ASH GRUNWALD was recognised as an artist on the rise last month when he was nominated scored a nomination in the blues and roots album category of this year's ARIA AWARDS. He came against some tough competition in JEFF LANG, JOHN BUTLER TRIO and XAVIER RUDD. Although he has followed a similar blues and roots path to that of his contemporaries, Grunwald has added his own touch to the genre, taking influence from hip-hip and techno beats.
This distinctive style is mostly delivered on his stomp box and is evident on his award-nominated second album, I Don't Believe , released in April this year.
``It has a very direct sound and I try to create hypnotic, in a sense, repetitive grooves that are a little bit like looped music, like rap and dance music,'' Grunwald said.
``Then I'm playing slide guitar, playing blues music over that but it sounds more modern because of that groove.
``That's a natural thing for me.
``I really do love the soulfulness of blues and I want to retain that.
``But in terms of the actual groove of the music, I want it to get people up and get them moving.'' Grunwald flew to the US last February to represent the MELBOURNE BLUES APPRECIATION SOCIETY in the finals of the INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE in Memphis.
During the trip he visited the birthplaces of some of his biggest musical influences, including ROBERT JOHNSON and MUDDY WATERS. Grunwald has toured relentlessly since returning home and has travelled around Australia several times this year.
Grunwald will play SALARIUM at MORROW PARK BOWLING CLUB tomorrow from 8.30pm.
Tickets will cost $12 and will be available at the door.
Bookings can be made on 4961 th5191.
|
