News
EIGHT INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS JOIN THE BLUESFEST 2022 LINEUP 0
In a pre-Christmas announcement, Bluesfest this morning announced the return of EIGHT international artists to Bluesfest 2022. We’d been wondering when and if this might occur as several of the acts have been showing Australian dates for some time. Included in the announcement are: George Benson, Morcheeba, The Marcus King Band, The Wailers, Amadou & Mariam, The War & Treaty, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram, and Cory Henry.
Showcasing an All-Aussie (with some special international guests from NZ, the USA and the UK) music bill in Byron Bay, Bluesfest is Australia’s most awarded music festival, and was recently nominated as ‘Best Festival of the Decade’ by industry bible, Pollstar.
This morning Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM said: “I have been in communication with managers and agents since our first cancellation and I am so happy that we can finally bring back these internationals in time for Bluesfest as well as some touring dates. It feels like a brilliant Christmas present to me and I’m sure our Bluesfest fans will be stoked to hear about these much-loved artists coming back to Bluesfest. Living legend George Benson makes his Bluesfest debut; Morcheeba, Bluesfest favourites, are very welcome returnees and The Wailers, for whom I hold a special place in my heart, are now led by a new generation of children as well as former members of the original Wailers, keeping the light and music of Bob Marley shining and alive. Marcus King raised the tent roof at our 30th birthday celebrations in 2019 – what a guitar phenomenon he is ! And remember The War & Treaty, how they became one of THE discovery artists in 2019 – it’s exciting to welcome them back as well. Amadou & Mariam, Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram and Cory Henry were all slated to appear in 2020, and it’s a joy to have them confirm their Bluesfest appearances at Easter.”
GEORGE BENSON TOUR DATES
Monday 11th April 2022
Wednesday 13th April 2022
Thursday 14th April 2022
State Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 19th April 2022
Wednesday 20th April 2022
Palais Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Easter Sunday 17th April 2022 BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Since 1977, George Benson, an American icon for being part of the electric guitar revolution which changed music and popular culture forever, has won 10 Grammy Awards – and has been nominated for an additional 15. His wins include Record of the Year for “This Masquerade” (1977), Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Breezin'” (1977) and “Mornin'” (2007), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “On Broadway” (1979) and “Give Me the Night” (1981), and Best R&B Instrumental Performance for “Theme From Good King Bad” (1977) and “Off Broadway” (1981).
Following the success of his Quincy Jones-produced pop album ‘Give Me the Night’ in 1980, George Benson’s string of pop hits includes “Love All the Hurt Away,” “Turn Your Love Around,” “Inside Love,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” from his 1985 album ’20/20′.
His current album, ‘Weekend In London’, was recorded live at the legendary Ronnie Scotts Club. Check it out and get a live snapshot of this giant and his amazing catalogue of songs and virtuosity.
This Australian tour will feature his repertoire of hits as well as a selection of Fats Domino and Chuck Berry classics that were featured on his previous release, ‘Walking To New Orleans’ album. Don’t miss this world-class act in 2022!
Check out our interview with George Benson from 2019 when he was originally due to appear at Bluesfest 2020 HERE
MORCHEEBA TOUR DATES
Tuesday 12th April 2022 170 Russell, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 14th April 2022 Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 15th & Saturday 16th April 2022 BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Undeniably Bluesfest favourites and with a music career spanning millions of albums sold worldwide Morcheeba are making a welcome return to Bluesfest this April, with added touring dates in Melbourne and Sydney. Having defined the ‘chill out’ genre with tracks like ‘The Sea’, ‘Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day’ and ‘Otherwise’, there are few people worldwide who cannot sing along to their beloved anthems of a genre-defying era. The leading lady of Morcheeba, Skye Edwards, has one of the most recognised voices on the planet. Hearing her smooth, effortless tone teamed with Ross Godfrey’s psychedelic guitar is an unforgettable, spellbinding experience. They’ll be featuring tracks from ‘Blackest Blue’, their 10th studio album which delves into the soul of the band’s genre-mashing musical heritage. “Blackest Blue is about finding a way through the darkest of times and emerging the other side changed but intact”. Get ready to bliss out as the true Morcheeba phenomenon unfolds on stage.
