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TROMBONE SHORTY
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| THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA |
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| FRED WESLEY & THE NEW JB’S |
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Before our 2nd artist announcement is released worldwide on Thursday 11th October, it comes to you, our Bluesfest member FIRST.
This announcement contains what all the core fans of Bluesfest have been waiting for - the Blues & Roots artists performing at Bluesfest 2013.
It's a fine blend of very talented up & coming, as well as acclaimed artists and bona fide Legends.
Peter Noble, Festival Director says:
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| Peter Noble, Festival Director |
"It's what thousands of Bluesfest fans wait for every year and we have now gathered into one: A real Blues & Roots artist announcement and what a great one it is.
It's very classy and I love it.
It is also fantastic to see the female artists taking a stand in this announcement with Joan Armatrading, Wanda Jackson, Mavis Staples, Bettye Lavette, Ruthie Foster, Shawn Colvin - and the incredible all female Gospel Group 'Sweet Honey in The Rock' included.
There is no greater star in Reggae Music today than World Music Superstar Jimmy Cliff - his voice is legendary - his career is at a high point with his incredible new album 'Rebirth'.
We are so proud to present him at Bluesfest for the first time.
Rodriguez has just had a national film release in Australia of the documentary 'Searching For Sugarman'. He has just sold out two shows in London at the 3,000 capacity venue 'The Roundhouse' and a third show is selling fast.
After being the first country in the world to realise his greatness - AND to continue to bring him back for his fans over recent years - it is incredible to see Rodriguez finally getting his dues after working in obscurity for so long - Welcome back Sugarman - Australia has ALWAYS loved you.
And like they say - You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet - we will continue rolling out the announcements over the coming weeks - there are just too many incredible artists playing Bluesfest in Byron Bay at the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm next Easter, to do it all in one announcement."
Tickets are still available at the lower price now.
Buy today and beat the 2nd artist
Announcement
price
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For daily artist playing schedule
click here.
Tickets are still available at lower price right NOW but will go up on Thursday! Buy today and beat the 2nd Artist Announcement price increase!
SINGLE day Tickets will go on sale
Thursday 18th of October from 10am!
Only 1000 x Early Bird Single Day Tickets available for each
day of the Festival @ $139 only.
SECOND ANNOUNCEMENT
THE BLUES & ROOTS RELEASE includes:
JIMMY CLIFF
JOAN ARMATRADING
RODRIGUEZ
ROBERT CRAY
TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE
THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA - MAVIS STAPLES
ALLEN TOUSSAINT - WANDA JACKSON
FRED WESLEY AND THE NEW JB’S
MICHAEL KIWANUKA - BETTYE LAVETTE
LUKA BLOOM - RUTHIE FOSTER
TONY JOE WHITE - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK
THE DUKE ROBILLARD BAND
SHAWN COLVIN - SETH LAKEMAN
ARTISTS ALREADY ANNOUNCED:
BEN HARPER - SANTANA
IGGY & THE STOOGES
STEVE MILLER BAND
CHRIS ISAAK - WILCO
BONNIE RAITT
DROPKICK MURPHYS
GLEN HANSARD WITH THE FRAMES
TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
FRANK TURNER AND THE SLEEPING SOULS
NEWTON FAULKNER - WILLIAM ELLIOTT WHITMORE
GRACE POTTER - PLAYING FOR CHANGE - BEN CAPLAN
JIMMY CLIFF
Reggae Greatest Artist and Third world Music Superstar Jimmy Cliff will be making his first Bluesfest appearance this Easter.
His hits include: 'Wonderful World, Beautiful People', 'Vietnam', 'You Can Get It If You Really Want ', 'Many Rivers to Cross' and many more.
His version of Jonny Nash's song "I Can See Clearly Now" is an all-time Classic.
With a legacy stretching back nearly 50 years, Jimmy is a multiple GRAMMY Award Winner, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, Lead Actor in the Reggae Film 'The Harder They Come' and has collaborated with the likes of The Rolling Stones, Elvis Costello and Annie Lennox.
Jimmy's songs have been covered by Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen and many more.
Jimmy will be bringing his new studio album Rebirth (2012) and as the title suggests, is what he believes is his own artistic revival. Rebirth was produced by none other than Tim Armstrong; the reggae obsessed front man of American punk-rock band Rancid.
