I felt refreshed on Saturday, and vowed to make this a big day…..and so it turned out that I would catch 11 acts throughout the day.
This began with Australian cult TV (and now, live) music-trivia quiz show, Rockwiz. Hosts, Brian Nankervis and Julia Zemiro selected 4 panellists from the audience, who were later joined by guests, Hayley Mary (ex-The Jezabels) and blues Australian blues legend, Matt Taylor (Chain) before testing the two competing panels with a mix of wit and knowledge.
Rockwiz Live Gallery:
Following on from Rockwiz, I made a point of catching 14 year-old Australian guitar ace, Taj Farrant once more, as I had been hugely impressed with his set on the campers night. Yet again, he blew away the large crowd who had gathered with his amazing abilities, which far belie his youthfulness.
Taj Farrant Gallery:
From an up-and-coming guitar whiz to a long-established maestro, Bluesfest never fails to deliver as Tommy Emmanuel brought his acoustic magic to the Mojo stage with a highly polished solo set.
Tommy Emmanuel Gallery:
Brisbane-based neo-blues outfit, Blues Arcadia, in their first performance at Bluesfest, took to the stage and delivered a lively set full of their brand of soul-drenched modern blues replete with the magic guitar work of Chris Harvey and the dynamic showing from frontman, Alan Boyle.
Blues Arcadia Gallery:
Local soul songstress and new festival favourite, Lisa Hunt, brought her ‘Forever Soul’ show to the Crossroads stage where the former New Yorker worked her way through many a soul classic, with her booming vocal delivery providing numerous hip-swaying moments.
Lisa Hunt’s ‘Forever Soul’ Gallery:
Proud indigenous Arnhem Land (Northern Territory) and Rirratjingu man, Yirrmal brought his wonderful bilingual story-telling into vivid reality for his adoring fans, all the while backed by a cracking band, including Darren Middleton (ex Powderfinger).
Yirrmal Gallery:
Not only was Jimmy Barnes named on the lineup for Bluesfest Byron Bay 2024, but his former bandmate from the days of Cold Chisel, Ian Moss was also booked for a headlining spot. Far from being a one trick pony (guitarist), Moss yet again proved that his vocal prowess and song-writing abilities are second to none.
Ian Moss Gallery:
The highly lauded The Cruel Sea, provided one of the highlights of the festival when they appeared next. Long-time members, Tex Perkins, Dan Rumour, Ken Gormly and Jim Elliott were joined by Perkin’s long-standing collaborator, Matt Walker as part of the band’s 30th anniversary tour of the multi-ARIA award winning album, The Honeymoon Is Over.
The Cruel Sea Gallery:
The Allman Brothers are one of those legendary bands from the classic days of rock in the early 60’s and 70’s, and who survived well into the 2010’s. Two sons of two of the late, great founding members, Gregg Allman and Dickie Betts, have joined forces to tour an Allman Brothers tribute in the name of the Allman Betts Family Revival. Devon Allman and Duane Betts have toured this show around the world, and didn’t fail to impress with a set full of the legacy songs their fathers left the music world.
Allman Betts Family Revival Gallery:
Multi-award winning blues player (including the prestigious International Blues Challenge in the US), Fiona Boyes brought her fantastic traditional blues to the stage when she joined forces with her band, The Fortune Tellers with an, at-times slightly “adult” performance which incorporated music from the early female blues artists, as well as music from across her vast catalogue, including her latest album, Ramblified. The show was fun, as was evidenced by Fiona’s near-constant smile and the joy that devotees and newcomers alike derived from the lively set.
Fiona Boyes & The Fortune Tellers Gallery:
My night was to finish with the sonic wonder of The Tedeschi Trucks Band. Husband and wife duo, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi have forged a marvellous career together since they joined forces back in 2010 when they merged both of their bands to form this force of nature. Derek Trucks is widely considered the best living slide blues player on the planet (and perhaps of all-time) and wife Susan, along with being one of the finest female voices, also provides excellent guitar chops to the mix that this mighty two-drummer ensemble bring.
Tedeschi Trucks Band Gallery:
All images: ©fullonrockphotography/Andrew Fuller
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