THE WAILERS TOUR DATES
Thursday 21st April 2022 The Metro Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 22nd April 2022 170 Russell, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th & Monday 18th April 2022 BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett promised Bob Marley on his deathbed to ‘keep The Wailers together’ and he made it his life’s dedication. Today, carrying on the mission are legitimate members of The Wailers, children-of-legends and a host of immensely talented musicians featuring Aston Barrett Jr, guitarists Donald Kinsey (Wailer) , Wendel ‘Junior Jazz’ Ferraro and Owen ‘Dreadie’ Reid (Wailer), saxophonist Glen Dacosta (Wailer) and keys kings Tyrone Downie (Wailer) and Andres Lopez: all help shape that classic sonic identity. Dennis Thompson, the engineer who was there from the very beginnings of the band and vocalists Anne-Marie Thompson and Tamara Barnes contribute to this unique melting pot, both classic and excitingly fresh at the same time – the classic Wailers musical identity. It truly is a lineup of reggae royalty !
Last Year The Wailers released their album ‘One World’, the first new music from the band in over 25 years. ‘One World’ includes The Wailers’ most recent single “One World, One Prayer”, produced by 19 x Grammy Award winner, Emilio Estefan, and co-written by Emilio Estefan alongside Aston Barret Jr and Josh David Barrett. The tracks on this project blend together generations of reggae music to sound current and modern while still being familiar to fans. Experience a real slice of musical history and heritage from those who keep the flame of Bob Marley burning strong. The Wailers will perform different albums from Bob Marley and The Wailers on each of their four nights plus the greatest hits.
THE MARCUS KING BAND TOUR DATES
Monday 18th April 2022 The Metro Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 20th April 2022 Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 15th & Sunday 17th April 2022 BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
A 25-year-old guitar phenom and innovative songwriter, Marcus King can simultaneously switch from swaggering rock to supersonic soul, having written songs and performing onstage for half his lifetime. All five members of the band—drummer Jack Ryan, bass player Stephen Campbell, trumpeter/trombonist Justin Johnson, keyboard player, and sax player Chris Spies—create a blistering, yet soulful unit that has honed their synergy through endless touring. Ready to deliver a southern fried brand of blues and psychedelia inspired by rock ‘n’ roll, Marcus King and his incredible Band of rockers are returning to play Melbourne and Sydney this April after their Easter weekend sets at Bluesfest Byron Bay.
AMADOU & MARIAM TOUR DATES
Friday 15th, Sunday 17th, & Monday 18th April 2022 BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Having influenced the likes of Four Tet and Jamie xx, get your dancing shoes ready for some bangin’ Afro-pop beats from Amadou & Mariam. For the past forty-odd years, Amadou & Mariam have managed to joyfully combine their love story with a musical career while becoming discreetly but surely, the most famous ambassadors for Malian music and African music, with their album ‘Welcome to Mali’ being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2008.
Having worked with a variety of different producers and artists including Damon Albarn, Manu Chao, Santigold, Miike Snow and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs the duo has brought African music to the charts and the dance floor.
This tenaciously positive musical duo is one of a kind paying heed to Mali’s hallmark repetitive beat, yet clearly distinct, giving voice to their country’s pain, its hopes and its stories. Expect synthesised sounds, cultural commentary and experimental beats on this unmissable tour this April!
THE WAR and TREATY TOUR DATES
Wednesday 13th April 2022 Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 20th April 2022 Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th & Monday 18th April 2022 BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Often referred to as the discovery act from Bluesfest 2019, there was no doubt in our minds but to bring The War and Treaty back to Bluesfest as soon as possible and at the same time to share their incredible talent with people across Australia! While their back story is romantic and emotional, they have been paying music dues for a long time. Having both been gifted with incredible voices, the couple also have a natural talent for storytelling through song, a bluesy but joyful fusion of Southern soul, gospel, country, and rock-and-roll. Known for a live show nearly revival-like in intensity, the husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter endlessly create an exhilarating exchange of energy with their audience. Their latest album ‘Hearts Town’ which is the Nashville duo’s adoring nickname for their ardently devoted fanbase.
CHRISTONE ‘KINGFISH’ INGRAM TOUR DATES
Sunday 10th April 2022 Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 13th April 2022 Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 14th, Saturday 16th, Sunday 17th & Monday 18th April 2022 BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
“Kingfish is one of the most exciting young guitarists in years, with a sound that encompasses B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Prince.” – Rolling Stone
Since the release of ‘Kingfish’ in 2019 – his Grammy-nominated Alligator Records debut – guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram has quickly become the defining Blues voice of his generation.
