Music Style blues

Musical Influences blues, funk,

Similar Artists Junior Kimberough, Son House,

Artist History Melbourne based singer, songwriter, guitarist Ash Grunwald is a unique modern blues artist. From the soulful acoustic blues of his solo shows to the funky blues infused grooves of his band, the Groove Catalysts, Ash's music retains trademark stunning vocals, soulful guitar work, captivating showmanship and unique songwriting. Born of an African father and Australian mother, Ash grew up listening to songs, myths and stories of the Austrlain bush and the African Jungle. Ash was drawn to the blues from an early age and learned to play the music of Robert Johnson, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Buddy guy and Junior wells. These influences are a strong part of Ash's solo acoustic show today. Later Ash became interested in electric blues and funk, listening to Albert King, Freddie King, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, James Brown, Tony Joe White and Aretha Franklin. These influences lead Ash to form his first band the Blue Grunwalds. The Blue Grunwalds released Groove Cave, which enjoyed healthy sales, community radio airplay (RRR, PBS, 3CR) and favourable reviews in the street press. "…that's S-O-U-L… Forget Lenny Kravitz, the Blue Grunwalds are fresher, sexier and oh so cooler" Shane O'donohue Inpress In 2001 Ash formed a trio called the Groove Catalysts. The Groove Catalysts have played in every major blues venue in Melbourne and have had residencies at the Rainbow Hotel (known as the best blues venue in Melbourne), and the Esplanade Hotel (Melbourne's biggest band venue). The Groove Catalysts have played at several outdoor festivals including 'Music by the Bay', The 'Garden Groovin series', and the 'annual St Arnaud rage', and have shared bills with legends of Australian blues such as Geoff Achison, Peter Harper, Collard Greens and Gravey, Chris Wilson, and Lloyd Spiegel.   While Ash's love for low down funky grooves has kept the band working hard, he has never stopped pursuing his first love - acoustic blues. As a solo artist, Ash has maintained several residencies over the past few years and has toured regional Victoria and the east coast of Australia. In addition to his solo and band gigs, Ash has been involved in several side projects. Throughout 2001 Ash has played in a duo with the highly talented singer, songwriter guitarist of international acclaim Lloyd Spiegel. Ash has also played several shows with Aria award winner Ian Collard. Ian is renowned as one of the best harmonica player/singers in the world. In 2001 Ian's band Collard, Greens and Gravey won the Australian blues performer of the year contest which took them to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Contest where they achieved a landmark second placing out of 50 bands from America and around the globe. Ash has performed live to air on community radio (RRR, PBS, 3CR), appeared several times on TV (Channel 31) and performed as a feature artist at the 2001 VicTas blues awards. Whether playing his delta influenced, acoustic blues or his funky, electric, groove oriented blues, Ash's music retains a style and sound that is truly his own. His spirited performances combined with excellent musicianship and truly unique songwriting have made Ashone of Melbourne's hottest new blues players. email us at ashgrunwald@live.com.au

Instruments Guitar, Vocals, stomp box

Location Melbourne, Victoria - Australia

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