The Basement Blues Society is the bringing together of this country's finest Rhythm n' Blues musicians at Sydney's most iconic venue! The "Electrifying Blues" edition features The Darren Jack Band, Lazy Eye, and Wards Xpress.
THE DARREN JACK BAND
Multiple award-winning Australian Blues musician Darren Jack has been electrifying audiences with his signature powerhouse Rock 'n' Blues and original music for over twenty years. Darren first fired up the Blues scene as the driving force behind award-winning band Third Degree which introduced a legion of Blues enthusiasts to his powerful vocals and exceptional artistry on the guitar. After six years fronting the band, Darren ventured out as a solo artist under the name Darren Jack . For the past 13 years he has collaborated with some of Australia's finest musicians, touring throughout the country thrilling audiences with his passionate performances and proving why he is regarded as one of Australia's top Blues musicians. In 2012 Darren Jack released his fourth solo album "Better Place". Featuring eight original tracks and a more refined approach to his powerful vocals, he experimented across genres in this album while retaining his true authenticity to the Blues. His relentless efforts and maturity as a songwriter were rewarded that year when the album swept up five awards at the 2012 Australian Blues Music Awards, including Best Album of the Year.
"Jacko", as he affectionately known, brings with him to The Basement, this BBS - the finest Blues Musicians' this country has to offer, in his Band! Do Not miss this show!
LAZY EYE
Soul drenched blues. Think B.B. King sharing a scotch with Booker T at the crossroads after midnight.
Enamouring crowds across the country since 2013, their debut album Move Me was awarded "Album Of The Year" at the South Australian Blues & Roots Awards. On the back of being awarded "Most Outstanding Group" at the same awards a year later, and "Blues Artist of the Year" at the Fowlers Live Music Awards, Lazy Eye has been named "Group Of The Year" at the 2015 National Blues Awards. Named the "Chain" awards after the legendary band, it is the highest accolade awarded to blues musicians in Australia. Winning the Adelaide Roots & Blues Association's inaugural Memphis Blues Challenge in June will now see the trio performing in Memphis U.S.A. early 2016 at the International Blues Challenge.
Performing at festivals across the country, the Hammond organ trio features singer songwriter Evan Whetter on organ and harmonica, Erica Graf on guitar and Mario Marino on drums.
With new album "Single Malt Blues" debuting at number 1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Charts, the Adelaide based band have many more miles planned for their well travelled van.
WARDS XPRESS
Founding member and front-man of Wards Xpress, Ross Ward, relocated to Sydney in 2010 after 16 years on the far North Coast of NSW, his first 'Bluesfest' appearance was in '95, where the idea for the band Wards Xpress was conceived.
In March 2012, Wards Xpress released Five Lanes, which shot straight to No. 1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Most Played Charts for its catchy and raw melodies.
In July 2015, Wards Xpress celebrated their 20th anniversary by releasing The Back Roads retrospective album (a remastered selection of tracks from the band's back-catalogue). The album hit the No. 1 position on the Australian Blues & Roots Airplay Chart and stayed there for the next three months. The Sydney Morning Herald said of the release: "a collection of gritty and muscular pub blues, imbued with Ward's trademark taste and style....Truly a "best of"."
Wards Xpress plays an original and organic mix of Blues, Rock, Funk and Soul, with a tinge of Jazz and World music styles in the mix. The current line-up includes bassist Alan Britton (Bondi Cigars), drummer Bruce Stephens (Cyril B Bunter Band) and guest keyboardist Steve Russell for Bluesfest 2016.
These guys are a vibrant and dynamic outfit, and their upcoming shows at Bluesfest are cause for a celebration, as it's a fitting "Welcome Home to Byron" for singer-songwriter and guitarist Ross Ward!
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