The album debuted on the Billboard Blues Chart in the #1 position and remained on the chart for an astonishing 91 weeks, receiving a Grammy Award nomination, and achieving the #1 Best Blues Album Of 2019 & 2021 by UK music magazine MOJO. The now 22-year-old Christone has already headlined two national tours and performed with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell and Buddy Guy (with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits). When the pandemic halted live performances and forced him to take stock, he began writing songs for his next album, ‘662’. The number 662 is the telephone area code for Ingram’s northern Mississippi home, and it first came into use the same year he was born—1999.
With his eye-popping guitar playing and his reach-out-and-grab-you-by-the-collar vocals, Ingram performs every song with unmatched passion and precision. While his new songs tell personal stories, they also tell of shared human experiences. With ‘662’, he creates contemporary Blues music that speaks to his generation and beyond, delivering the full healing power of the blues. And he can’t wait to bring that power on stage.
CORY HENRY TOUR DATES
Wednesday 13th April 2022 170 Russell, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 14th April 2022 Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 16th , Sunday 17th & Monday 18th April 2022 BLUESFEST, BYRON BAY
Bringing their unique soul, jazz and gospel music – Cory Henry and his band will bless Australia with their debut appearance at Bluesfest and tour dates in Sydney and Melbourne. Cory Henry is among modern music’s most inventive minds. While mastering multiple instruments at a young age, he dominated the stage as a former member of Snarky Puppy. He has worked with Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean, J. Cole, Vulfpeck, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Randolph, The Roots, Marcus Miller, Michael McDonald, Ty Dolla $ign and many more, but it’s as head of his own band that his stardom has soared, performing in cities and festivals around the world including Okeechobee, Electric Forest, North Sea Jazz and Love Supreme Festival.
Bluesfest will take place over 5 days from Thursday 14th April to Monday 18th April 2022 at the Byron Events Farm, Tyagarah, NSW, AUSTRALIA.
Full artist lineup to date and all ticket options plus camping, parking and VIP are on sale now via the Bluesfest website.
- Dom DiSisto
FULL ROBBEN FORD AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES ANNOUNCED 0
Further to our news that he’ll be playing Blues on Broadbeach next year, full tour dates have now been announced for renowned American artist Robben Ford, who is returning to Australia in May 2022 for headline appearances at not only Blues on Broadbeach, but also a run of not-to-be-missed exclusive dates in Melbourne (Memo Music Hall), Sydney (Factory Theatre), Newcastle (Lizotte’s) and Adelaide (The Gov). As an added treat, Ford will be bringing his band with him – Doug Belote on Drums, Andy Hess on Bass and Jovan Quallo on Keys and Sax.
A celebrated blues, jazz and rock guitarist with, to date, five Grammy Award nominations to his name, Robben Ford was declared one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century” by Musician Magazine.
It’s easy to see why: Ford’s list of collaborations is impeccable, and quite likely unparalleled – from Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy Witherspoon, Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, Miles Davis, Larry Carlton and Rick Springfield to Kiss, Randy Crawford, Bob Dylan, Ricki Lee Jones, John Mayall and Australia’s own Tommy Emmanuel amongst many, many others.
The word legend gets bandied about perhaps too freely these days, but in regards to Robben Ford, it’s almost an understatement. Music lovers should run, not walk, to get tickets to his first Australian tour in 8 years. ‘Pure’, Ford’s latest release – his 45th – is out now. Full tour details below.
ROBBEN FORD AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Thurs 19th May Lizotte’s NEWCASTLE
Sat 21st May Blues on Broadbeach GOLD COAST
Sun 22nd May Blues on Broadbeach GOLD COAST
Thu 26th May Memo Music Hall MELBOURNE
Fri 27th May Factory Theatre SYDNEY
Sat 28th May The Gov ADELAIDE
TICKETS TO ALL SHOWS ON SALE NOW
- Dom DiSisto
ROBBEN FORD IN BLUES ON BROADBEACH 1ST ANNOUNCEMENT 0
Fresh from winning bronze at the Queensland Tourism Awards in the Major Festivals and Events category, the acclaimed and authentic Blues on Broadbeach is set to return to the streets, parks, and venues of Broadbeach on the Gold Coast in 2022.
One of Australia’s largest FREE music festivals, Blues on Broadbeach will be held 19- 22 May 2022 and is set to feature an incredible line-up of Blues artists whose careers are brimming with awards, accolades, and prestigious pedigrees.
Headlining the festival are the likes of national treasure James Morrison alongside his talented band, US guitar legend Robben Ford, and fellow American icon R.L. Boyce, who will be performing with Aussie blues star Dom Turner.
