As an ARIA awardee with Collard, Greens and Gravy, a role model and a leader in the Australian Blues scene, Ian Collard is looking forward to headlining the newly established Double Trouble Blues Sessions at the St Andrews Hotel “It’s a fantastic Pub and I haven’t been there for many years”.
With a unique vocal timbre and solo guitar style, considered to be one of our country’s best harmonica players, Ian share’s his main influences…
“My main influences on the Harmonica are definitely a Little Walter, Big Walter, Junior Wells, Sonny Boy Williamson. My influences as a guitarist a Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Lewis Myers, Freddie King, Elmore James, Tampa Read, Robert Nighthawk, Earl Hooker”.
Ian has travelled to Memphis on a number of occasions. We asked Ian what it is that draws him there that he brings back to contribute to the vibe and satisfaction of his audiences at gigs?
“It’s great to go to the place where somebody influences have come from, understanding the geography of the United States and the different regional styles of blues music is very important to people who are presenting this great style of music.”
The front-man for a number of bands including Three Kings and Backsliders, Ian share’s how the COVID period of lockdown affected managing his projects and his outlook for the future?
“During Covid I affectively played no music whatsoever, I wanted to fight or was in flight mode and any ability to be creative was completely stifled. I’ve come back from the whole thing with a whole new perspective on what is important in life and what I enjoy about music. I am currently playing with a great group of human beings who also happened to be fantastic musicians, I am very lucky and feeling grateful for every moment I have on stage.”
Tickets to this Ian Collard this Sunday August 28 are available through Eventbrite
