jakarta international blues festival 2010

Bluebird & Skoko

R.R. Bluebird and Elena Skoko are a buzzing combination of deep Chicago blues and dirty rock’n’roll energy guided by the spirit of Screaming Jay Hawkins, Billie Holiday, Muddy Waters, The Cramps, and all those artists inspired by the fire inside. Their music is the expression of passion for music and lust for life. They sing and play from the guts, guided by that mysterious creature called Mojo. Their first album together “Trust Your Mojo, Sista”, was recorded in Bali and mastered at the Abbey Road Studios.

R.R. Bluebird grew up in Chicago under the wing of the great Junior Wells. Since 1975 he has blown his harp with Chicagoans from Sammy Lawhorn to Eddy Taylor and from Phil Guy to Valerie Wellington. He jammed with Muddy Waters and opened for him for his entire 1980 Italian tour. He played with Dr. John (with whom he recorded one of his own songs), John Kalb, Bill Dicey, Alexis Korner, the Sun Ra Orchestra, and many more. In 1982, one of his songs won a platinum record in South America. His songs have been included in numerous compilations in Europe and America. Bluebird has been followed by the music press and European TV stations since the beginning. His latest version of the song “Johnny B. Goode” received five stars from independent radio stations in the USA.

Elena Skoko a.k.a. Sugar Babe, born in Croatia (ex Yugoslavia), as little girl got the kick for Elvis Presley and grew up on Nina Hagen, Sex Pistols, Sonic Youth, Pixies, Siouxsie and The Banshees, The Cramps, The Stooges and all those punks. She’s been hitting the Italian indie rock scene in the ’90s with her anger, passion and outrageous stage performances. She released three albums with her band CUT and sang for Timoria. Playing psycho-rock’n’roll, Skoko and her band shared the stage with Royal Trux, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, The Hives, and many more. Recently she recorded the song “Watching Ya,” released by the Italian record label Suoni di Jato and turned on to more quiet but deep and muddy waters of Billie Holiday, Anita O’Day and all the ladies singing the blues. She’s been using various forms of art to explore the many sides of her soul, from video to poetry, from performance to photography, travelling all around the planet when she met Bluebird and said to him: “I want to sing the blues” – “Trust Your Mojo, Sista” is the outcome.

Gary Clark Jr.

Gary Clark Jr. began playing guitar at the ripe young age of 12. Born and raised in Austin, TX, Gary continued to play small gigs through his early teens until one day he was noticed by the legendary Clifford Antone, owner of the notable Austin blues club Antone’s. Through the connections made by Clifford within his club, Gary soon was sitting in and learning from various musical icons, including the incomparable Jimmie Vaughn. Through the mentoring of Jimmie and others within the Austin music community, Gary began to receive much critical acclaim from both his musical peers and the Austin community as a whole.. At one point, the mayor of Austin proclaimed May 3, 2001 Gary Clark Jr. Day.

Gary went on to win the Austin Music Award for Best Blues and Electric Guitarist on three separate occasions, as well as awards from Blues magazines and associations throughout the country. After playing the nationally televised Austin City Limits and touring with the likes of artists such as Jimmie Vaughn, Pinetop Perkins, and Doyle Bramhall, he continued his performance career by releasing three self-produced albums and scoring the major motion picture “Full Count.” He also starred in a principal role in the John Sayles film “Honeydripper” alongside distinguished actors such as Danny Glover and Stacey Keach. Gary is currently in the final stages of completing his fourth full length release album, as well as looking forward to playing the 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival hosted by Eric Clapton.

Kim Mok Kyung

Kim Mok Kyung as a leading blues guitarist and vocalist in Seoul Korea, has known as a stunning musician in asia and world wide.
His mUsic is based on traditional blues forms with various elements from rock and country music.

He has led blues bands for over two decades now, during which time has released six solo albums and been peforming continously at various venue.
In May 2003, was invited to perform for 3 days at the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis TN.

There he was good enough to perform with such artist as ZZ Top, Clarence Gatemouth Brown, Joe Cocker, Willie Nelson, Bob Margolin, SteveWinwood and Sheryl Crow.

Kevin Borich

With a professional career spanning 30 years, Kevin Borich has done it all.
Beginning with the LA- DE- DA’S in New Zealand, writing the classic hit `Gonna See My Baby Tonight’, to his KEVIN BORICH EXPRESS and The PARTY BOYS, Kevin has performed at some of the biggest Rock events Australia has seen.

