Tell us about your new single/ album/ tour?
My third album What She Knows was released in February this year and featured myself and Jeff Lang on guitars, Ben Franz on bass and Danny McKenna and Ash Davies on drums. I’d say it’s the most bluesy album I’ve released so far. I play lead breaks on a few songs, my favourite would have to be the fuzz electric on our country-punk remake of traditional folk song The Cuckoo.
How long have you been playing guitar?
I played a little when I was 10 years old, teaching myself from my brother’s Mel Bay books. I didn’t start taking it a bit more seriously until I was about 25 or so. Again, teaching myself, but this time from a Stefan Grossman video cassette (remember those kids?) I learned some blues finger-picking style which I found extremely difficult at first but it’s been the backbone for some of my playing.
Which guitarist most influenced your playing?
My husband Jeff Lang has been the guitarist I have seen play the most in my life, that’s for certain so he’s been a big influence on me. He’s helped me and encouraged me so much over the years to find my sound. Unfortunately, I can’t play anything like him but we love to play together and I think we sound pretty good! I grew up listening to Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac (one of my dad’s favourites) and I’d say he is one of my absolute favourite players of all time. In my teens I was right into Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Stones, Hendrix, but I also love The Ramones and much more raw, punky stuff like that. Then there’s the whole blues scene of superb playing. I wish I could play that great rhythm like Lightning Hopkins. Look, I can’t really pin down any particular player but my lead style that’s emerged over recent years is very raw and a bit punky.
Describe your favourite guitar.
My electric of choice is my 1970s Japanese strat copy, the Hondo II. I like those cheap Japanese copies. They sound great and I don’t need to worry too much about them being valuable and dinging them up! I do have my eye on a Greco with a whammy bar at the moment too.
How do you prepare for a show?
Oh to have the luxury of preparation time! I have two kids and a day job! I make sure I play guitar several times a week to keep myself in practice and run through songs I’m not so familiar with. I also do a vocal warm-up in the car on the way to the gig.
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.
Backstage at a festival, I had run out of wine and the bar had just shut. I wasn’t ready to finish yet and I noticed Tony Joe White had a bottle of red at his table. After I asked him if I could scab a glass, he told me he’d seen me “Walking around like a black panther” and he’d like to “slow dance” with me. I’d had a few vinos already so I burst out laughing, said “Thanks for the wine, Tone,” and left.
Which song do you wish you wrote?
You Will Surely Love Again by Chris Wilson. One of the most beautiful songs ever written, in my opinion.
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Apple pie and custard. A delicious and comforting English dessert that can burn you if you don’t watch out.
What’s next for you?
I have a new blues three-piece with Kerri Simpson and Anthony (Shorty) Shortte. We’re called Opelousas and I’m super excited about it. It’s the kind of music you can dance to which is a first for me! I’m the only lead guitarist so I get to really focus on my playing.
What’s your scene?
A small cozy bar with a band playing a great groove and getting up to have a boogie after a few beers.
Catch Alison @ Melbourne Guitar Show: AON WHAMMY BAR Presented by Australian Musician and Triple M FM Level 2 Escalator West SUNDAY 1.00pm ALISON FERRIER BAND
Online ticket prices when pre-ordered:: Adult day pass $20, adult weekend pass $30, family day pass $35, concession day pass $10, concession weekend pass $15, premium ticket** $40
MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW DETAILS
SATURDAY AUG 4 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE |10.00am – 6.00pm | TICKETS
SUNDAY AUG 5 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE | 10.00am – 4.00pm | TICKETS
Australian Music Association announced the 2018 return of the Melbourne Guitar Show, set to rock Caulfield Racecourse on August 4 and 5 – and this year, it’ll be bigger than ever.
Proudly presented by Triple M and Australian Musician, the lineup boasts an impressive haul of both local and international artists, and featuring amongst the bunch is none other than UK guitar legend Albert Lee.
