5 Favourite Bluesmen With Frank Sultana

Awash with vintage guitar tones and primitive rhythms, Frank Sultana's raw, soulful voice bleeds with the experience of the characters he writes and sings about.

In one breath, his songs are dark and dirty, joyous and hopeful. Frank is a storyteller in the traditional sense, inspired by greats like Ray Charles and Bob Dylan, as well as Mississippi blues pioneers like Skip James and Son House.

He's released five albums and three EPs, becoming a permanent fixture on Australia's live scene, earning a big reputation as a powerhouse singer and gifted songwriter.



Frank has shared the bill with many great artists, including Gary Clark Jr., Tony Joe White, Canned Heat, and the New Power Generation.

Plus plenty of Australian legends as well like Ian Moss, The Whitlams, The Backsliders, Russell Morris, Diesel, James Reyne, The Fumes, Kingswood, Dallas Frasca, Mojo Juju, Busby Marou, Kira Puru and many others.

Ahead of his show at The Stag & Hunter Hotel in Newcastle this Friday, 6 November (tickets are still available), Frank shares a few of his favourite bluesman of all time.

5: Robert Johnston

His phrasing and dexterity on (vocal and guitar), along with his songwriting and chord structures was well ahead of his contemporaries, and became the foundation for rock & roll music and the artists that followed him.

4: Skip James

Minor key open tuning and a distinctive falsetto voice, coupled with dark, haunting melodies and song themes, makes him one of the more unique blues artists.

3: Son House

Raw, powerful strumming and slide played on resonator guitar, deeply personal and emotive vocals, Son House IS the blues.

2: Lightnin' Hopkins

Bridging the gap between the early delta blues and rock & roll, featuring drums and electrified acoustic guitar, he has an unmistakable sound, packed with raw attitude and confidence.

1: Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf

Between Muddy's charismatic and refined style and the raw power and fearsome aggression of The Wolf, no blues Top 5 would be complete without both of them.

Frank Sultana plays The Stag & Hunter Hotel (Newcastle) Friday 6 November.