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Hussy Hicks and Friends
On the tiny outdoor Busking Stage at the Australia’s Byron Bay Bluesfest, the irrepressible Hussy Hicks – with help from friends (l-r) guitarist Minnie Marks, rapper Triple Nip, singer Chris E Thomas, and harp player Greg Parker – bring us to tears with their powerhouse performance of Wilsons River Blues/Washed Away (sound clip below); just one example of the cathartic power of music.
Music can serve to both describe our pain and lift us out of it.
For me, the highlights of this year’s annual Easter long weekend Byron Bay Bluesfest were the “story artists”: those musicians whose performances feel personal, and for whom the lyrics are as important as the music.
Hussy Hicks, whom I’ve been watching for many years (eg: Wanders + Hussy Hicks), are a dynamic and compelling duo, comprising the charismatic vocalist and instrumentalist Leesa Gentz and the blistering guitarist Julz Parker. They are often (and currently) backed by Ali Foster on drums and Tracy Stephens on bass. Classed as folk, they are so much more than that: straddling blues, country, rock, and roots. Their songs tell stories – political and personal – and their more popular anthems (eg: Pirate Flag) are requested by their passionate followers every time they perform.
During the horrific 2022 floods around their studio in Lismore in northern New South Wales, Australia, the band lost all their recording equipment, including microphones, pre-amps, and studio monitors (see: ABC News Hussy Hicks). They managed to help a neighbour, before all being rescued by boat. Some of the trauma around this period – and the healing power of community that helped them through it – is written into the songs Wilsons River Blues/Washed Away. Their performance of this, with guitarist Minnie Marks, rapper Triple Nip, singer Chris E Thomas, and Julz’ dad, harp player Greg Parker, on the tiny outdoor Busking Stage was for me the pinnacle of this year’s four day festival.
And, I was lucky to catch it! Fortunately, I was alerted to their performance by the App: the printed program didn’t include the Busking Stage. Naturally, I had already made a point of scheduling their other performances into my plan.
Another example of singing through the pain came from Allison Russell, a Grammy-award winning singer-songwriter (Eve Was Black) and multi-instrumentalist from Canada. She references her traumatic personal childhood experiences in the music she delivers with sweetness and power. She was new to me: I only caught a little of her set in Delta Tent on Day 2 of the festival, and made a point of marking her into my diary for the following day.
Join me for some sound-stories in pictures:
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Friday Morning
We were so lucky this year: we had another beautiful, blue-sky, day as we entered the grounds early on the second day.
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Melody Angel
I have seen this powerhouse blues-rock artist twice before at Bluesfest (see: Blues Women Rock! and Spotlight on International Performers), and she was my first priority on day two this year.
Melody and Bass
The Chicago based blues-guitarist singer-songwriter is a formidable cross between Tina Turner and Jimi Hendrix, with a dash of Prince and Chuck Berry.
Camera Man in Mojo Tent
In The Crossroads
Australian blues musician Ash Grunwald is another story-teller – one whose focus is the protection of the environment and the natural world around us.
That Smile!
I’ve enjoyed Ash before – but it’s been a long time (see: The Local Lineup). His music, his smile, and his comfortable interaction with the audience and his guest performers – his young daughter, and performer Kim Churchill, who I also first saw back in 2016 – reminded me why I loved his performances.
Fanny Lumsden
Next up in the Crossroads was Australian country performer Edwina Margaret Lumsden, professionally known as Fanny. In her pure, sweet voice, she told stories about the hardships and joys of life in the farming communities of remote NSW.
Portrait of Fanny
Her energy was amazing!
In the Delta Tent
On the strength of the write-up in the Bluesfest program, I ducked across to catch a bit of Allison Russell.
Allison Russell
She and her Rainbow Coalition Band blew me away with deceptively sweet and melodic stories of trauma and survival.
Telling her Own Stories
Allison Russell has recorded a number of albums with previous bands, including songs co-written with her with now-husband Jeremy Lindsay (JT Nero) as part of Birds of Chicago. On the Saturday, I enjoyed her full set in Crossroads.
Close-Up of Allison Russell
On Banjo
Much of Allison Russell’s work is classified as Americana. She plays banjo on Eve Was Black, which she co-wrote with JT Nero and which won a Grammy for Best American Roots Performance.
On the Busking Stage
It’s a clear night and getting cool – but Hussy Hicks warm the crowd up quickly. (iPhone15Pro)
Triple Nip and Washed Away
Chris E Thomas with Hussy Hicks
One of the great joys of festivals is the cross-pollination that happens. Performers mix and match and join in with each other.
Leesa Gentz
The next day in the Delta Tent, Leesa lets loose with her soaring vocals.
Dueling Guitars
Two blistering guitarists, solo artist Minnie Marks and Hussy Hicks’ Julz Parker, bounce off each other.
Julz Parker
Julz is an electrifying award-winning guitarist …
Leesa Gentz
… and Leesa delivers soaring vocals.
Greg Parker
Julz’ dad Greg is often invited to play his harp, or add vocals.
Chris E Thomas
Australian singer-songwriter Chris E Thomas adds her voice to Hussy Hick’s Ain’t it a Shame.
Hussy Hicks in Delta
On the Sunday, I have one last opportunity to enjoy my favourite band.
Leesa Gentz and her Rain Shaker
Leesa and Julz
Leesa and Julz play off each other: I suspect that this chemistry is part of why they go from strength to strength.
Meeting the Fans
In the old days, there was a merchandise tent, where you could actually check out the offerings, and a signing tent where selected bands meet with fans. When I asked, I was told: “We haven’t done that for years!” But, Hussy Hicks made the effort to come out and meet people – and I got my latest CD signed. (iPhone15Pro)
Some musicians just connect.
Here’s to the stories …
… and the music!
Pictures: 18April2025
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