The Engine Room, from left, Allan Gibson, Dougie McDougall, Richie Langford, Jonno Zwart.
By Kath Gannaway
RICHIE Langford and The Engine Room formed and played their first gig at the Healesville Music Festival in May 2010 and they will be back at Queen’s Park on Saturday 24 March for another great festival.
Since their debut appearance it’s been full steam ahead for the band whose cool mix of swing, shuffle and rockin’ blues will have feet tapping as part of the trademark eclectic line-up of bands the festival has delivered to Healesville audiences in its relatively short history.
It’s that mix of local and ‘imported’ musicians that gives the festival it’s energy and broad appeal and this year will be no different with a line-up that includes Ganga Giri, Lily and King, Fats Wah Wah, Kurt Gentle, David Knight, The Hannafords and The Dukes of Despair.
Ganga Giri heads the bill blending an array of tribal percussion with congas, djembe, bougarabou, Nigerian talking drum, mbira with authentic indigenous moves and Aboriginal dancers, Ganga Giri’s on-stage show is a melting pot unifying many musical genres and cultures.
Lily and King sit somewhere between a captivating ’40s nightclub routine and the raw, rambunctious spirit of New Orleans street buskers.
Fats Wah Wah’s sound has been described as “tough but sensitive” combining elements of delta blues, reggae, country, and free flowing improvisation, with an unerring ear for a hook.
Healesville singer/songwriter Kurt Gentle’s music echos that of artists such as John Butler Trio, Eric Bibb, Newton Faulkner, Bob Marley and The Wailers and Ben Harper.
David Knight is another young musician whose solo acoustic and electric guitar work astounds. Covering a range of styles and genres, the guitar is an entire musical package explored through a wide range of techniques.
TK and Rose are also festival favourites. They first conceived their unique gypsy/jazz/reggae sound on a road trip to Uluru in 2006 and have performed at Glastonbury festival, Strawberry Fair and various gigs throughout Europe.
Popular local duo The Hannafords – Craig and Auriol, have built a strong following around the festival circuit as highly acclaimed songwriters and musicians whose ability to write real songs about real people resonates and entertains.
Healesville Music Festival, a family-friendly free event, will be held at Queen’s Park Sound Shell from 11am to 9pm on Saturday 24 March. Check out website, www.healesvillemusicfestival.com.au.
