REVIEW BY: YASMIN MORRIS (Yazmindi), MONIKA OBERSCHEVEN-SMITH & THERESA WILSON

As the rain had settled down a little more on Saturday and the sky not making its mind up. Occasionally opening up but not for too long. The staff had compacted the muddy ground to make for solid goodness (it didn’t last long but was way more manageable to walk around in. Muddied gumboots and sensible footwear. I spotted a few brightly coloured cons covered in caked on mud and wished that persons soggy looking feet well for the rest of the festival.

Pierce Brothers had two slots on the Bluesfest schedule. Sadly the lovely Jack Pierce was struck down with the evil spicy cough which meant he was not able to attend. I had the honour of shooting the set on Saturday and to also be a punter on Sunday, so I could actually soak in the set. Getting both perspectives of the sets was a blessing. All I have to say is WOW! I have worked with Jack for a little while in the background in the media industry but I have not yet had the pleasure of catching a live show. Pat took to the stage a solo Pierce Brother but was accompanied by Dara Munnis on keys. Pat took on the main vocals while juggling everything else and boy did he do a phenomenal job. Despite this unexpected set back Pat absolutely KILLED IT. He was probably the biggest hype man of the whole festival getting the crowd to join in and be part of the band. The crowd was right behind the solo twin, as they joined as backing vocalists from the front right to the back of the tent. You could see Pat feeding off their energy and from what I could gather taking what must have felt like a rather scary moment and turning it in to a memorable and beautiful experience. To express how much Jack brings to the twin lead band; not only did Dara Munnis get added to the line-up, but they brought out the absolutely magical Kim Churchill and Harry Lee; much to everyone’s delight to join in for a few songs which bolstered the whole set even more. An extra Pierce Brother aka Justin (YES THERE ARE MORE OF THEM) joined the stage on Saturday, with their brother in law Harry joining Pat on stage on Sunday. So it took four extra people to fill in Jack’s shoes who was very much missed. You gotta give it to Pat for absolutely kicking ass with the circumstances presented to him and still giving the punters a full Pierce Brother experience despite missing his twin by his side. For myself the way I was blown away by this set with ONE of the brothers to one day see the twins in action together is going to knock my socks off and eject me from the planet.

LamBros. hailing from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, brothers Connor and Harry Lambrou were ready to entertain. The people were seated and a scattering of them were leaning on the barrier. While I was busy picking up my jaw from the ground while I was shooting and these talented guys were playing. It was distracting but in the best of ways. I had never heard of this band before and took it upon myself to try to shoot a few bands unknown to me to expand my horizon. I am so grateful that I did as the power from these lads rained upon us all and it was spectacular. As I turned around after the third song I noticed the crowd was now incredibly packed as the lads drew the people from their seats and who were walking around the festival. In the beginning they came out roaring with determination and straight into an upbeat track lighting up the frequencies with Harry playing drums and the didgeridoo simultaneously. They have a lot of energy for a two piece, who delivered an array of original tracks in an assortment of genre’s spanning from folk, blues and rock n roll. A personal favourite of mine from the entire festival and now added to my daily rotation.

Ash Grunwald kept the crowd captivated with his belted-out blues, rock tune of ‘Whispering voice’ the crowd filling in quick to catch a glimpse. Acclaimed as one of Australia’s finest storytellers and live performers Ash kept his guests happy resurrecting some old tracks like ‘Skywriter’ from his 2006 album ‘Give Signs’. This man was very busy over the Bluesfest Easter weekend.

Christone “Kingfish” Ingram left a very impressed crowd by the end of a mind-blowing set. This young 23yr old American man hailing from Mississippi has been named one of the most exciting young guitarists in years and has quickly become the defining Blues voice of his generation, according to the Rolling Stone. With influences such as B.B King and Hendrix. His backing band were also just as invested as he was playing four days of the festival. At one-point Christone walked out into the crowd during a guitar solo shredding for what seemed 20mins embracing everyone who wanted to get near him. Keep a close eye on this man and his music, he will be the next big heavyweight in blues, the Stevie Ray Vaughan of his generation.

Saturday was a day full of strong femme power performers ONLY on the Mojo stage, that being All Our Exes Live In Texas as one. These four folk babes are total rock stars in their own right, each one playing a different instrument and bringing something completely different to the group while having their own solo projects outside of the band. This group really is a package, not only are they fashion icons with their fabulous vintage outfits, their stage presence is eye grabbing as they bounce off one another, making the funny and ironical lyrics with gorgeous harmonies sound much sweeter… and make me chuckle.

Casey Barnes is one of the hottest acts in Australian country music, his set was focused on the album ‘Light it Up’ which he only just released earlier this year. The five-piece band gave the crowd some solid country music that which Barnes has been extremely successful for in the last two years. Rolling Stone Magazine (Au) made the following assessment “While the last two years have been bleak for most, Barnes was able to turn musical lemons into lemonade”. When he took the stage you could hear a combination of the men cheering and the ladies hollering at the superstar. He moved with ease all over the stage bouncing around along with his band mates, and eating up everything the people in the crowd were throwing at him. You could not remove the smile from his face even if you tried your best. He is a force to be reckoned with and is an insanely superior front man. His lifeforce is one of which you need to check out live even if his tunes are not to your taste because despite all of that you are just so consumed by his infectious joy that you cannot help but get into the music. On the stage is where Casey Barnes was born to be and where he most certainly belongs.

