The lineup for Australia’s Bluesfest is complete, with John Forgerty joining the top of the bill.
Other late additions to the Easter event include Ziggy Marley, David Bromberg, Canned Heat and veteran soul/gospel singer, Candi Staton.
In truth, the top of the bill is a little disappointing by Bluesfest’s lofty standards – Crosby Stills and Nash, Earth Wind and Fire, and The Who’s Roger Daltrey, in addition to Fogerty. (How could they top Bob Dylan, whose appearance last year was greeted like the Second Coming?)
The names in big letters also continue a trend to nostalgia, for which the promoters have copped some criticism.
Across the board, however, Bluesfest is what it has been for years – an eclectic mix of blues and roots music, plus pop and, occasionally, a little jazz.
For fans of Americana/alt country, the festival offers a stunning array of top drawer acts – John Hiatt, Lucinda Williams, Eilen Jewell, Steve Earle, Justin Townes Earle, The Jayhawks, and My Morning Jacket.
Eilen Jewell (who stunned Australian audiences on her brief 2010 tour), The Jayhawks and My Morning Jacket all make their Bluesfest debut.
For electric guitar freaks, fest stalwart Buddy Guy is back, along with younger bluesmen Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Then there’s Zappa Plays Zappa and G3 – Steve Lukather, Joe Satriani and Steve Vai.
Folkies include The Pogues and Newfoundland’s Great Big Sea.
Trombone Shorty – one of the standouts of the 2011 Bluesfest – makes a welcome return. He’ll be battling for jazz funk bragging rights with the great Maceo Parker.
Trombone Shorty and Tim McFatter (sax) at Bluesfest 2011
Bluesfest – Tyagarah NSW Australia, 5th-9th April 2012
