| Midnight Ramblers - NSW |
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| Sunday, 26 July 2009 13:50 | ||||||||
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The band was conceived in late 1992 around the outstanding natural vocal talent of Michelle Van der Meer. Standout performances at the “New Blood Blues” series of shows at Dee Why and Birkenhead Point were followed by invitations to perform for the newly formed Sydney Blues Society and the inaugural Lithgow Blues Music Festival in 1993. Performances at the Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival and support spots for international acts such as Canned Heat, Chris Cain and The Fabulous Thunderbirds followed. In 1995 they were nominated alongside the Bondi Cigars and the Mal Eastick Band for Best Australian Blues Band award at the Australian Blues Music Awards held at the Lithgow Blues Music Festival. The fabulous Alison Penney joined the band in 1997 and in 1998 Michelle won the “Best Female Blues Artist” award at the Australian Blues Music Awards held at the Inaugural Hawkesbury Blues Festival after being nominated for the past three years. “Those who’ve witnessed the delights of Michelle’s big blues voice will attest to her skills as a vocalist who is among the most stunning blues singers active in Australia’s scene today. Michelle possesses a vocal style well steeped in tradition. Singing very much in the vein that made Big Mama Thornton, Etta James and Bessie Smith so popular. Michelle has the soft yet powerful characteristics that typify the music of these now legendary artists. Highlight of this years Thredbo and Australian Blues Music Festivals back by a fine array of musicians collectively known as the Midnight Ramblers. You’d be well advised to catch this band whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself”
REVIEWS
With this renewed energy, the Midnight Ramblers are definitely at a new peak and transfer this intensity into their live shows. Michelle’s vocals are better than ever; the awesome new rhythm section of Jacob Cook on drums and Mike Rix on bass allows for Ali & George to blaze away. Sit back and enjoy, or get up and dance! NEW CD “THE CLOSET SESSIONS” OUT NOW! Upcoming performances:
http://www.myspace.com/michellesmidnightramblers Bookings & Enquiries please contact:
PLAYING AT SYDNEY BLUES FESTIVAL
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Michelle van der Meer’s Midnight Ramblers:
In the summer of 2008/2009, Michelle, Ali & George collaborated on a second Midnight Ramblers release, ‘The Closet Sessions’. This nine track CD features fresh vibrant original blues & roots tunes; from Soul and Old School R&B feel (‘Tell it Like it is’), to downhome swamp (‘You’) and everything in between. Mostly written and arranged by George & Ali in the studio, ‘The Closet Sessions’ also feature the songwriting skills of Melanie Horsnell. The entire CD was recorded and produced by George at his home studio and features Michelle on vocals, Ali on piano/keys/organ/vocals, George on guitars/bass/vocals, Jacob Cook on drums/percussion, Mick Stuart on alto saxophone, Danny Carmichael on trombone and Melanie Horsnell on vocals.