Seven International Artists Join The Bluesfest 2022 Lineup!

GEORGE BENSON

Since 1977, George Benson, an American icon for being part of the electric guitar revolution which changed music and popular culture forever, has won 10 Grammy Awards – and has been nominated for an additional 15. His wins include Record of the Year for “This Masquerade” (1977), Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Breezin'” (1977) and “Mornin'” (2007), Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “On Broadway” (1979) and “Give Me the Night” (1981), and Best R&B Instrumental Performance for “Theme From Good King Bad” (1977) and “Off Broadway” (1981).

Following the success of his Quincy Jones-produced pop album ‘Give Me the Night’ in 1980, George Benson’s string of pop hits includes “Love All the Hurt Away,” “Turn Your Love Around,” “Inside Love,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” from his 1985 album ’20/20′. His current album, ‘Weekend In London’, was recorded live at the legendary Ronnie Scotts Club. Check it out and get a live snapshot of this giant and his amazing catalogue of songs and virtuosity.

His show will feature his repertoire of hits as well as a selection of Fats Domino and Chuck Berry classics. Don’t miss this world-class act in 2022!

MORCHEEBA

Undeniably Bluesfest favourites and with a music career spanning millions of albums sold worldwide Morcheeba are making a welcome return to Bluesfest this April, with added touring dates in Melbourne and Sydney.  Having defined the ‘chill out’ genre with tracks like ‘The Sea’, ‘Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day’ and ‘Otherwise’, there are few people worldwide who cannot sing along to their beloved anthems of a genre-defying era. The leading lady of Morcheeba, Skye Edwards, has one of the most recognised voices on the planet.

Hearing her smooth, effortless tone teamed with Ross Godfrey’s psychedelic guitar is an unforgettable, spellbinding experience. They’ll be featuring tracks from ‘Blackest Blue’, their 10th studio album which delves into the soul of the band’s genre-mashing musical heritage. “Blackest Blue is about finding a way through the darkest of times and emerging the other side changed but intact”. Get ready to bliss out as the true Morcheeba phenomenon unfolds on stage.

THE WAILERS

Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett promised Bob Marley on his deathbed to ‘keep The Wailers together’ and he made it his life’s dedication. Today, carrying on the mission are legitimate members of The Wailers, children-of-legends and a host of immensely talented musicians featuring Aston Barrett Jr, guitarists Donald Kinsey (Wailer), Wendel ‘Junior Jazz’ Ferraro and Owen ‘Dreadie’ Reid (Wailer), saxophonist Glen Dacosta (Wailer) and keys king Tyrone Downie (Wailer) and Andres Lopez: all help shape that classic sonic identity. Dennis Thompson, the engineer who was there from the very beginnings of the band and vocalists Anne-Marie Thompson and Tamara Barnes contribute to this unique melting pot, both classic and excitingly fresh at the same time – the classic Wailers musical identity. It truly is a lineup of reggae royalty!

Last Year The Wailers released their album ‘One World’, the first new music from the band in over 25 years. ‘One World’ includes The Wailers’ most recent single “One World, One Prayer”, produced by 19 x Grammy Award winner, Emilio Estefan, and co-written by Emilio Estefan alongside Aston Barret Jr and Josh David Barrett. The tracks on this project blend together generations of reggae music to sound current and modern while still being familiar to fans. Experience a real slice of musical history and heritage from those who keep the flame of Bob Marley burning strong. The Wailers will perform different albums from Bob Marley and The Wailers on each of their four nights plus the greatest hits.

AMADOU & MARIAM

Having influenced the likes of Four Tet and Jamie xx, get your dancing shoes ready for some bangin’ Afro-pop beats from Amadou & Mariam. For the past forty-odd years, Amadou & Mariam have managed to joyfully combine their love story with a musical career while becoming discreetly but surely, the most famous ambassadors for Malian music and African music, with their album ‘Welcome to Mali’ being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album in 2008.

Having worked with a variety of different producers and artists including Damon Albarn, Manu Chao, Santigold, Miike Snow and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs the duo has brought African music to the charts and the dance floor. This tenaciously positive musical duo is one of a kind paying heed to Mali’s hallmark repetitive beat, yet clearly distinct, giving voice to their country’s pain, its hopes and its stories. Expect synthesised sounds, cultural commentary and experimental beats on this unmissable show at Bluesfest next Easter Long Weekend!

THE WAR & TREATY

Often referred to as the discovery act from Bluesfest 2019, there was no doubt in our minds but to bring The War and Treaty  back to Bluesfest as soon as possible and at the same time to share their incredible talent with people across Australia! While their back story is romantic and emotional, they have been paying music dues for a long time. Having both been gifted with incredible voices, the couple also have a natural talent for storytelling through song, a bluesy but joyful fusion of Southern soul, gospel, country, and rock-and-roll.

Known for a live show nearly revival-like in intensity, the husband-and-wife team of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter endlessly create an exhilarating exchange of energy with their audience. Their latest album ‘Hearts Town’ which is the Nashville duo’s adoring nickname for their ardently devoted fanbase.

CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM

Since the release of ‘Kingfish’ in 2019 – his Grammy-nominated Alligator Records debut – guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram has quickly become the defining Blues voice of his generation. The album debuted on the Billboard Blues Chart in the #1 position and remained on the chart for an astonishing 91 weeks, receiving a Grammy Award nomination, and achieving the #1 Best Blues Album Of 2019 & 2021 by UK music magazine MOJO.

The now 22-year-old Christone has already headlined two national tours and performed with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell and Buddy Guy (with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits).  When the pandemic halted live performances and forced him to take stock, he began writing songs for his next album, ‘662’. The number 662 is the telephone area code for Ingram’s northern Mississippi home, and it first came into use the same year he was born—1999.

With his eye-popping guitar playing and his reach-out-and-grab-you-by-the-collar vocals, CHRISTONE “KINGFISH” INGRAM performs every song with unmatched passion and precision.

CORY HENRY

Bringing their unique soul, jazz and gospel music – Cory Henry and his band will bless Australia with their debut appearance at Bluesfest and tour dates in Sydney and Melbourne.  Cory Henry is among modern music’s most inventive minds. While mastering multiple instruments at a young age, he dominated the stage as a former member of Snarky Puppy. He has worked with Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean, J. Cole, Vulfpeck, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Randolph, The Roots, Marcus Miller, Michael McDonald, Ty Dolla $ign and many more, but it’s as head of his own band that his stardom has soared, performing in cities and festivals around the world including Okeechobee, Electric Forest, North Sea Jazz and Love Supreme Festival… get ready Bluesfesters!