Although the two may seem an unlikely pair, Armstrong has cited Jimmy as his most admired artists and Jimmy says of the collaboration "He reminded me of a lot of things that I had forgotten....He brought me back to my roots." The two have received praise for their collaboration with rave reviews including;
"It's the sound of history circling in wondrous ways" Rolling Stone
"...it's the Cliff/Armstrong composition "Reggae Music" that's the crowning jewel of a flawless album" Altpress
We get the feeling there is going to be a lot of smiling and skanking going on at Jimmy Cliff's show at Bluesfest, when he performed at Coachella in April this year he found himself a whole new generation of fans and he had the crowd still singing the 'One More' (The first single off Rebirth) once he left the stage. He also has just finished a successful European Summer tour.
Make sure you are a part of Jimmy Cliff's rebirth this Easter.
JIMMY CLIFF will play Bluesfest on Fri 29th of March
www.jimmycliff.com
JOAN ARMATRADING
The effortlessly eclectic, Joan Armatrading is returning to Bluesfest this coming Easter. This phenomenal songstress has an entirely unique sound that ranges from jazz to true soul to sophisticated pop and reggae, which is all tied together and is driven by her passionate guitar.
"...a distinctive vocalist and lyricist...her synthesis of folk, reggae, soul and rock has made her a critical and cult favourite..." - Rolling Stone
Born in the West Indies and raised in Birmingham, UK, Joan is a self-taught guitarist who began writing her own songs at the age of 14, a skill that has continually set her apart throughout her career.
Her critically acclaimed debut album, 'Whatever's For Us', 1972, put Joan Armatrading on the map and earned her the outstanding New Artist of the year in a critics' poll in the trade magazine MUSIC WEEK and she became the very first UK female singer/songwriter, to gain international success. Her ballad 'Love and Affection' saw her shoot to fame in the mid 1970's and the career that has followed has witnessed a plethora of classic and memorable songs such as 'Show Some Emotion',' Drop The Pilot',' Willow,' Me Myself I' ... and the list goes on.
Known as a true craftsman, her distinctive vocals and consummate musicianship - she has arranged as well as played every instrument, with the exception of drums on her last three albums - which has led to unanimous, widespread and, perhaps most importantly, consistent critical acclaim throughout this vast career.
Joan has received countless gold, platinum and silver discs, has featured in VH1's Top 100 voting poll as 'The Most Influential Woman in Rock', and has been honoured by the Queen receiving an MBE.
With 20 stunning albums to her credit, Joan's latest Jazz flavoured release 'Starlight' (2012) captures the very best of her songwriting talents with intimate songs that have a confession like quality- as though they are being shared from her heart to the listeners, like only Joan can.
A big Bluesfest welcome to one of the World's leading singer, songwriter, true multi instrumentalists & devote humanitarian - Joan Armatrading!
Joan Armatrading will play Bluesfest on Thu 28th and Fri 29th of March
www.joanarmatrading.com
RODRIGUEZ
"Just climb up on my music and my songs will set you free..." - Rodriguez CLIMB UP ON MY MUSIC
One of the most fascinating and talented musician around today, a Bluesfest favourite, and an incredible story - Rodriguez is back in a big way. For those who have missed the extraordinary music and story that surrounds him, let us tell you about the 'Mystery Man'.
A philosopher by education, Rodriguez was signed to a contract in the late 1960s after producers with ties to Motown Records saw him playing in a smoky Detroit nightclub called The Sewer. He then made a pair of albums that sold almost nothing, toured a little and then dropped out of sight.
Still largely unknown in the US and Europe, Sixto Rodriguez has been described by many as 'The greatest '70's US rock icon who never was'. Both albums Cold Fact &
Coming from Reality are filled to the brim with carefully crafted tales including; "Sugar Man", "Crucify Your Mind" & "I wonder" just to name a few; Songs with anti-establishment lyrics that struck a chord in Apartheid South Africa (where he was deemed bigger than the Stones or Elvis), as well as here in Australia & New Zealand.
Rodriguez's story does not end here, this wild tale, fascinating protagonist and extraordinary catalogue of music is something of a fairy-tale, which has just been released in a documentary film 'Searching for Sugar Man', now showing in Cinemas across the country, and winner of Best Documentary at the Melbourne Film Festival 2012. The doco follows two South African fans search that has stretched nearly three decades to discover their hero, and share his story with the world.
We won't be able to call Rodriguez the 'Mystery Man' anymore. The documentary, has been receiving rave reviews and claimed 2 awards at Sundance and the Audience Award at Los Angeles and Durban Film Festivals. Rodriguez has just sold out two shows in London at the 3,000 capacity venue 'The Roundhouse' and a third show is selling fast.