Festival Director, Mark Duckworth is thrilled that Blues on Broadbeach is returning in 2022, this time with a host of international acts as the persistent impact of the pandemic begins to dissipate.
“The thing that makes Blues on Broadbeach such a special Festival is the importance we place on presenting authentic artists each year.
The month of May wouldn’t feel the same on the Gold Coast without music taking over the streets of Broadbeach and this year’s line-up of acclaimed performers will continue the pilgrimage of Blues fans from around the country and beyond … Bring on Blues on Broadbeach 2022!”
The James Morrison Motown Experience is set to blow fans away with a ONE OFF, unforgettable, feel-good Motown party. Blues lovers can get their dancing shoes on for a mesmerising fusion of soulful vocals, rhythmic tunes, and heavenly horns led by the one and only, multi-award-winning icon James Morrison. Blues on Broadbeach is a family-friendly festival, and the James Morrison Motown Experience will aptly be a family affair! With James’s two sons joining him amongst his smouldering four-piece horn section and four soulful vocalists, Blues lovers can prepare themselves for a celebration like no other.
“It’s a great pleasure to be returning to Blues on Broadbeach in 2022 and this time it’s going to be one great big party. Get ready to be blown away with an unforgettable and feel-good Motown experience with songs from all the greats including James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and many more,” James Morrison declared.
And then there’s Robben Ford. A five-time Grammy nominee, the world-renowned American jazz, blues, funk, and rock legend is set to bring his unparalleled electric guitar playing and captivating creative energy to the Gold Coast. Declared one of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of the 20th Century” by Musician Magazine, seeing Ford perform live is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The 21st annual Blues on Broadbeach will feature an incredible lineup of Australian and international Blues artists. If you’re after an authentic Blues experience, Blues on Broadbeach is the music festival you can’t miss in 2022. Check out bluesonbroadbeach.com or follow Blues on Broadbeach on Facebook for the full first announcement lineup and be the first to hear of future announcements.
- Dom DiSisto
MIDNIGHT OIL ANNOUNCE ‘RESIST’ FINAL TOUR AND NEW ALBUM 0
In 2017 Midnight Oil returned from a long hiatus with a sweat drenched pub gig at the legendary Sydney venue, Selinas. In the middle of that special set, frontman Peter Garrett borrowed some famous lines, exhorting “rage, rage, against the dying of the light”. And that’s exactly what they’ve done ever since. They sold out 77 shows in 16 countries on their epic “Great Circle” tour. They toured Europe again, did a memorable gig in the outback, then returned to the studio for the first time in over 18 years and recorded 20 new songs. The first batch of that material, The Makarrata Project, debuted at #1 on the same weekend that longtime bass player Bones Hillman sadly died. Despite that profound blow, and a global pandemic, the band and their First Nations Collaborators still mounted their acclaimed “Makarrata Live” shows early this year – championing the Uluru Statement and highlighting ongoing injustices suffered by First Nations people.
Today Midnight Oil announced that this chapter of their career will come to a memorable close next year with the release of the other 12 new songs they recorded with Bones and a series of big gigs. Both are aptly titled Resist.
The band also announced that this will be their final concert tour while making it clear that this does not mean the end of the Oils. Each of the members will continue their own projects over the years ahead. They remain very open to recording new music together in future and supporting causes in which they believe, but this will be their last tour.
Meanwhile Resist will be a fitting, forward-looking, statement for a band whose clarion call has always been “it’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees”. The tour will see them performing classic Midnight Oil songs from across their repertoire while also showcasing some urgent new works. As the title makes abundantly clear, Resist engages with the issues of today and tomorrow – like the lead single Rising Seas which tackles the climate crisis in typically uncompromising fashion.
The album pre-order and Australasian tickets will go on-sale from next Tuesday 30 November. Dates, venues and all other info is detailed below. A handful of international concerts is also being considered (subject to Covid restrictions).
Rob Hirst says: “If I look back, I see a blur of familiar names and faces: Jim, Pete, Martin, Bear and me, slamming loud prog-pop in a Chatswood garage; Giffo, magnificent, rocking back and forth at his first Royal Antler gig; Bonesy, headphones on, singing, lounging on the deck learning our catalogue.
