Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm
28 March 2024 – 1 April 2024
Reviewer / Photographer : Jennifer Palmer
Yirrmal definitely stood out. What a groundbreaking musician in so many ways. This amazing man covers a large range of genres and has an incredible voice. The crowd were mesmerised by his freaky vocals and the groovy sax and pianist.
American rock band Drive by Truckers, with their midwest blues groove, got most people swaying and tapping their feet.
The Aussie/New Zealand funk boys from Coterie did not disappoint, giving the Bluesfest fans an awesome pacific reggae beat to swing their hips to. What an amazing fun stage presence! It was hard not to dance and sing along with them, bringing “a little slice of heaven” to anyone in the crowd.
Finnish rock chick extraordinaire Erja Lyytinen enthralled the crowd with her skilful electric guitar playing while unleashing hard rock blues. Even the songs in her native tongue held the crowd spellbound whilst captivated by her incredible on-stage energy. Many punters made sure to catch her twice.
Emdee blew people away with his high energy quad didgeridoo onlsaught, accompanied by drums. Emdee produced boot stomping , dust raising music with a mesmerising beat.
Blues Arcadia delivered a dirty soul swagger that got everybody jumping on their feet. It was hard not to dance away the night with the beautiful guitar riffs and trumpet breaks.
Alan Boyle delivered polished vocals that bought the whole act together. Great energy from a tight band.
Aussie band Velvet Trip sent out phychedlc vibes to the younger Blusefest crowd. Perfectly timed music for the Saturday mid-afternoon chill.
Australian legend Ian Moss did not disappoint the eager fans. The crowd relished the old favourites and his legendary guitar playing skills. Mossy still has star pull, and everyone there knew it. His distinctive voice drew the punters in and transfixed them. There were sing-alongs all around as everyone knew the lyrics to the many hits.
The Mummies may be wrapped up tight, but wow!! What a fun, exciting and cheekily naughty act. Much myth and legend accompany the hidden identities behind this talented band. A flute off, lots of band antics and groovy original songs defined this act. The Mummies played most days and became one of the most talked about bands and one not to miss.
The very groovy Dirty Honey certainly have the look, and they back it up with high energy vocals and musicianship. Echos of The Black Crowes and Guns n Roses. Hard rock blues not to be missed. Dirty Honey hit both the high notes and the low notes in a wonderful dirty way. Everyone was left wondering who would win the on-stage undie count – Dirty Honey or Tom Jones!
What do you say about Taj Mahal? This essential Bluesfest staple never disappoints. Age may slow his gait but never affected his showmanship or guitar work. This incredible 81 year old showcased his skills on the guitar, piano and harmonica combined with a rich and bluesy voice.
Wyong boys 19-Twenty were a huge highlight. They returned to Bluesfest, playing three times over the weekend. 19-Twenty played with an amazing amount of enthusiasm. Their crowd presence won them many new fans. The boy’s rockin’ blues with guitar, double bass and drums blew everyone away. With a special guest appearance by the indie folk band Little Quirks’ girls, their rendition of The Cranberries ‘Zombie’ sent warm shivers to the soul of every crowd member. Jaymi Toole climbed the double bass to belt out her mesmerising voice. Definitely one of the hits of Bluesfest 2024.
Bluesfest regulars Playing for Change truly impressed. With their partly new lineup they delivered equisiste renditions of well known songs such as Led Zeppelin’s ‘When the Levee Breaks’ and ‘Jolene’ by Dolly Parton. Using buskers from all over the world they combine beautifully to show off each of the musicians unique styles, Playing for Change are not to be missed.
The busking stage was popular throughout the weekend and featured a range of talented musicians and bands.
