Jack and The Axes - Winners of the Band Competition

Jack and the Axes are an electrifying original blues band out of Newcastle. With powerful vocals and soaring guitar, harp and organ lines, coupled with a solid and spicy rhythm section, you will be blown away by their sound and energy. Although influcenced by artists from John Lee Hooker to Joe Bonamassa, Jack and the Axes have their own unique sound that will make you fall in love with the blues all over again.

Shane Flew and Matt Ross – Winners of the Solo/Duo competition

Shane Flew, singer/songwriter/musician originally from Bowral in the Southern Highlands, has been a regular on the Sydney music scene for more than 45 years. Touring and recording with some of the biggest names in the Australian music industry (QED, The Flood, Troy Cassar-Daley, Normie Rowe, John Williamson, Alex Smith, Graeme Connors), he has covered a wide range of styles including rock ’n’ roll, pop, country, R&B, soul, swing, Celtic, Cajun, Latin and folk. Shane has played and sung on over 40 albums and innumerable jingles and soundtracks as a session musician.

He was nominated for Favourite Harmonica Player at this year’s Sydney Blues Society Awards and has written and released two solo albums in the vein of Blues/Americana. He performs regularly around Sydney with his Blues Band and his Americana Jam Band. His performances reflect his extensive musical experience.

Matt Ross is a professional Australian artist based in Sydney’s Inner West, playing guitar and singing a range of Australian blues, country and soul music. Matt began his musical career playing guitar in bands, and his passion for live performance led him to forge a career in Blues, Soul and Country music.

Nominated for Favourite Male Singer at this year’s Sydney Blues Society Awards, Matt performs as a solo artist around town and with his successful blues band, “The Mavericks.” Matthew showcases 25 years of musical experience, culminating in a performance style that ranges from low-down traditional Delta blues to sweet country and rhythm & blues. He has a comprehensive repertoire of blues and roots, popular covers and original music.