“I see our managers in their offices – Gary, Zev and John; our tour managers in their cars and buses – Constance, Neil, and Willie Mac; our producers in their studios, Keith, Lez, Glyn, Nick and Warne; and our crew on countless stages, Michael, Oysters, Ozzy, Doc, Nick, Jock, Gerry – and so many more.
“I see our folks-in-the-engine-room that the outside world has never seen: Stephanie, Wayne, Diana, Arlene, Jonesy, Craig, Geoff H, Chris P, Peter T, and Mel C.
“I see our wives and trusted friends, and the tiny faces of the ‘Baby Oils’, watching us from side of stage, from Sydney to Sao Paulo to Saskatoon.
“But mostly, blinded by stage lights, I see the first two rows of a thousand gigs: Midnight Oil fans, pumping, jumping, singing louder than the band.
“But I don’t look back.”
Peter Garrett says: “We all know time refuses to stand still for anyone but after many years together the band’s spirit is deep, the music and words are strong, and our ideas and actions as bold as we can make them. We’ve reached people in ways we never could have imagined. Our desire to create and speak out is undimmed. We hope everyone who hears this album and gets to one of the shows will come away charged up about the planet’s future, saying ‘why stop now?’. Having always tackled every tour like it’s the last – this time it actually will be.”
Jim Moginie says: “We’ve played intensely physical gigs since our humble beginnings back in 1977 and we never want to take even the slightest risk of compromising that. A lot has happened over the last five years. Much has been achieved and with the passing of Bones much has been lost, so it now feels like we’re at the end of a cycle.
“These will be sad and beautiful gigs but luckily we’re still capable of blowing the roof off any stage and that’s what we intend to do. You could call this a farewell tour, but Midnight Oil will still continue in some form or other as we’re brothers, family. We stand as one, dependent on each other and grateful in all the important ways that make great bands great.”
Martin Rotsey says: “A huge thank you to all our fans around the world. We’ve shared so much together from the swelter of Sydney pubs to magical nights under starry skies. Your energy took us further than we could ever have dreamed.
“To those down the front in the maelstrom, those at the back of the room singing their hearts out, and all of those onstage, backstage, and back home who helped make everything possible, we send our thanks.”
Resist will be Midnight Oil’s 15th studio release since the band exploded out of the post-punk scene back in 1978, blazing a singular trail of blistering gigs through Australia’s pubs and clubs. In the four decades since they have created an unparalleled string of classic tracks including I Don’t Wanna Be The One, Power & The Passion, US Forces, Best Of Both Worlds, The Dead Heart, Blue Sky Mine, Forgotten Years, Truganini, Redneck Wonderland, Say Your Prayers and the 2020 APRA Song of the Year, Gadigal Land (feat. Dan Sultan, Joel Davison, Kaleena Briggs and Bunna Lawrie). Their Diesel & Dust LP topped the critics’ “100 Best Australian Albums Of All Time” and its worldwide hit Beds Are Burning is one of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock’n’Roll” according to the U.S. Rock’n’Roll Hall Of Fame. The band’s performance of that song at the Sydney Olympics is etched in the memory of billions.
From the northern beaches of Sydney to the streets of Manhattan, they have stopped traffic, inflamed passions, inspired fans, challenged the concepts of “business as usual” and broken much new ground. Seeing Midnight Oil in full flight is to experience the kinetic power of live rock’n’roll. They leave you inspired to live life more passionately and to Resist.
Midnight Oil calls for governments to urgently take serious actions that reduce carbon pollution. This tour will embrace best practices for emission reductions and offsetting. A portion of proceeds will be set aside for organisations seeking to elevate the existential threat posed by the climate crisis.
In addition to these shows, the band has already announced special appearances in Tasmania for Mona Foma 2022 and at Byron Bay Bluesfest next Easter. Details about those festival events at monafoma.net.au and bluesfest.com.au
Don’t miss a very special Midnight Oil performance on The Sound this Sunday 28 November at 5.30pm on ABC TV or ABC iview.