"...One of the greatest, and most moving documentaries ever made" 5 STARS - Ali Catterall Q MAGAZINE
"Powerful, Uplifting and Unforgettable" DAZED AND CONFUSED
It's impossible not to be swept up or reminded of what an amazing musician, extraordinary wordsmith & talented performer he is and this tour coincides with the release of the soundtrack 'Searching for Sugar Man (2012)' which features some of his most definitive songs off both albums.
With the mystery unveiled, come and stand shoulder to shoulder with new and old fans alike for the next chapter of this incredible musician. Welcome back to Bluesfest Sugar Man.
Rodriguez will play Bluesfest on Thu 28th and Friday 29th of March
http://www.sugarman.org/
Searching for Sugar Man Trailer;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Uvp46Z43h0
ROBERT CRAY
This rock blues icon is considered "one of the greatest guitarists of his generation."
Rolling Stone Magazinecrediting him as reinventing the blues with his "distinct razor sharp guitar playing" that "introduced a new generation of mainstream rock fans to the language and form of the blues".
In his fifteen Billboard charting studio album long career, Robert Cray has played with the greats including long-time friend Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bonnie Raitt, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins and John Lee Hooker to ame but a few
"Every time somebody asks me about where my music comes from, I give them .... a little rock, soul, jazz, blues, a little gospel feel. It's pretty wide open. It's hard to put a tag on it" Robert Cray.
This effortless genre crossover is filtered through some of his most definitive songs like 'Smoking Gun', 'I Guess I Showed Her', 'Phone Booth' and 'I Was Warned'. From his impressive catalogue it's easy to see why he has 5 Grammy Awards (and 15 nominations) safely tucked into his guitar case, millions of record sales worldwide, is a Blues Hall of Fame inductee (one of the youngest to receive the prestigious honour), and why Fender guitars have made not one, but two signature Robert Cray Stratocaster guitars.
35 years into this epic career and he's still creating and touring, earlier this year he released his sixteenth album, Nothing But and is a true blend of blues, rock, soul and jazz with a lyric-sheet that examines the triumphs, fallouts and follies of life and love.
It's been seven long years since Robert Cray has toured Australia, but he and his long-serving band still shreds the Blues , like never before and we couldn't be more excited about the 'Strong Persuader' returning for Bluesfest in 2013.
Robert Cray will play Bluesfest on Friday 29th March
www.robertcray.com
TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE
We just can't get enough of Trombone Shorty and his Orleans Avenue and we're not alone; these guys have become one of the most requested artists for Bluesfest and we couldn't be happier to oblige. Troy 'Trombone Shorty' Andrews and Orleans Avenue (TS&OA) stir together old-school New Orleans jazz, funk and soul, laced with hard-rock power chords and hip-hop beats which has led to rave reviews wherever they play.
"One of the best entertainers out there, period. He's an incredible horn player." - Zac Brown, Billboard
TS&OA's debut album Backatown received a Grammy nomination and an instant fan base, however it is their latest album For True, released in March this year, that features guests such as Kid Rock, Jeff Beck, Warren Hayes and Lenny Kravitz that has broadened his appeal & the album debuted at # 1 on Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Chart, and still remains in the top 5, over 50 weeks since its release. After working with him Lenny Kravitz is a huge fan, rating him as:
"...a genius player...he plays his ass off, and he's a beautiful human being".
2012 so far has been huge for TS&OA as they continue to tour relentlessly across the globe, collecting a stack of rave reviews and accolades along the way.
With multiple sell out shows in Sydney, Melbourne & a number of roof raising performances at Bluesfest 2011 and 2012, they have had extensive press coverage and TV appearances worldwide.
...All this and he's only 25. 2013 will mark his third tour of Australia in as many years with each gaining rave reviews. Come along and be mesmerized by him this Easter:
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue will play Bluesfest on Thu 28th of March and Friday 29th March
www.tromboneshorty.com
THE BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
"Seeing the Blind Boys of Alabama in concert is part living history, part concert, all uplifting experience...the best moments come when the group joins forces for stirring harmonies...
Inspired and relevant...borders on the miraculous" -The Washington Post
The living legends of gospel music are returning to Bluesfest with their glorious meld of gospel, blues and rock n roll. It's harder to find a more joyful sound than their unforgettable shows filled with laughter and packed with emotion that they have finessed over 7 decades of touring. The Blind Boys were formed in the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind over 70 years ago and they haven't stopped since, their road has not been easy - but their regard in the industry is unrivalled.
5 GRAMMY Awards; GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award; Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees; 4 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards; 3 U.S. Presidential Administrations have invited The Blind Boys to the White House - are just some of their career highlights.
