By PETER DOUGLAS
AN EMERGING musical brotherhood will be soon on show for the folk-rock fans in the Yarra Ranges.
After performing with some of the music world’s finest artists, including Bob Dylan and Nick Cave, Hills local Matt Walker is preparing to team up with his ‘musical brother’ Neil Murray.
The pair will play a show at the Who Club in Warburton on Saturday, 13 February.
Walker and Murray only met last year after a chance meeting at a Sydney gig, but since then formed a close musical bond, which they are keen to share with local audiences.
Walker said their musical styles just seemed to click.
“We only crossed paths recently, just by chance, but I’d been a fan of Neil’s work for some time,” he said.
“We performed together and just got a great vibe going.
“His music traditionally has a great rhythm section that really drives the music, it seems to complement my work.”
Walker said the collaboration had seen them push each other in new directions.
“Neil plays a Gretsch semi-acoustic which is really distinctive.
“He’s also been encouraging me to play more lap steel (guitar), which I haven’t done in many years.”
The musicians will both play solo, as well as together, and are planning to treat audiences with some new collaborative material.
Raised in the Hills, Walker knows the local music scene as well as anyone.
He first picked up a guitar at age 14 and spent much of his musical formative years at the Selby Folk Club.
This passion soon evolved into 11 solo albums, countless shows and festivals, not to mention his work with acclaimed group, Lost Ragas.
In the band, Walker plays guitar and shares vocal duties with Shane Reilly (pedal steel guitar), while Roger Bergodaz features on the bass guitar and Simon Burke on the drums.
Walker said the Who Club’s renowned intimacy would provide an incredible experience for both the audience and musicians.