SUNBURY and the ROCKARENAS in the 70’s with 60,000 people, featuring FLEETWOOD MAC, SANTANA (with whom he was invited onstage to play with) and THE LITTLE RIVER BAND. 2 New Years Eve celebrations at the Sydney Opera House with 70,000 people, telecast live, nationally and internationally to Japan, at that time, a first! Numerous support shows for international acts, ELTON JOHN, STATUS QUO, JEFF BECK and BUDDY GUY to name a few.

From your local to the big events, Kevin has carved out a revered reputation in the Australian Music Industry, performing his music with a youthful exuberance – giving extra meaning to the word LONGEVITY.

Kevin has played and recorded with artists such as Renee’ Geyer `Blues License’ – Dutch Tilders `The Blues Had a Baby ‘- Richard Clapton `Prushan Blue’, Joe Walsh and The Party Boys, of which Kevin was a founding member.

Jammed with Carlos Santana on two of his tours, also with Bo Didley, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple), Ron Wood (Rolling Stones), John Mayall, Taj Mahal, Living Colour.
Overseas tours and tours with Jimmy Barnes, Renee’ Geyer and Mark Hunter, have added spice to his career.

Kevin is well known for his high energy electric guitar style. At the Gimme Ted Benefit Concert for Ted Mulry, Kevin’s performance was hailed throughout the music industry as world class. A Borich show leaves his audience pleading for more, as seen at the Eastcoast Roots & Blues Music Festival Byron Bay, Thredbo Blues Festival and dozens more.

Kevin starred in the hugely successful 18 ‘Sold Out’ Australia wide ‘Long Way To The Top’ 2002 arena concerts. 2003 and Kevin, alongside Tony Joe White, John Mayall and Ray Charles (in that order) performed the Melbourne International Music & Blues Festival. In recognition of Kevin’s contribution to Australian music and blues culture he was inducted into the Australian Blues Foundation Hall of Fame. 2004 and more gigs, more touring, more festivals and a new CD – Nomad.

Kevin includes a 1930’s National Steel acoustic guitar in his show. This “laid-back” acoustic style is a very well received addition to Kevin’s performance on a selection of electric guitars, including his Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Firebird slide guitar.

Kevin is touring with his Express, playing material from his extensive catalogue. Some of which was re-released on CD by Festival (Kevin Borich – Collection) and EMI (Kevin Borich – Goin Down Town, a double pack of the Kevin Borich Express first two albums, `Celebration’ and `Lonely One’).

Due to popular demand, Kevin has independently produced and released his CDs.
`Live at the Big Kahuna’ – a blues-based double live CD which shows Kevin’s versatile guitar style.
’Heart Starter’ – strong powerful and sensitive playing from guys who have tons of cred, Harry Brus (bass) and John Annas (drums) and on 2 tracks Kevin’s son Lucius Borich (drums).
‘Nomad’ – a mighty experience of the combined musical talents of KB, Lucius Borich (drums and bass) and Mark Kennedy (drums and percussion) and Harry Brus (bass).

Kara Grainger

Grainger’s voice has always been strong and sweet, and on this recording, it’s exquisite. Her phrasing is profoundly good and the musicianship, which nearly crowns Steely Dan heights of excellence, is damn fine too.” – Grand and Green River 4 STARS – M.A.G. June 2008

Imagine this artist: classic songwriting skills, smooth sultry vocals, and the ability to whip up a storm with a fiery slide guitar. Very few can boast this set of trump cards, but it just happens to be the hand dealt to Australian singer, songwriter and guitarist Kara Grainger, who exhibits an effortlessly seductive and modern take on roots, blues and soul music.

With inspiration from greats like Ry Cooder, Mavis Staples and John Lee Hooker, Kara’s warm and accessible style is perfectly captured on her debut full-length record, GRAND AND GREEN RIVER. On the album, Kara sings of love, loss and heartache across a rich palette of swamp-blues, contemporary folk and fresh soul-pop grooves. It’s a captivating blend of sounds – big on swagger, sugar and spice – and comes packed with passionate storytelling and provocative guitar work from a simply stunning entertainer.

GRAND AND GREEN RIVER was produced by David Kalish (Rickie Lee Jones, Ben Harper) mostly at Village Studios and Red Star in LA, and features additional production from Barrie Maguire, whose most recent work includes the last two Amos Lee albums. The album also showcases some of America’s most celebrated musicians, including blues/jazz guitarist Eric Johnson, Reggie McBride (Stevie Wonder, John Lee Hooker), Jeff Young (Jackson Browne) Richie Hayward (Little Feat), Arnold McCuller (James Taylor), and Grammy Award winning pianist Joel Guzman (Los Lobos).

