JOHN HIATT & THE COMBO

It’s been several years but finally we’ve managed to get one of the most requested and enduring artists back to Australia. The legendary rock guitarist, piano player, singer and songwriter JOHN HIATT will be showcasing his highly lauded new Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns with the help of his all-star band THE COMBO. This latest album highlights what JOHN HIATT does best as reviewed by Rolling Stone’s Jody Rosen : “Character sketches of sketchy characters, set to sturdy roots rock, delivered in his craggy country-soulman’s voice. HIATT’S craftsmanship is as sharp as ever.”

So – expect the new classics from this new CD – but also expect to hear timeless songs like “Have a little faith in me” “Feels like rain” “Slow Turning”- far too many to list here from the seemingly endless JOHN HIATT catalogue.

JOHN HIATT hit the ground running as an 18-year old songwriter in Nashville for artists like the Neville Brothers and Bonnie Raitt, before striking out on his own highly respected solo career in 1974. Over the next decade he ran through a number of different styles from rock ‘n’ roll to new wave pop before he finally settled on a rootsy fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, country, blues and folk with his 1987 breakthrough album Bring the Family.

Following this album’s success, Hiatt became a reliable hit songwriter for other artists, while he developed a strong cult following. Those of us who understand there’s no difference (that mattered) in the music of Elvis, Ray Charles, Slim Harpo and Johnny Cash knew immediately upon hearing JOHN HIATT’S first numbers 31 years ago that he was a kindred spirit.

That’s not to say only the rock and roll generation can appreciate HIATT’S cleverness, idiomatic versatility, distinctive gruff and endearing voice, or slashing guitar skills. But when everyone from Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Rodney Crowell and Willie Nelson to Buddy Guy, Flaco Jimenez and Ry Cooder have covered his tunes, it’s quite clear that those who appreciate great song writing and savour a keen wit, narrative flair and refusal to pen a sloppy or sappy line, eagerly embrace JOHN HIATT’S tunes. And we’re certain you will too.

Bluesfest Touring is proud to present the great troubadour that is JOHN HIATT.

JOHN HIATT: TOUR DETAILS

Monday 2 April 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne – www.cornerhotel.com
03 9427 9198

Tuesday 3 April 2012 – Metro Theatre, Sydney – www.ticketek.com.au
132 849