On their last Australian tour in 2011 with Mavis Staples, they sold out two Sydney Opera House Concert Halls
They have shared the stage and collaborated with the finest musicians and songwriters including The Blind Boys' version of the Tom Waits song, "Way Down In The Hole", was used as the main title theme for the popular HBO series, The Wire.
"The fusion of the Blind Boys' Deep South Gospel with New Orleans funk, R&B and jazz creates a superweapon of roots-music uplift...will raise goose bumps even on the tatted-up arms of resolutely futurist hipsters"
Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone
Regular Bluesfesters will know not to miss a Blind Boys concert as you are sure to be swept up and on your toes celebrating and wishing it to never end by the chorus of their first song.
The Blind Boys of Alabama will play Bluesfest on Friday 29th March and Sunday 31st March
www.blindboys.com
MAVIS STAPLES
"Mavis Staples is the most underrated diva of the century. She has an almost superhuman ability to implant the pure power of passion and emotion."- Rolling Stone
VH1 named her as one of the 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll, and Rolling Stone listed her as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of all time. Mavis Staples is a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, and a National Heritage Fellowship Award recipient and now she is returning to the country for Bluesfest.
In her 60 year career - from her ground-breaking family gospel group - THE STAPLES SINGERS ("I'll Take You There", "Respect Yourself") and on her own, Mavis is responsible for blazing a rhythm & blues trail while never relinquishing her gospel roots and it is now that her star is shining brightest.
On her last visits to Australia she was part of two sell-out performances at The Sydney Opera House, followed up with a successful NZ Tour: and then made a special appearance at the Melbourne Festival alongside Black Arm Band and Joss Stone, among others.
With her latest album, 'You Are Not Alone', this legendary vocalist adds a remarkable new chapter to her historic career, delivering wall-to-wall joy and mixing traditional gospel numbers with two new songs, penned by producer Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, and including her unique interpretation of songs by her father 'Pops' Staples, Randy Newman, Allen Toussaint, John Fogerty, Rev. Gary Davis and Little Milton.
"I wanted to make an album where every song had meaning," she says, "where every song told a story and would lift you up and give you a reason to get up in the morning. And I know it's going to feel really good singing these songs on stage."
She tours constantly throughout the world, but she always wants to come home to Australia. She has publicly stated that Bluesfest is her favourite Festival of all time. The lady don't lie !! ..... Experience Mavis Staples when she comes home to Bluesfest in 2013.
Mavis Staples will play Bluesfest on Sunday 31st March and Monday 1st April
www.mavisstaples.com
ALLEN TOUSSAINT
"When I meet someone like Allen Toussaint - that for me is like meeting, you know, someone the equivalent of the Dalai Lama because for me, he influenced the way I played the piano, he's a historical part of rock and roll." - Elton John on Elvis Costello's Spectacle
Musician, songwriter and record producer and one of the most influential figures in New Orleans R&B - Simply put- without him - the music of New Orleans would not be what it is
Allen Toussaint has produced, written for, arranged, had his songs covered by, and performed with music giants Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Elvis Costello, Plant/Krauss, The Who, Patti LaBelle (Lady Marmalade), Dr John, Aaron and Art Neville, Trombone Shorty, Joe Cocker, The (original) Meters, Boz Scaggs (What Do You Want The Girl To Do?), The Pointer Sisters, Glen Campbell, The Band, Little Feat, The Rolling Stones, Devo, Lee Dorsey, Irma Thomas, Etta James, Ramsey Lewis, Solomon Burke and countless others including New Orleans Legends Lee Dorsey (Working In A Coal Mine/Ride Your Pony), Ernie K Doe (Mother In Law), Benny Spellman (Lipstick Traces on a Cigarette) , Al Hirt (Java), The Wild Tchoupitoulas Mardi Indian Tribe - the list just goes on and on.
His songs include as well as the above Fortune Teller (Rolling Stones), Get Out My Life Woman (Paul Butterfield, The Doors, Jerry Garcia Band, Derek Trucks Band to name only a few who have covered this song), Ruler of My Heart (Irma Thomas and later Otis Redding as Pain In My Heart) Southern Nights (Glen Campbell) - to again name only a few.
His career has been filled to the brim with accolades and awards including being inducted into the Blues, Louisiana Music & Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, winning Offbeat Best of The Beat Award for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Best Traditional Jazz Album, Best Piano/Keyboardist, Grammy Trustees Award Honouree as well as multiple Grammy nominations.