Kara’s debut record also includes a fantastic duet with Amos Lee himself. “On My Way” co-written by Kara, David Kalish and SLIM, was chosen by Lee for its funky rhythm and infectious lyrical outlook. How did the collaboration come about? Amos was recording down the hall, he and Kara hit it off, and the rest is history.

The calibre of talent working with Kara Grainger indicates how steadily her career is rising. Since relocating to LA from Sydney in 2005, Kara has showcased at the 2006, 2007 and 2008 International Folk Alliance Conference in Austin and Memphis. She’s also played regularly at Austin’s famous Continental Club and at Hollywood’s legendary House of Blues opening for guitarist Eric Johnson and fellow Australian singer (and actor) Russell Crowe.

Of course, Kara’s ascent has not come out of nowhere. Growing up in Australia, she spent the latter half of the 1990’s as lead vocalist and guitarist with successful Sydney-based blues outfit, Papa Lips – which became a regular fixture and audience favourite at Sydney’s premiere music venue, The Basement.

Alongside her brother, acclaimed harmonica player Mitch Grainger, Kara and Papa Lips enjoyed a quintessentially Australian experience. Fuelled by national ABC Radio play for their two albums (HARMONY and HIGH TIME NOW) the band toured up and down the sun drenched beach towns of Australia’s east coast in an old Tarago van. They blew away audiences, soaked up the outdoor lifestyle, and notched up experience at all the significant blues and folk festivals along the way (Woodford Folk Festival, East Coast Blues & Roots Festival).

With the band’s name change in 2000 to Grainger, an EP was recorded, featuring Kara’s title track, “Sky is Falling” with producer Harry Vanda (ACDC, The Easy Beats) and the band continued to tour the country, with an acclaimed live performance aired on Country Music Television (CMT).

Then during her stint as guitarist-vocalist for the ‘Steve Prestwich Band’ (from legendary Australian band Cold Chisel), Kara was also featured in both the ABC-TV series “Live at The Basement” and the group’s extended DVD release.

The title track from her “Secret Soul” EP has also been played across Australian radio, on BBC Radio 2 in the UK, and was even a finalist in Billboard’s 2005 international songwriting competition.

So what drives Kara Grainger? In short, she has an unflinching desire to express herself combined with a daily dedication to her craft. In person, she exudes the depth, grace and authenticity, which really set her apart from others. Of the songwriting process, Kara says, “While many of my songs are framed in tales of hardship and heartbreak, they’re really representative of life’s spiritual challenges, and for me, a quest for the ultimate truth. It’s very healing when the right words come for a song, so much so that when I sing them, it’s like something is finally resolved.”

One listen to GRAND AND GREEN RIVER is evidence that Kara Grainger is a major new talent with something to say. Standout tracks include Kara’s emotionally charged “Sky is Falling”, which was written after a catastrophic fire and a relationship break-up, and a smoking version of Charlie Terrell’s “I Dreamed I Was the Devil” complete with gangsta organ and stirring vocals.

The album evokes the spirit of early Bonnie Raitt and the New Orleans styled R&B of Little Feat. But importantly, it delivers in spades Kara’s own fresh blend of blues, soul, contemporary folk and pop. Go on; get hooked on Kara Grainger today.

2008 has seen Kara as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition for her song On My Way and her song Secret Soul received honourable mention in the Billboard Songwriting Competition last year. Kara retuned to Oz in May to release her album and did a 20 date tour supporting blues/folk guitarist Jeff Lang

Soulmate

SOULMATE Inspired by the roots and groove sounds of the Blues,Blues-rock,Soul,Rock ‘n Roll, Funk and R&B,SOULMATE came together in Shillong,in February 2003 playing their first concert at the ‘Roots Festival at the Water Sports Complex in Umiam. Since then the band has performed many concerts all over The Northeast as well as in different parts of India. They have also performed at the International Jazzmandu Festival in Kathmandu for three years…2004, 2005 and 2009.

Anyone with an interest in the western music scene in India will recognize singer/songwriter Rudy Wallang, who leads this tight knit musical unit. Born into music, he grew up listening to his father Toto Wallang making music and he started singing and playing the ukulele at a very tender age eventually graduating to the guitar. Today, Rudy is one of the foremost singer / songwriter / blues guitar players in the country with a long musical history having been part of the well known blues rock acts, Great Society & Mojo

The beautiful and talented vocalist and rhythm guitarist of SOULMATE is Tipriti ‘Tips’ Kharbangar who has earned a name as one of the finest female singers to have emerged out of Shillong and India as a whole! If there is one thing Tip’s is happy doing it is singing and reflecting this, she vocalizes with a joy and exuberance that is unmatched and original. She started out singing gospel songs at the local church choir and is now drawn to the Blues, Soul, Jazz and listens to Aretha Franklin, Billy Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, Nina Simone and B.B.King, Van Morrison, Jimmy Hall, Susan Tedeschi.

