Blue Heat
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Blue Heat

It’s been a long time between recordings, but later last year Warnambool Rhythm ‘n Blues Legends, Blue Heat, released their latest studio recording in over 20 years. I caught up with frontman Marco Goldsmith ahead of their first show in Geelong for more than four years, at the Black Hatt this Saturday.
“It’s been great, we’re kind of a seasonal band in a way, we usually hit the Summer Season, that’s when all the festivals are happening, we sort of hibernate for a part of the year, although last year what we did in that time was we recorded a new album, which we released in September!” Goldsmith says.
After touring as a 7 piece for much of their career, the band trialled a new look outfit in 2013, featuring 5 members and it was just too good! Marco and his band were so pleased that they saw no other option than to continue this way playing shows and finally putting out a new studio album. ‘One Day Too Long’ was released in September 2014 and is the title of the third track which has been in their repertoire for two decades, proving that some things are better left saved.
“The shows have been going really good, the album had been really well received, it’s number two on the Australian Blues and Roots Chart, which is great, we haven’t managed to hit number one just yet but we’re certainly pretty pleased with that!” Goldsmith says.
The band now consists of Marco on guitar and lead vocals, Barry Galbraith on drums, his brother Graeme on bass, Brad Harrison on sax/vocals and Paul Lemke on trombone/backing vocals. However when attending one of their shows, you’re never too sure exactly who will be joining them on stage, with plenty of talented family and friends standing by to help out!
With accolades including Best Australian Blues Album of the years in 1995 and Australian Blues Band of the Year, in 1997 the band even supported R & B royalty B.B. King. After 23 years, the band don’t look to be slowing down, having recently played over New Year at the Moyneyana Festival in Port Fairy and their annual ‘BLK & BLU’ show at The Loft with comrades ‘Blackwood Jack’.
“It was really great fun, we set both bands up for the last set, it was a musical powerhouse really, so much fun! There’s a real family connection there too, Barry and Graeme’s nephew plays bass in Blackwood Jack and also Barry, our drummer’s son is the drummer in Blackwood Jack.”
The season has only just begun for the band, who have certainly earned their reputation as one of the hardest working Blues outfits of the region. They will also be appearing at the Thredbo Blues Festival, ‘Blues At The Briars’ in Mt Martha, ‘Rock on the Home Straight’ at Hamilton Racecourse, Yackandandah Folk Festival and ‘LIVE at the Star Port Fairy’, not bad for a band with 23 years in the mix.
After the Summer of shows, the band plan to head back into the studio to lay down another album, “We’re planning to, not have as long between albums this time.” he laughs, “Considering, it’s been 20 years since we last did a studio album!”
Marco is now based in Geelong, so the upcoming show at the Black Hatt will not disappoint, its the bands first show in the area for four years and the first time they will perform in the town as a 5 piece.
When&Where: Black Hatt, Geelong January 10