Review By Wanda Hill
Photos by Stuart Blythe
Day three was all about soaking up epic saxophonist Kamasi Washington with his band from Los Angeles during their last Australian show for 2016. To see a jazz/funk band of this quality and diversity in Australia is a real treat and must be embraced if you like this genre. Each incredible musician on tour with Kamasi was given plenty of stage time to showcase their unique contribution and own original material with respectful introductions from Kamasi explaining how they met. It was a real neighbourhood affair with childhood friends and Kamasi’s father all on stage. Some have been friends before they had even picked up an instrument. The arrangements were intricate, full of detail, embracing difficult time signatures, highlighting the fine pedigree of these musicians who mix with jazz royalty back in their homeland.
Continue reading Live Review + Photo Gallery : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2016 – Day Three
Tag Archives: Elle King
Live Review + Photo Gallery : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2016 – Day Two
Review By Wanda Hill
Photos by Stuart Blythe
Wondering around the Bluesfest site during the early afternoon on day 2, I could hear a beautiful familiar voice rising over the cacophony of sounds emanating from multiple tents. Following the voice lead me to the Crossroads stage to find Djakapurra from Bangarra singing with East Journey, an amazing band from North East Arnhem Land carrying on the tradition of Yothu Yindi. They performed new original songs that are bound to end up in the charts as well as performing Yothu Yindi favourites such as Treaty. Lead singer Rrawun Maymuru’s versatility was showcased with vocal styles ranging form traditional ceremonial song poetry, to ballads and full on rock. His song writing is appreciated world wide through songs he has written for Gurrumul. The band and dancers were truly exceptional and will be appearing at the Boomerang Dance Grounds over the next 3 evenings.
Continue reading Live Review + Photo Gallery : Bluesfest Byron Bay 2016 – Day Two
Elle King – Australian Headline Shows – March 2016
If you not already familiar with Elle King you soon will be. The sassy musician who loves both banjos and hobos, has just been nominated for two 2016 Grammy Awards for Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for her hit ‘Ex’s & Oh’s’. The song also spent three weeks on the No.1 spot in the Billboard Alternative Charts and hit the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. Elle King also made the No.2 spot on Billboard’s Top New Rock Artist of 2015 list.
Continue reading Elle King – Australian Headline Shows – March 2016
Bluesfest ‘Presents’ This Merry Christmas Announcement- With Artists For Everyone’s Taste
This Merry Christmas announcement has something in it for everyone and there is nothing like some jolly Bluesfest Christmas cheer! Just in time for the festive season and wrapping up another incredible year, the 27th Bluesfest Byron Bay, held over Easter (Thu 24 March – Mon 28 March 2016), at its exclusive event site (the lush 300 acre Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm just outside of Byron Bay), releases another artist announcement, full of musical gifts brought to you by artists from overseas and Australia.
Continue reading Bluesfest ‘Presents’ This Merry Christmas Announcement- With Artists For Everyone’s Taste