The 2009's album release THE BRIGHT MISSISSIPPI, his first since his collaboration with Elvis Costello on the recording The River In Reverse (2006), was met with absolute adoration and praise across the world;
"This is a jazz record for people who think they don't like jazz..." - The New York Times
"Pure Ellington and Monk, as well as pure Toussaint, emotionally and structurally expansive, yet as keenly done as one of Toussaint's perfectly knotted ties." - Rolling Stone
"Jazz albums don't come much better." - MOJO, 4 star
His music career has been anything but limited, highlighted on the silver screen and throughout TV soundtracks including Casino, Moulin Rouge, Treme, True Blood and Maid in Manhattan. This broad cross-section of media has insured his work is continuously sampled, introducing it to an entire new arena of listeners. This influential career spans five decades and we are thrilled to finally have him at Bluesfest.
In fact this is going to be one of Bluesfest's greatest ever moments when he takes our stage.
Allen Toussaint will play Bluesfest on Saturday 30th March and Sunday 31st March
www.allentoussaint.com
WANDA JACKSON
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“She’s like my rockabilly Etta James. I love her, she’s so brilliant. I don’t think ‘Rollin’ in the Deep’ would exist if it wasn’t for Wanda Jackson” – Adele
“Wanda Jackson, an atomic fireball of a lady, could have a smash hit with just about anything”
– Bob Dylan
Widely known and respected as the Queen of Rock and First Lady of Rockabilly, we are delighted to welcome Wanda Jackson to the 2013 Bluesfest line up. Wanda’s latest rediscovery in 2011 saw her team up with Jack White (The White Stripes) to produce her wildly successful album “The Party Ain’t Over” and has since been working on her 31st studio album “Unfinished Business” with folk musician and Bluesfest performer Justin Townes Earle.
Born in Oklahoma, Wanda first toured in 1955 when placed on a bill with none other than ‘The King’ himself, Elvis Presley. The two hit it off almost immediately and dated on and off. Wanda has since mentioned that it was Elvis along with her father Tom, himself a country singer, who encouraged her to sing rockabilly. In 2009, Wanda became the only woman ever to be inducted into both the Rockabilly and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame (on recommendation from Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen).
Throughout Wanda’s 50+ year multi genre music career hits like “Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine”, “Fujiyama Mama”, “Heart Trouble” and “I Remember Elvis”, have landed her in the top of the country, rockabilly, pop and rock charts.
‘Wanda Jackson, the undisputed queen of rockabilly, positively killed with her set at Venue last Saturday. Volatile as nitro-glycerine, Jackson exudes charms, sexuality, sincerity and humble honesty; often in the same verse...Her voice is a true gift to humanity. That it exists for all eternity on disc is one thing; that she is still taking her voice from town to town is the real reward. ‘ – Vancouver Weekly, September 2012
“There’s an authenticity in her voice that conjures up a world and a very distinct and particular place in time. It’s not something that can be developed” – Bruce Springsteen
Rockabilly royalty welcome to Bluesfest.
Wanda Jackson will play Bluesfest on Sunday 31st March.
FRED WESLEY & THE NEW JB'S
Fred Wesley, the trombonist and author best known as the man James Brown called on for all those funky horn "hits," now is the leader of his own jazz-funk band, the New JBs, which plays around the world and just released the new CD, "With A Little Help From My Friends."
Born in Columbus, Georgia, and raised in Mobile, Alabama, USA, Fred Wesley began his career as a teenage trombonist with Ike and Tina Turner. He later was music director, arranger, trombonist and a primary composer for James Brown from 1968-1975, then arranged for and played with Parliament-Funkadelic and Bootsy's Rubber Band.
With Brown and as leader of his backing band The JBs, Wesley "was the world's most famous sideman, orchestrating the sinuous grooves and contributing the bold, surgically precise solos that defined the language of funk." In teaming with George Clinton and Bootsy Collins, he played a key role in taking funk to the next level.
Wesley is featured in the documentary film "Soul Power," as well as the Oscar-winning "When We Were Kings" and countless other documentaries about James Brown and funk music.
A veteran of the Count Basie Orchestra, Wesley also has worked with a who's who of other artists including Ray Charles, Pancho Sanchez, Van Morrison, Usher, the SOS Band and Cameo, as well as with his close friends and cohorts Maceo Parker and Pee Wee Ellis.
Fred Wesley & The New JB’s will play Bluesfest on Thursday 28th March and Friday 29th March
www.funkyfredwesley.com
MICHAEL KIWANUKA
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Here is a voice; timeless, rich, raw and soaked in soul, that simply can't be ignored. Though he may be only 24 years old, his songwriting and other craft, belies his age. Full of sincere incites and tales that are superbly written to intricate jazz tunes.
