Australian Blues Cds, Dvds, Gigs & Books Reviews

ROD “BEACHHEAD” JEFFERY
“Beachhead’s Blues & Live at the Dry Dock Hotel”
- CD -
Independent.
www.beachblues.org or www.myspace.com/beachblues

I was lucky enough to catch up with Rod in Canberra recently and get copies of these two cd’s. Beachhead’s blues is an amalgamation of tracks from the Beachhead Blues Band cassette and tracks from Tony Barnard’s “All hat jazz” album, plus a few bonus live tracks. The Dry Dock was recorded in 1985 and although the sound quality isn’t a great standard it certainly shows why Beachhead is regarded as one of the truly great singers. His ability to cover numerous genre’s, both popular and obscure, and work them into something original is amazing. On Dry Dock, whether it is “Hit the road jack” or “Don’t let me be misunderstood” his phrasing, tempo and his range make them something new. Such interpretations are never egotistical; they are done when he feels they can benefit the song. The line-up of musicians is a who’s who of Sydney players, again from different genre backgrounds. If any more proof is needed to convert you to the ability of this man just listen to the original “Doctor Blues,” or “God bless his child,” “Born under a bad sign” or “Need your love so bad,” to hear all of his qualities, sensational.

PETER HICKS
“Turpentine Blues”
- CD -
Independent.

Peter hails from Tassie, probably the reason I hadn’t heard him before. This album is solid traditional blues with 9 originals fitting well with tracks from Blind Blake, Mississippi John Hurt, Blind Willie McTell and Tampa Red. His collection of guitars he uses on this album certainly impresses and he also covers the singing and harmonica duties, all performed with respectful sympathy for the music but never reduced to merely copying. His cohorts include Jeremy Sibson on drums and Ross Smithard on fiddle, both slotting in easily and enhancing the sound. Peter is seeking that holy grail of writing blues songs that remain rooted in the past but remain vibrant and meaningful for today, a hard task but he is well on his way.

JOE GALEA BAND
“Hiding under cover”
- CD -
Independent. www.joegaleaband.com

I remember seeing Joe when he fronted the Cross The Border outfit in the early nineties. This album showcases Joe as someone who is comfortable is his own skin and abilities, performing songs he loves for the entertainment of others. Two originals slot in nicely with tracks from Robert Johnson, Tony Joe White, Clifton Chenier, Merle Haggard and Delbert McClinton. Joe covers the range from blues, to zydeco, country and beyond, with the album flowing like a mellow stream with the occasional rapids. It is a wonderful range of songs but for me the classic “Walkin’ Blues” with Matt Dwyer on slide and the cheeky Tony Joe number “Do you have a garter belt” being standouts. The band provides Joe a wonderful platform with the core of Robert Davie on guitar, Paul Adamson on bass, Rick Puchala on drums and Peter Phillips on keys being super powered by the legendary Jimmy Sloggett on Tenor sax leading the three piece horn section. Kelly Auty adds some great backing and Andy Baylor fiddles as only he can.

HARPER
“Day by day”
- CD -
Blind Pig Records. www.harper.biz

Locals would remember Peter Harper from his first blues outings with Howlin’ Time, which then evolved into Blue Devil then Harper. Harper is blessed with a big voice and scintillating harp style which has now taken him to Michigan in the USA and a contract with renowned Blind Pig Records. His lyrics have moved from the heart wrenching pain of losing his baby to the modern day angst of politics and morals along with providing warnings for those engaging in signing contracts. Funk, rock and blues are melded with some clever production, although I would have loved to hear more didge rather than it being used merely as an introduction (although it would be hard to play didge and sing!). Fans will love his ever emerging style and those who aren’t aware of him will be fascinated by his accumulation of genres and instruments which he has certainly formed into a unique style of his own.