A staple of Australia's music calendar for three-plus decades, in 2023 Bluesfest was once again welcoming international arrivals with a steady stream of world-class performers and musicians joining a stack of talented locals for five days of sonic heaven (6-10 April).
With Thursday traditionally been a day to ease into festivities and dabble with the music, it was full-steam ahead from the get-go after collecting our wristbands.Being my first Bluesfest, a quick tour of the festival site made it clear I was in for a treat... flat, gravelled land reaching as far as one's gaze would allow as well as four main stages (tents) that were far enough apart to displace any noise pollution from other stages, but not so far as to make any performance clashes negligible.
Day One
St Paul & The Broken Bones were the first act on my must-watch list and were already deep into their set by the time I arrived during a spectacular guitar solo from Browan Lollar; crunchy, riotous blues soul and brass magic.Towards the set's end, vocalist Paul Janeway entered the crowd during 'Broken Bones Pocket Change'. . . amazing pipes that many had the pleasure of witnessing up close and personal. An amazing start to what would prove to be an amazing five days of music.
Next was LP, who was playing to a small but appreciate crowd. Saucy, sizzling blues-rock, alt pop, Nashville art country. By mid-set crowd had grown significantly. 'Strange' was a highlight.
LP - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Keb' Mo' was entertaining at the Juke Joint stage. Keb's blues slowly oozes off the stage into the crowd infusing punters with a primal energy. Butter-smooth Delta blues – the perfect tonic for a Thursday evening.
With time to burn ahead of Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats, Bluesfest presented its first new discovery of the weekend... Iceladelic band Kaleo: rustic, primal, guttural, soul-inflected blues rock.
Another act I'd unearthed on my wanderings was Eric Gales aka Raw Dawg... nasty, funky, raw AF, filthy blues-rock from the Memphis native. To witness Eric onstage was akin to a prowling big cat, monstering the stage. Spiritual gospel. His keys/ organ player was syrupy good. Double serving please (wait till Saturday night! ).
The sound of crickets/ insects serenading in background was a nice natural touch. He finished with an insane rendition/ medley of 'Voodoo Child, Kashmir, Back In Black, and Für Elise'.
Keb' Mo' - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Then it was off to catch a local legend who was filling in last minute. "Joe done himself a mischief," Tex Perkins told us as he and Matt Walker filled in for The Black Sorrows, with their bruised alt country, cosmic soul-blues a perfect comforting blanket for those who'd be keen for The Black Sorrows.
After playing a Willie Nelson cover, Tex tells us: "We're going to break with tradition and play some blues at Bluesfest." Plenty of wit and charm from Tex. He dedicated a new song to his grandson: "Ernest, or Ernie. . . not sure how that's going to turn out."
Tex Perkins - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The soul-gospel-folk-rock of Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats were an ideal nightcap to finish Day One. If this was my first experience of Bluesfest, the next four days were certain to be very special indeed.
More photos from Day One.
Day Two
Goulburn's finest. . . 19-Twenty are the perfect jolt to start the day; an impressive tonic of rollicking roots, blue-billy grass and infectious rock n roll. . . oh, and don't sleep on their party sax.It was an upbeat party mode despite "this was meant to be our lover-mode quiet set!" as described by their widely amusing frontman Kane Dennelly. A cool guitar and drum call & response followed... before a standup double bass solo by Johnny G. There was also guest shredding from Julz of Hussy Hicks that included a superb cover of Bloodhound Gang's 'The Bad Touch'. Farkin ai!
19-Twenty - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Bud Rokesky brought a slice of quaint, heartfelt, earnest country to Bluesfest on the Juke Joint. . . his cover of Leon Bridges' 'River' (first time Bud had played it live) was a real treat (even if vast majority of the crowd didn't clue on). While he drives road trains for a living, Bud is set to support Matt Corby on his upcoming national tour. . . everyone should spend an hour with Bud playing live.
Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram was like stepping into church. . . distilling the gospel. Lush keys and glorious, soul-enriching riffs for days. . . at one stage Kingfish began playing the strings of his guitar with his teeth – sensational! Ending with a 'drop guitar' moment. . . the wailing axe left onstage screaming as the band brought the set home in a flurry of sonic madness. Definitely an act to catch multiple times (like I would the next day).
Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Steve 'N' Seagulls. . . put simply was bombastic, raucous fun. Festival sing-alongs for days and the first (and only time) I'd see an accordion solo all Bluesfest!
Marcus King. . . what can you say. The power of blues – another session of gospel-inspired rock & roll. . . oh. . . and that sax solo. Ended with some Led Zeppelin magic I think... was he medleying 'Levee' into his own song 'Break'?
Then it was time for Beck. . . one of my must-see acts for the entire five days. Joined by Shaun and Shane on double bass and an Emmons slide guitar rig. The set includes 'Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind' soundtrack song 'Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime' as well as 'Sea Change' classic 'Lost Cause'.
