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Location: Melbourne, Australia
Website: Ash Grunwald
Instruments: guitar, vocals
Ash Grunwald is a young musician going places. Born of an African father
and an Australian mother, Ash grew up listening to the songs and myths of
both Africa and Australia. Drawn to the blues from an early age, Ash
learned to play the music of Robert Johnson, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters,
Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, influences that remain a strong part of his
music today. Somewhat later Ash discovered electric blues, soul and funk in
the form of Albert King, Freddie King, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown,
Tony Joe White and Aretha Franklin. These influences lead Ash to form his
first band: the Blue Grunwalds. The Blue Grunwalds released the album
"Groove Cave", which enjoyed healthy sales, local community radio airplay
and favourable reviews in the local press.
In 2001 Ash formed a trio called the Groove Catalysts. The Groove Catalysts
have played every major blues venue in Melbourne and have enjoyed popular
residencies in many of them. In 2001 through 2002, the Groove Catalysts
played at several major outdoor festivals, sharing the stage with well-known
Australian blues acts such as Geoff Achison, Harper,
Collard Greens And Gravy, Chris Wilson, and Lloyd Spiegel.
While Ash's love for the funky groove has kept he and the band working hard,
he has never stopped pursuing his first love-acoustic blues. As a solo
artist, Ash has maintained several residencies over the past few years and
has toured throughout regional Victoria and the east coast of Australia.
In addition to his solo and band gigs, Ash continually involves himself in
side projects. Throughout 2001 Ash played in a duo with Lloyd Spiegel, and
played several shows with Ian Collard (of Collard Greens And Gravy). Ian is
renowned as one of the best harmonica player/singers in the country.
Whether playing his delta influenced, acoustic blues or his funky, electric,
groove-oriented blues, Ash's music retains a style and sound that is truly
his own. His spirited performances combined with excellent musicianship and
truly unique songwriting have made Ash one of Melbourne's most popular new
blues players.
| Title | Date |
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| Introducing Ash Grunwald | 2002 |
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