The a day on the green member pre-sale kicks off from 11.00am local time on Tuesday 30 November before the General Public on-sale starting 12noon local time on Wednesday 1 December. Tickets from adayonthegreen.com.au/midnightoil
TOUR DATES
MIDNIGHT OIL. RESIST. THE FINAL TOUR
A DAY ON THE GREEN
Sat 26 Feb 2022
Heifer Station, Orange, NSW (Lic. All Ages)
Sat 5 Mar 2022
Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC (Lic. All Ages)
Sat 12 Mar 2022
All Saints Estate, Rutherglen, VIC (Lic. All Ages)
Sat 26 Mar 2022
Nikola Estate, Swan Valley, WA (Lic. All Ages)
All event information www.adayonthegreen.com.au
FRONTIER TOURING
Wed 23 Feb 2022
Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, NSW
Wed 2 Mar 2022
WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong, NSW
Wed 9 Mar 2022
Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Sat 30 Mar 2022
Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
Sat 2 April 2022
Darwin Amphitheatre, Darwin, NT
Wed 6 April 2022
Convention Centre Arena, Cairns, NT
Sat 9 April 2022
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Wed 13 April 2022
Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Tue 19 April 2022
Stage 88, Canberra, ACT
Thu 21 April 2022
Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW
All event information www.frontiertouring.com
TICKETING
A DAY ON THE GREEN MEMBERS PRE-SALE
via adayonthegreen.com.au/midnightoil
Runs 24 hours from: Tuesday 30 November at 11am local time or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
FRONTIER TOURING MEMBERS PRE-SALE
via frontiertouring.com/midnightoil
Runs 24 hours from: Tuesday 30 November at 11am local time or until pre-sale allocation exhausted
GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE
Tickets on sale Wednesday 1 December at 12noon local time
From ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100
- Dom DiSisto
Vote for Chance to Win a Strat! 0
Vote for Chance to Win a Strat!
VOTE NOW IN OUR MOST RESPECTED MUSICIAN POLL. WHO WILL IT BE? WIN A STRAT!
Australian Musician and Noise11.com join forces to find out who is Australia's and the World's Most Respected Musician. You've got until November 30 to vote. Names like Springsteen, McCartney, Tommy Emmanuel and Angus Young are doing well so far. Vote now for a chance to win a Fender Player Plus Strat, Boss JB2 Angry Driver pedal, or Ampeg merch pack. VOTE NOW
- Dom DiSisto
CARLOS SANTANA REMEMBERS CHICK COREA 0
In our Australian exclusive, Carlos Santana chats to Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips about the creation of his wonderful new album Blessings and Miracles and tells us that there are plans afoot for some of the album collaborators to join him on stage soon. He also opens up about some bucket list projects he’d like to get to one day, including a mood album he wishes to record with Eric Clapton and Derek Trucks based around UFOs, in the vein of soundtracks like The Good, the Bad and The Ugly. Photo by Jason Rosewarne
For more than five decades – from Santana’s earliest days as a groundbreaking Afro-Latin-blues-rock fusion outfit in San Francisco – Carlos Santana has been the visionary force behind artistry that transcends musical genres and generational, cultural and geographical boundaries.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Carlos has just released Blessings and Miracles, another magnificent recording to add to his already staggering discography. Blessings and Miracles presents Multi-Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame guitarist Carlos Santana in all of his incarnations, playing in myriad styles featuring numerous alluring guitar tones. There are so many points of interest with this record, that it is difficult to know where to begin. From the beautiful short opening track Ghost of Future Pull/New Light, in the vein of Caravanserai’s Eternal Caravan of Reincarnation into the Soul Sacrifice-style Santana Celebration to the hook-laden latin influenced pop track Move with Rob Thomas, you’ll find multi-era splashes of Santana throughout this album. There’s the love song tribute to his wife, Song for Cindy, a poignant collaboration with the late great Chick Corea and his wife Gayle Moran, also a former Mahavishnu Orchestra member. Latin pop-rock fans will enjoy Rumbalero, a percussion-driven track with his son Salvador, joined by Ozomatali founder “Asdru” Sierra, and then daughter Stella Santana delivers a stunning vocal, along with Avi Snow on Breathing Underwater. A lifetime of ambitious ideas have been packed into this one extraordinary album.
As with many recent Santana projects, it’s very much a star studded affair. Steve Winwood performs a heartfelt version of the classic Procol Harum track Whiter Shade of Pale. Diane Warren and G-Easy join forces on the cruisy groove of She’s Fine. Living Colour’s Corey Glover unleashes a powerful vocal performance on the rocker Peace Power. Metallica’s Kirk Hammett and Death Angel’s Mark Osegueda get angry and political on the garage punk flavoured America For Sale. Sonically, Blessings and Miracles touches on many eras of the multi-dimensional musician’s career, there’s something here for all Carlos Santana fans.
Blessings and Miracles is out now. For more information please visit: Santana.com.
Santana, Chris Stapleton – Joy (Animated Lyric Video) from Blessings and Miracles
- Dom DiSisto