Since being nudged into the limelight as he supported Adele in 2011, he has won the BBC's Sound Of 2012 Poll, released his first, much loved album Home Again and has just been nominated for the 2012 Mercury Prize, an award reserved for the very best of the UK and Irelands musical royalty throughout the years.
As a teenager, being heavily influenced by Hendrix, Ugandan-North-Londoner Kiwanuka originally set out to be a session guitarist who maybe wrote the odd song for other people. In his later teens however, two icons helped him find his voice. A friend gave him a Bob Dylan box set, and Michael was bowled over by the power of a well-crafted song, delivered with urgent vocals and an acoustic guitar.
Later, he was playing the free CD that came with a music magazine and heard an out-take of 'Sitting on the Dock of the Bay' in which Otis Redding was talking to the studio engineer. It made the soul icon seem more human, more accessible, and though there were later to be other influences from Bill Withers and Terry Callier to John Martyn and Laura Marling, it was Dylan and Redding who laid the foundations for Michael's own rootsy, folk-inflected modern soul.
It's the unassuming ease of his echoing vocals and perfectly crafted songs that will have you brimming with happiness at the end of his set. Make sure you see this real, raw and achingly beautiful musician at Bluesfest in 2013.
Michael Kiwanuka will play Bluesfest on Friday 29th March and Saturday 30th March
www.michaelkiwanuka.com
BETTYE LAVETTE
Returning to Bluesfest, after jaw dropping performances in 2012, where many said she was the best performer on the entire festival, Bettye Lavette truly is returning by popular demand to Bluesfest 2013.
She is celebrating a staggering 50 years in the music industry, and we are both thrilled and honoured to welcome back to the festival, GRAMMY Award nominated soul singer, Bettye LaVette.
"Miss LaVette now rivals Aretha Franklin as this generation's most vital soul singer" -New York Times
With declarations such as this from the New York Times, it is not surprising that her 2012 performance captivated festival headliner John Butler, and had a bunch of Bluesfest staff transfixed for her entire set!
Despite being discovered and signed at the age of 16 with the infamous MOTOWN label, her rise to superstar status has been nothing short of what Bettye has described as "...a scramble. The scramble is my story".
"You've got a singer here who is willing to stretch and is not content to live in the safety zone"
-Elvis Costello
An exceptional interpreter of song, Bettye delivers through her rough yet tender, sensuous voice. Her dynamic power seethes throughout each song, wringing out the sorrow, sharing her hard earned wisdom and story throughout these tales of reinvention. By the time Bettye's finished recording a track, she has fully inhabited its body and soul.
Bettye's new album, Thankful N' Thoughtful (2012), features a selection of contemporary tracks written and previously recorded by Bob Dylan, The Black Keys, Tom Waits, Neil Young, Patty Griffin, Gnarls Barkley just to name a few. Bettye rearranges deep within her soul and exorcises as her own through her voice filled with longing, rage, desire, despair, survival and victory. The album has attracted rave reviews;
"She sings, she smoulders, she testifies... standouts included a shiver-inducing cover of Neil Young's "Heart of Gold", as well as re-workings of songs by the Beatles, Ray Charles and her old friend Otis Redding. LaVette still brings a world of pain to every note". Dimitri Ehrlich, Uptown Social.
"LaVette's nuanced singing evokes prime Tina Turner with even more command."
- Rolling Stone.
An artist, a story and a woman not to be missed at this year's Bluesfest.
Bettye LaVette will play Bluesfest on Saturday 30th March and Sunday 31st March
www.bettyelavette.com
LUKA BLOOM
Much loved Irish troubadour Luka Bloom is a master of the concert stage.
His incredibly gifted electro-acoustic guitar playing guarantees an impassioned live performance of his original, poetic and melodic songs.
Luka's concert arsenal includes both tender and dynamic original material and a surprisingly eclectic selection of other people's work.
Over the years Bloom has brought his inspiring lyrics and sumptuous melodies to clubs, theatres, festivals, bars and arenas all over the world, but he has a special place in his heart for Australian audiences and has earned a devoted following in this country.
From the first day he toured our shores, in 1992, Bloom has won Australian audiences over, armed with just a guitar and the simplest of songs about riding his "acoustic motorbike" (his pushbike) and other stories of a general wonderment at the world around him.
His charm is undeniable. Powerful and intimate, don't miss Luka Bloom at Bluesfest.
Luka Bloom will play Bluesfest on Sunday 31st March
www.lukabloom.com
RUTHIE FOSTER
Ruthie Foster - a Bluesfest favourite is returning this time with her full band!