The War & Treaty another band to spoil us to not one, but five sets on stage. One of the only bands to hit the stage every day of the festival. With a very Southern soul, Gospel genre the betrothed couple of Michael and Tanya Trotter held their audience clapping hands and stomping the gravel below them, they were truly a delight to witness. Playing tracks from their 2020 album ‘Hearts Town’ which is named after their devoted fan base. The elated exchange of energy between the band and the crowd was amazing and it was so easy to get caught up in their love for music.

Baker Boy what can be said about this artist that has not already been said? He is an absolute joy to behold on the stage and holy, hecking, heck. Does he know how to entertain! His voice, and music along would get anyone moving. The beats are on point, but his show is so visually stimulating that is brings it all together in the most perfect package. Baker Boy and his dancers moving together in brilliant choreography. His whole band moving in sync but to a beat of their own made it for one of the most eyeball delight which made your brain explode into sheer happiness. Pulling out the digeridoo to the roar of the crowd. From start to finish his hip hop, rap and funky mix had everyone dancing on top of a cloud the whole show. It makes you realise why Baker Boy has been nominated and won so many awards.

Nostalgia was in the air at the Crossroads and Mojo stages tonight as iconic Aussie frontrunners singer songwriters Kasey Chambers and Missy Higgins performed their classic hit singles from their debut albums from the late 90’s early 2000’s.

Myself (Yazmindi) being a singer songwriter, Missy Higgins was a personal highlight and big influence of mine as I thrashed her ‘The Sound of White’ album on repeat when I was a young girl. I wasn’t the only one who was feeling all the feels as the energy in the room was pure innocent delight, singing along to her youthful songs about heartbreak and growing up, these ballards are still so relevant today making Missy one of Australia's most influential female singer songwriters and she still continues to write bangers. Performing songs from her triumphant new mini-album ‘Total Control’ and her classics, it was a perfect setlist of new and old music but the cherry on top was when Kate Miller-Heidke joined her on stage for a song. The crowd went berserk! These women are constantly producing new amazing music and will continue to inspire young singer songwriters forever.

Kasey Chambers teared up on stage, alongside other fans (like myself), as the entire crowd sang the words to ‘Not Pretty Enough’ and she stated that she performed the song 20 years ago at Bluesfest for the very first time thinking it was just a silly little song she wrote in her bedroom and had no idea the amount of success it would then become. Her quick witted tongue and cheek humour is refreshing as she keeps it real and keeps her fans engaged. Warning the crowd in a hilarious way that they should leave now as she is about to sing with her ‘annoying country twang’ voice that the industry has slammed her for in the past. Telling stories that come straight from the heart while having banter with her bandmates on stage, it is no wonder why she is always a festival favourite and an inspiration to many young women.

Xavier Rudd started out at a slow pace but was quick to express and share his musical talents. Collaborating drums and the didgeridoo at the same time is one serious talent, as the tracks progressed Xavier Rudd convinced even the most sceptical of fans as to why he can hold a crowd of this magnitude. With every headlight motion for every song ending, it was obvious Xavier came with a political motive. Follow the Sun resonated with the crowd.

Australian roots-soaked blues rock band The Black Sorrows fronted by Joe Camilleri, entertained the masses on the Delta stage Friday and Saturday night. It was a great set featuring tracks from their 2021 album ‘Saint George Road’ which bears witness to Joe Camilleri’s 50th release, a huge feat for any musician. The audience got a taste of ‘Livin Like Kings’ and ‘Revolutionary Blues’ the second track of which has a very honky tonk, feet tapping groove with back up singers giving you an insatiable taste for more.

Morcheeba was oh so cool and down right the grooviest laid back but totally mesmerizing band at Blues. The entire crowed were a swaying ocean of the more alternative hippie punters feeling at one with the music while some flocked to see Aussie icon Paul Kelly. The English electronic band took us straight back to the 1990s playing classics alongside songs from their 2021 stellar album ‘Blackest Blue.’ Vocalist Skye Edwards captured my complete attention like magic as she danced in the lights, her iconic hat, joyous smile and black tassel dress was a show in itself as she twirled on stage. The crowd was full of smiling friendly faces with closed eyes, many of us saying to each other “how good is this!?”

Another legendary legend to hit the stage at Bluesfest was Paul Kelly. I honestly was so absorbed in the entirety of his and his bands performance that I took less notes which I think is a compliment when I end up in this frame of mind. The fact after all of these years that this man is so grateful for what he does, acknowledging that he is so appreciative of the fans, he started to tear up as the crowd was matching and exceeding his energy. As Paul began to cry in appreciation of everyone standing in front of him, I started to cry, and people around me also started to cry. There were shouts of “WE LOVE YOU PAUL” from the audience, the cheers became louder, everyone was clapping loudly and everyone mustered the loudest “Woooohs” that they could do. The lovely Vika & Linda were on stage with Paul as his backing vocalists which turned an incredibly beautiful performance to the most ridiculously wonderfully show of the evening. Everyone walked away on the highest of highs from that one.

Melbourne Ska Orchestra making sure everyone had used every ounce of energy dancing. If you love a good Ska drop, or upbeat tunes this group of talented musicians were a must-see playing Saturday and Sunday night. They didn’t miss a beat and played my all-time favourite cover of the movie soundtrack ‘Get Smart’ from their 2018 album ‘Tv & Movie Themes’ and as the name suggests they put their Ska twist on each track making them authentically Melbourne Ska Orchestra. The crowd was electric as the Orchestra gave out their joyous and energetic vibes, the many people who were seated at the start of the set were all up on their feet having a boogie by the end.

PHOTOS BY: MONIKA OBERSCHEVEN-SMITH

Pierce Brothers