Forthcoming Tours

Touring Australia later this year will be globe-trotting UK minstrel, Gareth Hedges. A student of indigenous music from wherever he travels, this guitarist/vocalist/songwriter has many adventures and stories to relate after exploring over 50 countries. Although reflecting eclectic musical sources in his performances, Hedges specialises in vintage American music, particularly the blues, having spent time with Mississippi Fred McDowell and Son House among others. He also has a profound respect and understanding of other folk idioms such as bluegrass and country. His third CD draws on diverse influences ranging from European and British Isles music to that of the US. Songs by Doc Watson and The Jim Kweskin Jug Band share the spotlight with country blues and Hedges' own evocative compositions.

Blues fans will thoroughly enjoy originals 'Tell Me, Tell Me, Baby', 'Bell Buckle Rag', the Eddie Lang/Lonnie Johnson-inspired 'Lady Luck1, 'Going Where The Sun Shines' and the title track. Also impressive are Big Bill Broonzy's 'Blood Red River', Blind Willie McTell's 'Good: Little Thing' and an uptempo version of McDowell's 'You Gotta Move', Hedges has a knack for adapting to his six and twelve string guitars tunes originally played on instruments like fiddles and banjos. Here he skilfully translates a melody by 17th Century blind harpist Turlough O'Carolan entitled 'Little Hill, Big Hill'. Another impeccable standout is 'Cotton Picking', a tribute to legendary folk artist, Elizabeth Cotton.

Hedges is a well developed guitarist, equally dextrous on various styles from Piedmont to Delta slide and the 45-minute album, recorded partly in England and partly in the USA, contains several instrumentals among the fifteen tracks. His accomplished vocals, though light on passion, are pleasant and easy-on-the-ear in a manner similar to J.J. Cale. Acoustic guitar pickers will appreciate the inclusion in the liner notes of the keys in which the songs are played, together with a track-by-track commentary by the artist. Watch out for this quintessential solo musician when he comes to a festival or venue near you.

Al Hensley - Rhythms Magazine Australia

Following his tour of Ireland earlier this year, Gareth is touring North America during Summer 2003; Australia and New Zealand later in 2003/2004.

Gareth is appearing at:
Blues at Bridgetown Festival, Western Australia, November 2003,
Woodford Folk Festival, Queensland, Australia, December - January 2004
Auckland Folk Festival, NZ, Friday 23rd to Monday 26th January 2004.

A new CD is being recorded for release in 2003.

For further information on dates and venues please e-mail: guitar@gareth-hedges.com