"Fosters voice is simply drop-dead gorgeous, and her ability to wrap it around any musical genre - blues, jazz, folk, funk, soul - she chooses just makes it that much more spell-binding."
- Elmore Magazine
"The power of Ruthie Foster's voice carries the music, rather than vice versa. It is a voice that was raised in the church that has the power of that true soul singing that comes right out of the tradition that bred such voices as Mavis Staples, Aretha Franklin, Sam Cooke, and James Brown."- Dirty Linen
"I love Ruthie Foster. That's my little sister. A phenomenal woman, yes indeed." - Mavis Staples
"Music this moving doesn't come around often these days..." - Sonic Boomers
Soulful diva Ruthie Foster's astonishing voice has taken her on an amazing ride!
On Let It Burn, Ruthie Foster's latest release, she takes the listener on her most personal journey yet, sounding like she is pouring her heart out late at night, and her deeply soulful vocals create a spiritual soundscape to support her testimony. A recording that smoulders, sizzles and ignites with an intensity born from her vibrant voice and indelible presence.
Those who have followed Ruthie Foster's eclectic musical history know that she can burn down any stage with her combustible blend of soul, blues, rock, folk and gospel. Let this burn this Bluesfest.
Ruthie Foster will play Bluesfest on Friday 29th March and Saturday 30th March
www.ruthiefoster.com
TONY JOE WHITE
'The Polk Salad Annie Legend 'returns to Bluesfest
Look no further than Tony Joe White for music and artistry of stature and depth. His music is part of America's soundtrack - sparse and elegant, filled with shadows, sadness and beauty. His songs shimmer with insight into the ups and downs, the twists and turns of everyday living. Tony Joe White's dark baritone, scarred and sweet, brings these songs to life. But others have memorably interpreted his songs, from Brook Benton's unforgettable take on "Rainy Night in Georgia" to Tina Turner's intensely soulful rendition of "Steamy Windows." In addition, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Roy Orbison, Dusty Springfield, Etta James - iconic artists all - have in their own right honoured "the Swamp Fox" by cutting his tunes.
If you saw him at Bluesfest in 2011, you will remember the unique, mesmerising sounds of Tony Joe White. He likes it here, make sure you are there to welcome him back.
Tony Joe White will play Bluesfest on Sunday 31st March and Monday 1st April
www.tonyjoewhite.com
SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK
"This ensemble is the gold standard...their voices are all fabulous, and they unite to create a sound so pure, smooth and homogenous that it does not seem humanly possible."
- Fort Worth Star Telegram
For the first time, GRAMMY award-winning, all-woman, cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in The Rock are making their way to our stages. Their music is a celebration of the rich textures of their African-American legacy & traditions. Through their stunning vocal prowess they push the boundaries of and combine the complexities of Blues, traditional gospel hymns, reggae, African chants, hip hop, ancient lullabies and jazz improvisation that will sweep you away.
Their collective voice, occasionally accompanied by hand percussion instruments, produces a sound filled with soulful, soaring harmonies and intricate rhythms that's impossible to forget.
Their 20th GRAMMY Award nominated album, Experience...101 gained these incredible women an invitation to play a concert at the White House, blowing everyone away.
This vital and innovative musical presence formed out of Washington and has spread throughout the world over the last 40 years. Their voice is steeped in the sacred music of the Black church and the clarion calls of the civil rights movement, but they represent the struggle for justice everywhere and the continual striving for peace, hope, love and justice.
Be swept up in the effortless beauty that is Sweet Honey in The Rock this Easter at Bluesfest.
Sweet Honey in the Rock will play Bluesfest on Saturday 30th March and Sunday 31st March
www.sweethoney.com
THE DUKE ROBILLARD BAND
'Duke's one of the great players.' - BB King
'A soloist of stunning force and originality' - The New York Times
Guitarist, Bandleader, Songwriter, Singer, Producer, Session Musician.
Duke Robillard is all this and more and you can see him this Easter at Bluesfest, after an absence of many years
Duke has been named by The Blues Music Awards "Best Blues Guitarist" four years out of five making him the second most honoured guitarist for that award!
Born in Woonsocket, Rhode Island - Duke was fascinated by the ways in which jazz, swing, and the blues were linked. In 1986, Duke recorded with jazz sax master Scott Hamilton, he recorded a collection of classic big band tunes from the '30s and '40s, thus skilfully pre-dating the neo-Swing craze of the mid '90s. Roomful of Blues - which still continues, forty years later - gave Duke his first exposure to a wide public. He led his own band until 1990, and then replaced Jimmy Vaughan in the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
If you witness one of Dukes shows you will see that his true talent is bringing people out to hear the music, appreciate the show, and dance to the blues.
