Sydney-based The Blues Preachers are heading to Williamstown this Sunday.
The pre-war-style acoustic blues duo of Captain Bluetongue and Brother John are playing at the Way Out West Roots Music Club at Williamstown RSL Club.
Their song about the global financial crisis, Divine justice coming down, captured the attention of Yoko Ono as an entry in the John Lennon songwriting awards.
Captain Bluetongue said the band’s style harked back to America’s Deep South, between 1920 and 1940.
“A lot of the stuff we do is pre-war acoustic blues, which is quite rare; it’s not the electric stuff.
“It’s pretty much finger-style guitar and harmonica acoustic. It’s sort of like the stuff from the 1920s and ’30s.
“We feel like we’re caretakers of that style from people like Mississippi John Hurt and Blind Willie Johnson.
“It’s different from a lot of electric Chicago blues; it’s more like the O Brother, Where Art Thou sound.”
Performing songs about social justice, global warming, peace and reconciliation, Captain Bluetongue says their music has never been more relevant.
“It’s definitely relevant these days with everything that’s going on.
“It just keeps going around in circles, you know. We keep going around in circles and I don’t think going over there and blowing up people and doing all that stuff’s the answer.
“The only way forward for this world is forgiveness and compassion and trying to live together as one, so that’s what we’re going to be trying to sing about with our songs.
“We’ve got a song called The Free Train Agreement, as opposed to the free trade agreement.
“That’s won a few awards, too.
“That song’s all about things that come for free, you know, that the government can’t tax you on, things like love and friendship.”
The gig starts at 2pm. Tickets: $15 or $10 for Way Out West members.
Call Way Out West on 0414 784 221.
