Artists History

Luella
Yemanja'
Owen Grey
Paul Fogarty

Luella

Luella was first brought to my attention by the founding member, and long serving drummer of the legendary 'Blue Heeler Band' Peter Lee. Pete and I have a long
relationship, as the BHB was my touring band for the first two years of my career. Over that time and the years that followed, I have developed a great respect for Pete's choices in young artists.

12 months ago we were talking, and Pete said 'You have to hear this girl I've got fronting the band, she's a coal miner's daughter from Collinsville, and she kicks arse'.
A man of few words, as usual he got it dead right. From the first time I heard Luella open her mouth, I've been a complete fan. Having got to know her better over time, I love and respect her for her no nonsense attitude to both making her music, and life itself.

A prolific writer with plenty to say, check out her take on winning the war, not just the battle, in a love triangle 'Happy Birthday to Me', through to the aching sense of loss on 'Alone'. Also, I thank God for presenting at long last a love song that doesn't involve death, divorce or deceit 'Hey Yeah'...so turn it up loud, and dive into Luellas world. Get used to the turbulence, as this girl is going to be around for a long time.

- James Blundell

Yemanja'

I met the band in staggered progression, Anita first in 1997 as a friendly hippy, selling their van on Market Rd in London after travelling, Europe for a year, Steve was with her then, and I assumed they were a couple. On a night over at their place in Aldgate East, Steve picked up an acoustic, and Anita started to sing. Every hair on the back of my neck stood up. It transpired that Steve was in fact Anitas' brother, and she was in love with an Italian Brazillian, Eddie. Relationships can effect music, so it was with delight that I was introduced to Eddie in 2000, and discovered one of the most naturally talented musicians I have met to date.

These early recordings are extremely raw, and have value as a collectors piece to chart the progress of a group of musicians who I know are going to have a substantial impact on the psyche of their peers. Good music speaks to its' relevant age group before spilling over, and Yemanja` effortlessly depict the joys and frustration of coming of age in a complex modern society. Check out 'Bah Dah Bah' for the strength of a woman determining her place in the world. As for 'Fly Away' I have always teased Anita and Eddie that even if it was unintentional, they have penned one of the great seduction songs of all time!

- James Blundell

Owen Grey

Queensland may be a hell of a long way from Louisiana, the sound of the New Orleans Mardi Gras and Saturday night fish fries but Australian singer-songwriter Owen Gray has drawn on the spirit of The Big Easy for his forthcoming debut album, 'Mumbo Jumbo'.

Inspired by the likes of Dr John, Rickie Lee Jones, The Neville Brothers and Jon Cleary (amongst others) Owen Gray's organic style is a potent mix of Rhythm & Blues, Funk, Soul, Country and Roots music that refuses to be bound by the restrictions imposed on artists in the 21 st century. From the rollicking blues romp of 'Do The Doo' and the joyful piano groove of 'Family Tree' through to the gentle ballads 'Crystal Dreams' and 'If Only You Knew' the album is melting pot of musical styles and rhythmic ingredients which is surprisingly familiar yet refreshingly new at the same time.

A musicians musician who is proficient on bass and guitar as well as piano (his main instrument of choice) Owen has been plying his trade within the confines of the Australian music industry for many years. After establishing a reputation in the country field (including a stint with RCA recording artists Saddletramp) Owen finally found his calling with the release of his blues album 'Hanging At Harv's Joint' in late 2002. Recorded on a 100 year old piano in just under two hours 'Harv's Joint' was a 40 minute snapshot of an artist stripped back to the barest of basics. Sold only at his gigs throughout South East Queensland 'Harv's Joint' was eagerly hunted down by blues fans keen to hear Owen's raw piano licks and gritty vocal stylings. Respected Australian roots music magazine Rhythms managed to get their hands on a copy and said "this recording demonstrates a fully formed blues talent with real depth and originality" whilst comparing Owen to the legendary Champion Jack Dupree.

With all roads leading to the birthplace of the blues Owen figured it was time to listen to the signs and is eagerly anticipating the recording of this project in the coming months.



Paul Fogarty

Queensland-based singer-songwriter and musician Paul Fogarty is an authentic and original talent.

Born and raised on "frighteningly silent" farmlands near Toowoomba, Australia, he wrote his first songs at 15 and has written more than 600 songs since.

He has performed extensively in Europe and Australia since turning his back on a successful journalism career in late 2000. One song from Paul´s debut independent album BREATHE, released in 2001, received widespread radio airplay in Australia after it was included on an ABC Music Australian songwriter compilation in 2002. Paul then recorded his critically acclaimed 2 nd album STAGEFRIGHT which was selected Album Of The Week by ABC Coast FM, and Inside Track - The CD Buyers Guide.

Fogarty then suddenly took off for Europe to get married and perform his original songs. He spent a year based in Germany in 2003 and early 2004, headlining the Stuttgart Henkesfest, the Fellbach Herbstfest, and the International Strassenfest at Sindlefingen as well as playing support for rock legends Status Quo and headlining the famous Songwriter-In-The-Round in Berlin.

Now Paul is back in Australia, working on his third album and performing his "bottomless pit" of new original songs at select venues and festivals.

Paul´s soulful vocal talent and evocative songwriting have impressed music fans, critics and promoters in Germany, Ireland and Australia. His performances draw on influences as diverse as alt-country, blues, folk-rock, jazz and pop. He has performed alongside Joe Camilleri, Karma County, Andy Cowan and Doc Span and headlined at Sydney´s famous Club Acoustica.

His radio airplay track record speaks for itself: every song Paul has recorded and released on his independent albums and on various compilations has been played on FM Radio somewhere in Australia. Paul received the latest nod of recognition for his music in July 2004 when he was invited to perform four of his original songs live across Australia on ABC Radio National´s Music Deli program.

Paul is currently recording tracks for his second album in Sydney with producer Phil Rigger (James Blundell, Tina Arena, John Farnham).