Duke Robillard is a man in command of a full range of creative talents - unique in the blues, and rare in the music industry as a whole. He is, in fact, a complete artist at the height of his power.
The Duke Robillard Band will play Bluesfest on Thursday 28th March
www.dukerobillard.com/index.cfm
SHAWN COLVIN
"...extraordinary songs, mesmerising guitar playing, and a voice that goes effortlessly from bruise-tender to scar-hard in a matter of minutes...her lyrics are crafted and clever, full of subtlety and polished phrases...With delicious sarcasm and acerbic stories, she held the audience spellbound...her songs are so personal to her that they speak to everyone who listens." - The Guardian
For the first time, Americana folk country singer Shawn Colvin is heading our way this Bluesfest with her brand new album All Fall Down. This timeless singer-songwriter & guitarist's first big break came when her powerful voice made the perfect balance to Suzanne Vega's vocals in her 1987 hit "Luka", two years later she was awarded her first GRAMMY for Best Contemporary Folk Album for her debut album, Steady On. Which turned out to be the first of many accolades throughout her career including being nominated for 10 GRAMMY'S including for her acclaimed album of interpretations, Cover Girl (1994) and Sunny Came Home (1998) took the GRAMMY for both 'Song of the Year' and 'Record of the Year'.
All Fall Down features an incredible line-up of musicians including Emmylou Harris, Allison Krauss, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Jakob Dylan. Coinciding the release of All Fall Down is the publication of 'Diamond in the Rough', which is an account of her life and work to date, with no holding back of the emotional demons she has faced along the way. Shawn's emotional ups and downs are also documented throughout All Fall Down, with Shawn describing the album having themes of 'loss' and 'breakups' ,it seems through this pain, that Shawn really shines, with the album receiving rave reviews;
"...Shawn Colvin is probably at her best in this dark territory. The turns in her melodies are blue and beautiful, and the production here is just about pitch perfect...it's consistently lovely orchestration, and it's pungent and specific lyrics, this latest break-up album is strong indeed..." - Pop Matters
"All Fall Down showcases Colvin's elegant but understated work on flat-top acoustic, with huskily downbeat vocals. This is sophisticated song craft with a twist of Americana" - Guitarist
"An assured and imaginative album." - Daily Telegraph
It's her deep and honest lyrics, beautifully crafted into passionate songs that will have you spellbound this Easter.
Shawn Colvin will play Bluesfest on Thursday 28th March and Friday 29th March
www.shawncolvin.com
SETH LAKEMAN
Virtuoso fiddler & multi-instrumentalist, Seth Lakeman will be returning to our shores in 2013. His undeniably compelling and energetic performances captured audiences around Australia on his debut tour last Easter.
Things move quickly for Seth, his second album, "Kitty Jay", was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize in 2005, and his follow up album "Freedom Fields" went gold and saw him branded the 'Poster Boy of Folk' (much to his exasperation). But there's so much more than the 'poster boy' tag allows. He's sold over one quarter of a million records, on his latest album, "Tales from the Barrel House", Seth has not only written all the songs for the album, but played every musical contribution himself as well as producing and mixing it in its entirety.
With 6 albums under his belt, "Tales from the Barrel House" underlines Seth's innate knack for writing both foot-stomping, sing-along songs and more tender, thoughtful ballads.
His playing is often breathtaking and Seth's trademark, soaring vocals are at the forefront of this album, as beguiling and haunting as ever. As well as the cello, banjo, guitars, bouzouki and viola, there are the unusual sound effects on this album of a Salvation Army drum, clanking chains, an anvil, bellows and a railway track being thumped.
Credited with bringing his own brand of indie-folk to a whole new audience, Seth Lakeman's talent is undeniable onstage. His charisma, energy and undeniable talent will entrance and enthral his growing army of present-day fans and, undoubtedly captivate lovers of heartfelt music at Bluesfest in 2013.
Seth Lakeman will play Bluesfest on Thursday 28th March and Saturday 30th March
www.sethlakeman.co.uk
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Stay tuned for more announcements!
Your "one and only" Bluesfest Team
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Byron Bay Accommodation
If camping is not the thing for you but you would like to stay in the area then please check out Byron Bay Accom on
www.byronbayaccom.net
or call 02 6680 8666.
They have a range of great accommodation available from B&B's, houses, motels, hotels and apartments.
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