With Byron Bay Bluesfest 2015 having just announced yet another raft of incredible musicians to its already stellar lineup, as well as unveiling the set times for the fest, it’s fair to say excitement for the epic music extravaganza has reached fever-pitch.
Held from Thursday 2nd – Monday 6th Apri the days are numbered until the countless number of talented musicians descend on the hallowed festival grounds, which also means the days are number for you to get fully acquainted with the massive lineup.
We decided to piece together a very short list of some of the most important records you should give a spin in lead-up to the event. From iconic hiphop, to Grammy Award Winning afrobeat, tear jerking soul and RnB and of course, howling blues, these are the eight record we suggest you familiarise yourself with before Bluesfest 2015.
Jurassic 5 – Power In Numbers
2001, Interscope
It’s undeniable that an album becomes a classic when an artist actualises a clear and coherent artistic vision. Biggie did it on Ready to Die, 2Pac did it on All Eyez On Me, A Tribe Called Quest did it on The Low End Theory. The difference between these albums and 2002’s Power In Numbers from Los Angeles hip-hop outfit Jurassic 5 is that while Biggie, Pac, and Q-Tip were laying down their visions for an album, Jurassic 5 laid down their vision for hip-hop.
Charles Bradley – Victim of Love
2013, Dunham Records
The story of Charles Bradley, known to fans as ‘The Screaming Eagle of Soul’ (if you listen to his music, you’ll understand why), is one of almost impossible hardship. But from the flames rose an incredible artist with an unforgettable voice and a powerful message. While Bradley’s debut was the album he would’ve made if he only had one shot, on Victim of Love, Bradley stretches out and ventures into themes of love and romance, each note sung with incredible conviction and beauty.
George Clinton – Computer Games
1982, Capitol
Oh gosh, what is there left to say about the iconic originator of P-Funkster George Clinton and his groovin’ album Computer Games. This record sits as one the brightest jewels on Clinton’s crown, having spawned the likes of the ultimate hits ‘Atomic Dog’ as well as personal favourite, ‘Get Dressed’. Clinton and Co. are renown for their one-of-a-kind live performances, decked out in bizarre costumes, elaborate stage sets and of course, copious amounts of musicians on stage, and hearing any beat from this record will bring the house down – don’t be the only fool who doesn’t know the funky jams.
Angelique Kidjo – EVE
2014, Savoy Records
Mixing together a spilling cocktail of afropop and afrobeat, reggae, jazz a few sprinkles of funk and soulful, bellowing vocals, Kidjo’s Eve is the 54-year old’s epitome. Receiving critical acclaim worldwide, winning the Grammy for Best World Music Album at the 57th Grammy Awards, EVE is an essential album for not any Bluesfest punter, but any music fan searching for something fresh, inventive, forward-thinking and most importantly, feel-good. The track to look out for is unquestionably ‘Bomba’.
Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way
1993, Virgin Records
Lenny Kravitz has always worn his influences on his sleeve. Whether he’s channeling old-school R&B on singles like ‘It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over’ or Hendrix on the title track from this album, which many consider to be his essential release. It stands to reason – Kravitz’s songwriting was never sharper, his vocals never smoother, his riffs never more electrifying, and his eclectic collage of influences never blended more ingeniously into a satisfying work unto itself.
Mavis Staples – One True Vine
2013, ANTI-
From the moment this record begins with the raw emotive gospel choir of ‘Holy Ghost’ there’s not a hair on any body that’s not standing tall, that’s just the kind of feeling this powerful record instils on its listeners. This is the Chicago-based RnB singer’s 13 studio record, and was co-produced with Wilco and Jeff Tweedy, and despite it being one of Staples’ later releases, it has been heralded as her greatest. From her moving lyrics to the subtle brooding instrumentation that seamlessly pairs with Staples’ captivating vocal husk, One True Vine is a must-listen for any soul, gospel and RnB fan.
Gary Clark Jr – Blak And Blu
2012, Warner Bros. Records
With 2012’s Blak and Blu, Gary Clark Jr, whom many were touting as the next Jimi Hendrix, silenced any doubts detractors had about his skill and his potential. Not only was the album the sound of a rare talent asserting his domination over his instrument, it was the sound of Clark Jr demanding equal attention for his ability as a songwriter in multiple genres – an attribute he shares with Hendrix.
Mariachi El Bronx – Mariachi El Bronx (III)
2014, ATO
The latest release from Los Angeles mariachi purists sees the group further explore the depths of the Mexican flavoured folk music. Laden with soaring brass and a symphony of strings, the collective feel appear to feel a lot more comfortable with their sound. From the cruising ‘Wildfire’ to the uplifting ‘High Tide’ and of course, the rootsy ‘New Beat’, the record is bursting with the wondrous fusion of mariachi meets pop-punk.
BYRON BAY BLUESFEST 2015 LINEUP
Frank Yamma
Delta Rae
Wagons
Skipping Girl Vinegar
Marlon Williams & The Yarra Benders
Kristy Lee
Genevieve Chadwick
Dewayne Everettsmith
The Bella Reunion
Luluc
James T.
Matt Andersen
Shaun Kirk
Eddie Boyd & The Phatapillars
Charles Bradley & His Extraordinaires
Augie March
Donavon Frankenreiter
Melbourne Ska Orchestra
Justin Townes Earle
Declan Kelly Presents Diesel n’Dub featuring Emma Donovan, Alex Lloyd, Pat Powell, Radical Son, Tony Hughes
Ash Grunwald
Blue King Brown
The Beautiful Girls
Steve Smyth
Karl S. Williams
Lenny Kravitz
The Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes & Tonino Baliardo
Rodrigo Y Gabriela
Jurassic 5
Hozier
The Waterboys
Switchfoot
Hunter Hayes
Fly My Pretties
Music Maker Presents Super Chikan And Vasti Jackson
Diesel
Jeff Lang
Phil Wiggins & Dom Turner
Watussi Final Performances
Nikki Hill
The Rumjacks
John Mayall
Keb Mo
Dave Alvin & Phil Alvin with The Guilty Ones
JJ Grey & Mofro
Tony Joe White
Jon Cleary
Trevor Hall
Serena Ryder
Jake Shimabukuro
Music Maker Foundation feat. Cool John Ferguson
Little Freddie King
Alabama Slim
George Stancell
Michael Franti’s Soulshine
The Black Keys
Zac Brown Band
Alabama Shakes
Train
Michael Franti & Spearhead
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Paul Kelly Presents The Merri Soul Sessions feat Dan Sultan, Kira Puru, & Vika And Linda Bull
Xavier Rudd and The United Nations
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue
Rebelution
Soja
The Chris Robinson Brotherhood
Beth Hart
Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls
Mariachi El Bronx
G. Love & Special Sauce
Pokey Lafarge
Band Of Skulls
Rockwiz Live
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
Paolo Nutini
David Gray
Ben Howard
Counting Crows
Gary Clark Jr
Angelique Kidjo
Jimmy Cliff
Mavis Staples
Dispatch
Ruthie Foster
The Beat
Keziah Jones
Sheppard
Playing For Change
Bluesfest touring site www.bluesfesttouring.com.au
Thursday, 2nd April – Monday, 6th April 2015
Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm, Byron Bay NSW
Tickets: Byron Bay Bluesfest | Moshtix | Ticketmaster