In addition to some killer performances from the artists on this massive lineup, #MGS2018 will also hold a monster exhibition that will feature a gigantic variety of electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps and more state-of-the-art guitar technology, both home-grown and from around the world. It will continue to be Australia’s biggest guitar pop-up shop, and that’s not all. The Melbourne Guitar Show will host information seminars, demonstrations, and live performances from Australia’s most talented guitarists.
This year will be extra special as the Melbourne Guitar Show welcomes UK guitar legend Albert Lee. Lee’s work with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Crickets is renowned within the music world and cemented his place as one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in history. Speaking on Lee’s talent, Eric Clapton enthuses, “(He is) the ultimate virtuoso. His skill is extraordinary and he’s gifted on just about every level,” while Emmylou Harris says, “(Albert Lee) is a brilliant guitar player…his sound is unmistakable, never qualled.” The British-born country-rock artist started his long and illustrious career during the emerging rock ‘n’ roll scene of ‘60s London, when he played in bands with the likes of Jimmy Page and Chris Farlowe. He has received countless accolades for his work, and has been named Guitar Player Magazine’s Best Country Guitarist five times in a row.
The first lineup announcement for #MGS2018 is a big one. Joining Albert Lee is Daniel Champagne, a prolific young guitar virtuoso with the world at his feet, and Jeff Lang, who has been described by Rolling Stone as “Australia’s best roots music artisan.” Melbourne Guitar Show favourites Nick Charles and Shannon Bourne will also be returning this year, alongside some seriously talented women Fiona Boyes, Alison Ferrier, Cat Canteri, Nat Allison and upcoming punk rockers Rackett. Not to mention a whole host of additional artists are set to be announced over the coming weeks.
Drawing over 5,500 guitar lovers and enthusiasts to last year’s exhibit, the Melbourne Guitar Show is growing year on year and is gearing up for the biggest event yet. The voice of the Australian music products industry, the Australian Music Association (AMA) will be teaming up with australianmusician.com.au and presenting sponsors Triple M, 3PBS and Aon to present this year’s guitar-centric weekend. At last year’s MGS, punters not only enjoyed scheduled performances and demos from the awesome artists on the lineup, but also witnessed surprise on-stand appearances from some of Australia’s finest artists, including Ian Moss, Darren Middleton (Powderfinger), Paul Dempsey, Oscar Dawson and Ali Barter. Both the promoters of the show and the exhibitors are constantly wrangling acts right up until the very last minute – and who will be joining the all-star jam this year? Come on down and find out!
Thrilled to present #MGS2018 once again, AMA executive officer and MGS organiser, Rob Walker says, “After an awesome show last year, we’re looking forward to continuing the tradition the show is creating. We’re very pleased to present Albert Lee on his 75th birthday tour, as well as the usual host of wonderful players we present.”
Not only will the 2018 MGS provide a hands-on chance to see, hear and play a broad range of the world’s favourite brands, it will also see exhibitors offering great show deals, plus an opportunity to get close to some hand-crafted, locally made instruments and epic guitar and gear collections. Describing the exciting developments, Rob continues, “Our exhibition welcomes back some big names this year and the learning opportunities are plentiful. If you’re in the market for guitars and gear, great live music from some of the best players. the Melbourne Guitar Show is the place to be.”
The first artist line up announcement includes: Albert Lee, Daniel Champagne, Jeff Lang, Nick Charles, Shannon Bourne, Fiona Boyes, James Ryan, Phil Manning, Nat Allison, Brett Kingman, Alison Ferrier, Cat Canteri, Scott Darlow, Rackett, Van Larkins, Justin Bernasconi, Rohan Stevenson, and more to be announced over the coming weeks.
The Melbourne Guitar Show will be held at Caulfield Racecourse on August 4 and 5.
Tickets are on sale NOW!
Online ticket prices when pre-ordered:: Adult day pass $20, adult weekend pass $30, family day pass $35, concession day pass $10, concession weekend pass $15, premium ticket** $40
MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW DETAILS
SATURDAY AUG 4 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE |10.00am – 6.00pm | TICKETS
SUNDAY AUG 5 | CAULFIELD RACECOURSE | 10.00am – 4.00pm | TICKETS
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