounds of the ‘60s, there is no better band to see.
Check out Johnny G & The E-Types online at: http://johnnygandtheetypes.com/
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.”
Barney Hoskyns, MOJO Magazine
BOOKER T. & THE M.G.’s TRIBUTE
Booker T. Jones set the cast for modern Soul music and is largely responsible for its rise and enduring popularity. On classic Stax Label hits like ‘Green Onions’, ‘Hang ‘Em High’, ‘Time Is Tight’ and ‘Melting Pot’, Booker T. pushed music’s boundaries, refined it to its essence and then injected it into the nation’s bloodstream.
In the early '60s, Booker T. transformed the Hammond B-3 organ from a gospel instrument, featured primarily behind jazz and blues saxophonists, to a Rock / Soul keyboard that influenced several generations of Rock and Soul musicians. The harder organ attack and riff-driven sound that Booker T. created is still heard today.
Members of one of the first ever integrated groups over time included Legends like Booker T. himself (organ, piano), Steve Cropper (guitar), Lewie Steinberg (bass), Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn and Al Jackson, Jr. (drums). As the ‘House Band’ at Stax Records, these guys played on hundreds of recordings by artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Bill Withers, Sam & Dave, Johnnie Taylor and Albert King. They also released instrumental records under their own name, the best known of which is the 1962 hit single ‘Green Onions’.
By the mid-1960s, bands on both sides of the Atlantic were trying to sound like Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2008 and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2012.
“All of us in the M.G.’s loved the blues and felt privileged we could play music all day. The race thing never existed. It never does for musicians.” - Booker T. Jones
The E-Type Horns, with Johnny G driving on Hammond organ, now pay tribute to this amazing band to open an incredible show that will take us back to Memphis in the ‘60s.
Valentine's Day Special
PETER NORTHCOTE’S ‘ROCK LOVE SONGS’
+ JUST US
- Jason Mountrey, Sydney Morning Herald
“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. It’s one of those things you just have to do… you must see Peter Northcote in concert before you die!”
- Pat Maloney, CEO, MUSICOZ
To name just a few, these include: Daryl Braithwaite, Doc Neeson, Doug Parkinson, John Farnham, Rick Price, Diesel, Dragon, Jimmy Barnes, Richard Clapton, Ross Wilson and Stevie Wright from Oz and internationals such as Bo Diddley, The Monkees (Aus & NZ tours) and Tom Jones. He’s opened for Joe Satriani at The Enmore, counts Jeff Beck among his many friends and has won critical acclaim from no less than virtuoso guitarist Steve Vai.
Peter’s playing is accessible, melodic, fun and fresh, exciting, assaulting and emotional. It will have you tapping into the deeply emotional, spiritual and sensual areas of your very being. Peter played the original Eastern Lounge at the tennis club with his great mate and master vocalist Brydon Stace and has graced the stage at Roseville as part of Barry Leef’s group.
Now he’s back with his own red hot band featuring Dario Bortolin on bass, Lloyd G on drums and two of Australia’s very best vocalists, Virginia Lillye AND Simon Meli out front.
You’ve probably heard and seen these two either fronting their own bands (Lillye and The Widowbirds respectively), or when they appeared on The Voice. Trust me when I say, these are two of the very best vocalists this country has to offer and if you haven’t seen them live, you’re in for an absolute treat… particularly given they’ll be on stage with one of Australia’s greatest guitarists.
Don’t let Virginia’s small stature fool you… this woman has a fiercely powerful voice! Legendary Australian music critic, Glenn A. Baker, was completely in awe of Viginia’s performance when he wrote: “Fuses were lit by the explosive Virginia Lillye.”
Simon made all four judges on The Voice turn their chairs with his stunning rendition of Led Zeppelin's ‘Ramble On’. He made it right through to the final weeks of the show, creating more waves when he sang The Stones’ ‘Sympathy For The Devil’. His signature groovy dance moves inspired Joel Madden to coin the term "White Dude Dancing" to describe Simon. (The tag even spawned a range of T-shirts!).
Writing in Drum Media, reviewer Robyn Anson said: “Simon Meli is the most charismatic singer I've witnessed in a long time. Not only does he know how to work the stage and engage the audience, he also has the vocal goods.”
The show Peter has curated for our now annual Valentine’s Day tribute contains some of the most powerful Rock Love Songs ever written.
Check out Peter Northcote online at: peternorthcote.com and soundcloud.com
- James Glendenning
It seems obvious that these teenagers are born to be on stage. After winning an inner-west Battle of The Bands competition, Omri, Caleb, Aidan and Harry were invited to perform as part of The Basement Blues Society program, lighting up the stage at the iconic venue with sensational performances supporting Australian Blues legends Ray Beadle and Genevieve Chadwick.
Privileged to be in such extraordinary company on such a stage, Just Us paid their respects to all the great artists who have played The Basement by playing their own take on the Blues, quickly winning over a knowledgeable crowd who were stunned at just how comfortable these teenagers were. Not content with playing covers, the band also performed its own original music – itself of a surprising high calibre.
In fact, surprise is what you can expect when you first see and hear these guys on stage. But once you deal with that initial disbelief at just how good they are, you’ll start to appreciate their selection of music, the soaring guitar work, the haunting keyboards, the great vocals and the super solid rhythm section.
Omri Aruch - Vocals, Keys, Bass. Omri is a multi-instrumentalist (keyboards, cello, bass and guitar), who’s been classically trained on piano from the age of six.
Caleb Gaha – Drums. Taught by Luke Davidson from The Preatures, American-born Caleb has been playing the drums since he was 10.
Aidan Glover - Vocals, Guitar, Bass. Aidan has been taught by one of Australia’s leading guitarists, Adam Pringle. He’s been playing guitar since he was nine and feeds his love of the Blues in jam sessions with the likes of Adam, Lachy Doley and Miles Thomas.
Harry Tompsett - Vocals, Guitar, Bass and Trombone. An accomplished musician for one so young, Harry effortlessly plays a variety of instruments, including drums and keyboards! He’s also the main writer in the group.
Check out Just Us at: www.facebook.com/Just-Us