GEOFF ACHISON & THE SOULDIGGERS
In front of an adoring crowd on Sunday March 30, Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers celebrated their 20th anniversary concert at the Greyhound Hotel in St.Kilda. Geoff Achison, Mal Logan (keys), Roger McLachlan (Bass) and Gerry Pantazis (drums) came together to film a commemorative DVD of the occasion. In Geoff’s own words the band came to bottle some of the highlights of their last 20 years and with four great sets of music covering the period 1994 – 2014. The crowd was treated to an exemplary performance by four great musicians at their best.
REBECCA DAVEY
If ever you want an example of how to study and learn your craft, Rebecca Davey (pictured) exemplifies it all. A totally captivated audience sat in awe at the “Supporting Women in Blues” meeting at the Royal Standard Hotel on March 19 with no one wanting to miss a word as Rebecca Davey began to talk of her personal musical journey towards the Blues. Rebecca delivered an emotive speech with passion and an honesty that was refreshing; in fact it was inspiring. Amidst the oration, Rebecca delivered two acapella tunes with impeccable timing and class – this lady can sing. As a devotee of the blues styles that emanate from the 1920-1930s, Rebecca tells a fascinating story of growth, influences and determination as she embarked on her goal to sing the blues. This was one of those special and memorable moments that you occasionally experience in the music world. Thank you.
BLUES FOR LOST SOULS
Come along and help the homeless on Saturday August 9th 2014. Nine sensational acts at the Williamstown RSL 128 Ferguson St Williamstown, doors open at 2PM with bands appearing from 3 – 11 PM. A huge line up consisting of the Ruby Rogers experience, the Detonators, Chris Finnen, Phil Manning, Doc White and SI Compadre, Dreamboogie, Dan Dinnen, Blue Heat and Sweet Felicia and the Honeytones. $30 entry and all money and donations raised go to Melbourne’s homeless.
BLUES MUSIC GROUP
The Blues Music Group is a non-profit music program for novice adult musicians with the view of assisting to develop their skills and confidence in playing in groups and ensembles. Workshops are held on a regular basis around Melbourne and details of the venues for each workshop are announced on the Blues Music Group Website www.bluesmusicgroup.com. Get along and join some like minded blues musicians.
PENINSULA BLUES CLUB
The April meeting opened with the house band performing a tribute to Muddy Waters. Julian Bryne and Aaron Gillet (ex Catfish Voodoo) followed as the feature act with an amazing harmonica performance by Aaron accompanied by Julian on vocals and acoustic guitar. You can always tell when your Blues club has come of age when Greg Dodd and Jesse Valach drop in for a jam. Congratulations to all the performers who participated in the jam sets that followed. The next PBC meeting will be held on Sunday May 11. For more details please check www.facebook.com/PeninsulaBluesClub.
DON’T MIS
The Odd Stops, a new trio consisting of Nicole Nehemia on vocals, Jason Nehill on the bass and Peter Hayden on percussion.
Until next month, let’s keep the blues alive and support our local artists.
GREG FISHER
Greg writes monthly for PEARL on all things Blues and if you’d like Greg to review your release or you know of something happening in the Blues world please drop him a line at www.facebook.com/GregFisherBluesIllustrated. Greg can also be heard every Tuesday between 12-2 pm on 88.3 Southern FM as the host of the all Australian Blues Illustrated show.