Ian Collard - Swamp Stomp And Boogie (2014)

The title of this debut solo release from one of Australia’s foremost blues artists will give you a good idea of what you are going to get, slow burning swampy blues and stomping boogies inspired by some of his heroes like John Lee Hooker and Dr Ross. The track listing on the CD is split in half, side one has Ian playing in solo mode accompanying himself with his guitar and harmonica with the distant tapping of his foot holding down a steady beat, side two introduces the bass playing of Grant Cummerford and drumming of Jason Liu Soon who ramp everything up a notch compelling you to dance on your coffee table. This is stripped back, gut bucket, country bles performed by some of Australia’s top blues musicians that will take you on a journey between the front porches and Juke Joints from the darkest corners of Mississippi.
Currently as well as his solo work, Ian is also known for his work with Aria award winners Collard Greens and Gravy and more recently Age Music award winners Three Kings, he is also the harmonica player with another of Australia’s leading blues bands,The Backsliders. His harmonica playing is featured on albums by Australian artists, Claire Bowditch, Jeff Lang and Ash Grunwald to name a few and was featured on the Baz Luhrmann international hit “Everybody’s free to wear sunscreen”.