Blues News #695
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Blues News #695

We’ve had some pretty sad news in the last fortnight about Chris Wilson, who is battling cancer. Chris is a Bellarine local, and one of Australia’s most notable bluesmen. I should add that Chris is also well known in county music circles, and did play with some jazz people, including Rod Jeffrey and Bob Sedergreen back in the day.
It’s always amazing to watch the music industry rally around, Suzannah Espie set up a GoFundMe campaign which was very well supported, and there are three benefit sessions scheduled that I am aware of: Melbourne at the Corner Hotel on the 24th, Geelong at Pistol Pete’s on the 30th, and Warrnambool at The Loft on the 26th. If you missed the GoFundMe campaign, then get onto one of these benefit events.
I recently caught up with The Ethan Farmer band. I have known Ethan for quite a while through his participation in jams at Sleepy Hollow and through the BBQ Band. The Ethan Farmer Band is his first venture into leading and organising a band and I heard them playing at the Elephant and Castle.
The band consists of Ethan on lead guitar backed up by Kane Watts, and with Sam Watts on drums. Occasionally Ethan is able to get his brother Tom along to play bass.
Despite Ethan’s young age, he is a much sought after talent, playing onstage alongside Australian blues legends like Geoff Achison, Marco Goldsmith, Sammy Owen, Jimi Hocking, Wayne Jury and Chris Wilson.
The band has a good solid sound, with Ethan’s trademark guitar work in front. The repertoire covers blues classics with the occasional jazz styled riffs enhancing the delivery. They are definitely a talent to keep an eye on.
Pistol Pete has Buddy Knox coming down on the 19th. Buddy Knox is a funky blues man whose weapon of choice is his 335 Gibson, a lifetime of guitar touring experiences, and a deep passion for the blues.
Buddy has been influenced by Freddie King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Robert Johnson, Delbert McLinton and BB King. His amazing history means he is no stranger to performing with national and international touring experiences, as lead guitarist for many artists. It’s not often that he gets down this way from NSW, so catch him on this visit.
So get to a Chris Wilson benefit, keep a look out for Ethan and Buddy definitely seems like one to get to.