From the seminal sonic grunge pop of Brokenhead to his current new country sounds, Waz has been recording and releasing music, both independently and through established record labels, for over 10 years and has consistently toured Australia playing major cities as well as the renowned country festival at Tamworth.
The new CD, WATERMELON, is out now on Gravel Road Records and available through WJO Distribution - click here.
Download press releases for Waz and Gravel Road Records, high resolution images of Waz and the band and EPS files of band and label logos.
Calling it his "second home", legendary country rock guitarist and former leader of The Flying Burrito Brothers, John Beland, will be returning to Australia in September to produce the Waz E. James Band. This marks John's first return to Australia in 8 years.
For over three decades John has shuttled between Australia and the USA, producing and recording behind many Oz country artists such as Bec Willis, Michael, King, Kel-Anne Brandt, Marg Manfield, Shayne Parley, Michael O'Rourke, Chris Webbe, Diana Woods, Lee Conway and Brian Cadd.
Besides his long recording history in Australia, John has also toured the country extensively as a solo artist,and with his band the Flying Burrito Brothers. He's also hosted several songwriting workshops, as well as guitar clinics throughout the coastal region.
John's credits are truly amazing, having recorded and written for such major stars as Kris Kristofferson, Linda Ronstadt, Ricky Nelson, Dolly Parton, Kim Carnes, Bobby Bare, Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, the Bellamy Brothers, Brian Cadd and many more.
Says John, "Waz and the boys have a style of music that's right up my alley. They remind me of all the great singer songwriter artists that sprang out of LA in the early 70's, such as Little Feat, The Burritos, Ry Cooder etc. I'm very excited about this project, and to be returning to a country I truly love."
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UPCOMING
gigs:
JULY
Sunday 31 July 2011
From 7.30pm
The STANDARD HOTEL
203 Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy VIC
SEPTEMBER
Sunday 16 September 2011
5.00pm - 7.00pm
LABOUR IN VAIN
197a Brunswick Street, Fitzroy VIC
OCTOBER
Sunday 18 September 2011
Waz & The Band
7.00pm - 8.00pm
Den Hanrahan & The Roadsiders
8.30pm - 9.30pm
The RETREAT HOTEL
28 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC
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Tuesday Residency at
CLAYPOTS BAR
213 Barkly Street, St.Kilda VIC
Waz and Guests
Waz and his band, bassist Scooter Owen and percussionist Dave Major plus guitar regulars Peter Fidler and Dave Moll, have established themselves as one of Melbourne's more popular pub bands, rocking venues with their own blend of country rock. The bands popularity has been growing steadily over the last two years and their high energy acoustic driven country blues has been catching the attention of punters throughout Australia.
The new CD, Watermelon, has Waz and the now renowned rhythm section that forms the main band joined in the studio by lap steel virtuoso, Peter Fidler. Completing the all star line up, is one of Melbourne's best country guitarists and pianists, Dave Mole.
Waz's own skillfull blending of the edgy and raw style honed in the grunge scene with his traditional knowledge of acoustic instrumentation showcases the guitar playing savvy of a seasoned performer.
The songs on this album have raised the bar yet again and stand out tracks, The Plainsman, Back Again and Long Time Coming, show the maturity and understanding of a true country rock balladeer. With a strong desire to emulate the songwriting prowess of artists such as Delbert McClinton, Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale, this recording sees a maturation in his songwriting style.
