There’s a very interesting gig coming up at Pistol Pete’s – T K Reeve with Jess Parker & the Troubled Waters.
T.K. Reeve is a bluesy, slide guitar shreddin’ wonder from Melbourne and I think this will be his first time at Pistol Pete’s… and we can’t wait. TK’s music is for fans of artists such as the CW Stoneking and Ry Cooder. Well-known as a double bassist around the Melbourne music circles, T.K. Reeve is primarily a guitarist and singer playing in the blues style along with excursions into roots, folk, country, jazz and more. His original songs hark back to early roots music, but with a more modern perspective. Playing baritone electric guitars, he conveys everything from ballads to energetic dance numbers, delivering a spontaneous and dynamic show.
After releasing debut single ‘Don’t Want Nobody New’ in late 2016, he made a showcase appearance and numerous street performances at Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2017, followed by two shows on the legendary Blues Train in Queenscliff as well as a string of regional and Melbourne performances before taking a hiatus to prepare his debut EP. Upon release of the EP in September, the tour kicked off with an appearance at Nimbin Roots Festival 2017, as well as a highly successful street performance.
He says his influences include such greats as Hank Williams, Charley Patton, Elmore James, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Fletcher Henderson, Jimmie Rodgers, Franny Beecher, Louis Jordan, The Walters (big & little), Sonny Boy Williamson and Don Helms.
The second headliner for the night should also be an interesting set. Jess Parker is a stunning local talent with the voice of an angel and rippin’ guitar skills. Jess released a solo acoustic album of original tracks in 2016, Delta Veins, which is available on BandCamp. Jess describes herself as an earth-wandering, guitar-slingin’ whiskey drinker… Sounds like getting into shots with her might not be a good idea.
With their unique brew of dark Australiana and shaky Louisiana swamp blues, Jess Parker & The Troubled Waters have been serenading and possessing audiences all over Victoria since their inception in early 2017. A year and a half on, after countless gigs and recording sessions, they have conjured up their best work for their first release, an EP called ‘Goin’ Swimming’, which was released earlier this year. It was recorded at The Aviary Recording Studio in Abbotsford, working closely with special guest Harley Stewart (Fight Night Records) on baritone guitar, and sound engineer Damien Keating.
The five track EP holds all the warmth and grit you could possibly ever want from a blues record – from the thumps of their thrown-together Frankenstein drum kit, to Jess’ howling Gretsch through a beat up old Vox ac30.
Be careful to listen closely, or you may miss the subtle yet surreal lyrics that makes Jess’s stripped back and personal performance a must see.
Don’t miss out. T K Reeve with Jess Parker & the Troubled Waters will be appearing at Pistol Pete’s Food and Blues on Friday June 8.