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CHAIN no Forty Years Young. |
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Written by Geoff Currey
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Friday, 25 April 2008 |
The originators of `Oz Blues', Chain, have reached a milestone in
2008 as they celebrate 40 years since first forming in 1968.
They are still the only blues band in the world to have a number one
on Australian charts (Black'n'Blue) as well as a number two (Judgement).
Together with singer Matt Taylor another number one (I Remember When I
Was Young) & the double gold album `Toward The Blues' ensured them a
place in rock history.
With `Chain Awards' honouring their achievements at the Australian
Blues Festival (Goulburn) & as the first act listed in the new blues
section of Screensound (National Archives) the accolades still continue.
Founder member/ guitarist Phil Manning & singer/harmonica player Matt
Taylor each have highly successful careers as solo performers, and are
regarded as among the finest exponents of their respective instruments
this country has produced.
Their influence on music in Australia has been immense, and the recent
John Farnham album was titled from Matt Taylor's huge hit song `I
Remember When I Was Young'
Drummer Barry Harvey's spectacular playing amazes audiences
everywhere & together with the powerful drive of bassist Dirk Dubois,
form the engine that motors the band through all their hits from the
seventies to more recent Chain hits such as Spring Hill.
Their new material retains the earthiness of the 70's while including
the insights and musicality expected from a lifetime of experience in
the blues genre. These songs feature on their latest album titled
`Sweet Honey', and continue the tradition of `Oz-Blues'.
Chain live is a great entertainment experience, and with four decades
of albums & performances under their belt, it doesn't get any better
than this!
Chain will play Perth Blues club on the 29th of April @ Charles Hotel,
Leapold Hotel May 2nd, Civic Hotel May 3rd, Ravenswood Hotel May 4.
Matt can be contacted by phone 92711612.
"Chain's influence on Australian music has been enormous.
They are renowned for their onstage chemistry and for being
unafraid to admit
their Australianess." - Rolling Stone magazine. |