They have released 2 albums, the first being ‘SHILLONG’ and the 2nd Album,’ MOVING ON” was released by Blue Frog Records in June 2009. Soulmate have played numerous gigs all over India as well as in Kathmandu, France(Billy Bobs’ in Disneyland Village), USA(23rd and 26th INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGES for 2007&2010 as well as in Colorado and Rhode Island) and in Singapore(MOSAIC MUSIC FESTIVAL). They are looking forward to touring Europe and Canada sometime in the middle of this year.

Tips recently won the BEST FEMALE VOCALIST for 2009, in the recently concluded Jack Daniels Rock Awards and Rudy won the BEST GUITAR PLAYER for 2009.

When often asked by people, why they chose the Blues…their answer has been…”we didn’t choose the Blues…..the Blues chose us”!

Soulmate would like to use their talent not only to entertain, but also to help society in whatever way they can, through their music. Their influences range from Toto Wallang,Sheila Wallang,The Beatles, Elvis Presley,Albert Collins, Steve Gaines, Buddy Guy,Jimi Hendrix, Roy Buchanan,George Harrison, Albert King,B.B King,Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Janis Joplin to Van Morrison, Etta James, Susan Tedeschi,Johnny ‘GUITAR’ Watson, Rory Gallagher, Hank Marvin, Bob Dylan, Jack Pearson, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, Jeff Beck,Allman Brothers, Jimmy Hall, Frank Zappa,Willie Dixon, Rory Block, Rory Gallagher, Peter Green,Mojo,The Great Society!!

Matt Schofield

British guitarist Matt Schofield is widely regarded as one of the most distinctive and innovative players to have emerged on the blues scene for several generations. He is rated in the top ten British blues guitarists of all time (Guitar and Bass Magazine) putting the young Mr. Schofield in the company of such iconic names as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Peter Green, among others.

In his relatively short career Schofield’s prowess as a blues guitarist has resulted in he and his band performing in twelve countries; seen him playing with the more recent iconic guitarists like Robben Ford and Derek Trucks, among others; and brought him high praise in the Penguin Book of Blues Recordings as one of only two living British artists in recording history to gain a maximum four-star rating. He has performed numerous live sessions for national and regional BBC radio stations, XM Satellite radio, and national broadcasters throughout Europe. Matt is now setting his focus on delivering his brand of British Blues to the USA and Canada.

Ana Popovic

Ana Popovic is born in the old town of Belgrade, formerly Yugoslavia, the first daughter of Milutin and Vesna Popovic. Five years later their second daughter, Maja, is born. Ana grows up in a warm and loving family where music is very important. Her father Milutin is a creditable guitar / bass player, always inviting friends for nightly jam sessions. In this atmosphere Ana grows up, often listening to her father’s impressive blues and soul record collection. Finally, at 15, Ana picks up her father’s guitar.

In October of 2000, Ana travels to Memphis to record her first release for Ruf Records. Titled ‘Hush’! after her first band, the release is produced by Jim Gaines (whose production credits include Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan). ‘Hush!’ is released at the beginning of 2001. It is a period with many highlights as Ana’s younger sister, Maja, enrols at the higher Professional school of Art in Utrecht. Ana joins various artists including Bernard Allison, Eric Burdon, Walter Trout, Popa Chubby, Jimmy Thackery, Taj Mahal and Buddy Miles on a Jimi Hendrix tribute CD: ‘Blue Haze’. Her contribution is a version of Hendrix’ ‘Belly Button Window’. In 2001 Ana appears as ‘special guest’ on tour with Bernard Allison, who also joins her on one track of her CD ‘HUSH!’

Pre sale Rp 75.000/hari sampai dengan 31 agustus 2010 dan Reguler Rp 100.000/hari

for information and contact:

• Ruby:  02194218392 081908260107
• Yara: 08129968851
• Feby: 02175904943

Ticket Box :

• Purwacaraka Music Studio : Jl. Anggur 2 No. 1, Cipete Jakarta Selatan Tlp. (021)7505943 -  (021)75912022
• Rajakarcis.com
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