Shortly after, Beck informs us: "It's steamy, tropical conditions." The humidity that has stuck around the previous 24 hours will make it a tad more sticky for the night ahead (but the weather ahead is as glorious as it will get).
Beck then tells us he has an AI song written in the third person. . . but "like Bon Jovi lyrics". The lyrics are written by AI as if Beck wrote them: "Wake up in the morning / Everything is wrong / Feeling down / I get no fun." Chorus: "I'm a loser / I'm a failure / I'm Beck."
Beck - image supplied
It's a hilarious, lighthearted moment that showcases Beck's commitment to staying loose in the moment. Next song he covers Neil Young's 'Old Man' and it's a beautiful, crowd sing-along moment. However, to the two woman behind who incessantly chatted with each other the entire set (60 minutes) what the f...? Seriously, what the f...!
Beck then turns to the piano for 'Waking Late' and 'Where's It At'. Near the set's end Beck was so comfortable he wanted to share his Netflix password with us... Second last song is 'Loser' which gets the crowd amped. He finished with the harmonica jam 'One Foot In The Grave'.
Yirrmal was transcendent experience, one I would latch onto on Day Five (to reawaken my depleted body). Gang Of Youths. . . Ok, so let me be real. They're just not my jam. They're very good and the massive crowd who congregated the Crossroads tent (the only time I felt I was at a regular music festival especially when one young punter asked if I had any class As... must've been the beard).
After the first three-four songs, I ended up skipping along to St Paul for a second dose (and was very happy with my decision).
More photos from Day Two.
Day Three
First up. . . a second serving of Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram. Next time, can we please get a headline tour. Three hours of Mississippi magic is needed! 'Hey Joe' cover is amazing.Marcus King again proves to be a real winner in my first Bluefest education... Kingfish's organ player joined in late in the set. "We love you, baby!" Later in the evening would prove to be extra special with King and Kingfish making guest appearances elsewhere.
Another new experience was Allison Russell, who a couple of people had highlighted I must see. It was spiritual R&B pop-soul with Russell showcasing her skill playing both clarinet and electric banjo at various stages throughout the set. Oh that clarinet!
After a heartfelt shoutout to First Nations people, Russell shared her own story beginning with her abusive step-father, before finding music via the Montreal Jazz Festival, then escaping to Vancouver to find her 'music' people. I came with zero expectations, I left a converted man. She also played a new tune from her next album that's due in September.
Allison Russell - image © Clea-marie Thorne
An unexpected surprise was Electric Cadillac... A blues band from Jakarta who showcased they're ones to watch on a bigger Bluesfest stage in years to come.
Then I got my folk-punk on with Frank Turner. . . colonial feels. He shares his story about his dad who after not speaking to for 10 years came out as transgender as Miranda. . . and to all the people who want to share their ill-advised opinions with Frank, "they can go get f...ed". A real highlight. . . extremely funny and witty. Someone I'll go see when he tours later in the year (he promises!).
Eric Gales. The man can shred. . . and damn that gold watch. His Marcus King impression; more please... oh wait, he's stopping the show 'cause King and Kingfish Ingram are standing side-stage watching.
Frank Turner - image © Clea-marie Thorne
"How cool would it be if he brought out these two bad-ass guitar slingers?" Oh, wait, his very good friend Joe Bonamassa (who recorded Gales' most record record) is also here. Next 10-15 minutes stage crew scramble to set up three extra amps... when they all finally plug in, it's guitar nirvana. You really needed to be there. A festival memory I'll long saviour.
With my mind still racing from then memories created on the Crossroads stage it's time to spend an hour with with Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit. . . searing alt country blues soul rock n roll.
New album 'Brother Veins'... played 'Good Morning' a new song. Transcendental with duelling acoustic and electric guitars. Finishes with 'Last Of My Kind'.
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit - image © Clea-marie Thorne
More photos from Day Three.
Day Four
The raucous, energetic, upbeat, rowdy, colonial punk-folk fun of Round Mountain Girls starts the day.'The Joker' Wolfmother cover leaves the crowd ecstatic. . . straight into Scottish-Celtic bagpipes with Turkish Middle Eastern influences instrumental sending you into the Highlands before the didge brings you back to the surrounds of Byron Bay/ Cavanbah.
Round Mountain Girls - image © Clea-marie Thorne
I then trek over to Rockwiz that features rising star WILSN alongside Chris Cheney as the guest musicians joining punters from the crowd for a feel-good music trivia buzz.
Hussy Hicks bring the bluesy rock n soul... Leesa executed a perfect drum kit jump to end the set with the ultimate rock n roll exclamation point.
Musical troubadour Steve Poltz. . . on tour for 5 weeks throughout Australia tells us he brought "the good weather" and can he get a hallelujah. . . he never wants to leave. Song highlight is 'You're My Pharmacist'.
His stories are simply amazing. . . the one about a broken bone in his hand and gravel rash elbow – from falling over a tree root when saying hello to some randoms while trying to secure a park at Blues Mountains Festival (he got the park) is gold; then told us Bob Dylan is the America's Paul Kelly.
Steve Poltz - image © Clea-marie Thorne
After a small preamble, he attempts a Michael Jordan air jump (x2) for the photographers. While telling the story about sourcing his 88-year-old mom weed for the very first time, he spots Neil the architect in the crowd. Steve convinced Neil to stop that career and start making (coloured) vinyl records. Neil's now living in Byron having spent his kid's inheritance, sold his house, and getting divorced.
Steve then tells the story of his pandemic song. . . 15 verses, no chorus... in key of E. Definitely a performer to checkout when you next can.
Roshani. . . amazing pipes. Soul-inflected blues, alt country, bit of R&B boogie harmonica blues. Beautiful. Add Middle Eastern themed trip hop beats. Even dropped in some '90s vocal house EDM.
As the sun begins to set The Bros Landreth bring their blues Americana Alt country to Bluesfest... despite their drummer breaking his foot (playing with the other one) while on tour. . . and younger brother Joey lost his voice and is still recovering (they didn't play their Friday set 'cause of this).
Played their song 'Made Up My Mind' that Bonnie Raitt's cover won a 2023 Grammy ("We've already peaked Bluesfest!" shares Joey). At one point Joey forgets a verse mid song but still shows plenty of Canadian wit and charm: "Wanna hear the next verse? The merch desk is that way!?"
Peter Noble introduced Ray Beadle Stax Show... eight-piece band. Covers included 'Cheaper To Keep Her' - Buddy Guy; then 'Do Your Thing' - a Little Milton track. Ray's now 45. . . and played his first Bluesfest at 17, that same festival he got his first tattoo. "You're 18, right?!" asked the tattooist. "Yeah, yeah!". That brass section. Shoutout to the trumpet player Nick Irwin.
Mavis Staples - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Mavis Staples starts with 'Going Around' and we've entered the blues church of Mavis: "I'm reborn. . . another soldier in the army of love." The Mavis growl yes please. 'Respect Yourself'... what a treasure. What an inspiration. She then brought up her 'sister and brother' Bonnie Raitt and Jackson Browne for a song. Truly an honour to witness such a legend doing her thing.
Like a musical alchemist Tash Sultana enters the stage at Crossroads and keeps the crowd mesmerised for the better part of their 90-minute set. When Tash lets their pipes flow... boy oh boy, oh boy!
Finished off with the soulful power of Trombone Shorty whose band Orleans Avenue brought spontaneous, primal energy to the stage with an explosive performance that had everyone within earshot up and dancing like there was no tomorrow.
Tash Sultana - image © Clea-marie Thorne
More photos from Day Four.
Day Five
I start the day at Yirrmal. Another transcendental moment. Beautiful connection to land with a style of world pop that was perfect to ease into the final day of Bluesfest. Third song 'Spirit Place' is a set highlight.With Bobby Alu on drums, Ash Grunwald was the perfect injection of soul-blues. . . like a much-needed hair of the dog. After a crowd selfie with his teenage daughter Ash performs 'Shout Into The Noise', a song written about social media use for musos.
Ash's solo rendition of 'Crossroads Blues' was another Bluesfest moment to treasure. 'Just Be Yourself', written for his wife 20 years ago (and appearing on his first album) featured an epic jam-out before a reworked 'Thinking 'Bout Myself' (written with Josh Teskey and performed live at last year's Bluesfest) has the crowd swaying. A brilliant cover of 'No Sunshine' ends the set on the perfect note as the setting sun drizzles over those on the outer edges of the tent.
Alright! A second dose of Mavis Staples inside 24 hours... just what the soul doctor ordered. Hearing Mavis talk about the po-po brings a glint to one's eye as she holds station over an enraptured audience who know they're witnessing blues-soul magic before their very eyes. Mavis gives us a Howlin Wolf howl and couple more Mavis' growls. It's pure bliss.
Clarence Bekker Band - image © Clea-marie Thorne
'Glad You Made It' starts Clarence Bekker Band's funk-soul set. 'These Ladies' is the title song from his most recent album (2020) before a string of covers including the reggae-rock flavoured 'I Want To Break Free' (Queen).
They also cover Radiohead's 'Creep' (simply brilliant) that segue into Elton John's 'I'm Still Standing'. What final remaining bars of energy I have have been used to chair dance to Clarence.
It took till just after 8pm Monday but Coterie performed the first shoey this reviewer witnessed all week. . . not long after a random entered the stage taking selfies with the band members before bass player Brandford Fisher crash-tackled old mate to the stage HARD! Before a stage technician had him plugged back in to finish off the song. Rock & roll!
By this stage, after 8.30pm on Monday my energy levels to trek to the neighbouring stage to witness the new incarnation of The Cat Empire were non-existent (even with a couple of No Dozes for support).
So I rounded out my 2023 Bluesfest with an hour of Femi Kuti before chair-dancing to the first part of Trombone Shorty (after soaking in their close-out performance the previous night).
More photos from Day Five.
