The Dillion James Band is a blues collective of multi-instrumentalists originating from Brisbane. Although the group’s roots lay inherently within the blues, their original fusion draws from a wide range of musical influences.
The band’s unique and open approach to blues is consistently heard throughout their debut album Tone Baked Goodness (released in March 2011), which is currently enjoying considerable national airplay with its inclusion at number 4 in the Australian Blues/Roots Radio Airplay Charts. The band also received the accolade of winning the BASEQ (Blues Association of South-East Queensland) 2010 Blues Performers of the Year award.
DJB formed almost three years ago after an impromptu jam session at Brisbane’s Indigenous Art Gallery. Over the following twelve months experimentation ensued as an eclectic mix of musicians honed a sound destined to carve its own niche within the Australian blues arena.
After a number of well-received gigs, the door was opened for them to perform at the Brisbane Blues Festival. One year on and DJB are introducing packed audiences around Australia to their stimulating blend of blues and roots.
Deeply rooted in the blues and demonstrating a musical maturity far exceeding his years, Dillion has frequently been invited to augment the lineup of established Australian blues bands Mojo Webb and Blind Lemon for numerous gigs including the East Coast Blues & Roots and Woodford Folk festivals. Fulfilling a long-standing musical ambition, in 2010 he travelled to New Orleans to jam with and learn from the local musicians. The experience had a strong influence on his playing and is prominent in his band performances as his Hammond organ leads the groove and breathes the blues as the accompanying musicians of DJB envelop the vibe with reggae and funk overtones rising to an infectious performance.
Since their recent southeast-coast tour of Australia (which included the Australian Blues Music Festival in Goulburn, Queenscliffe’s Blues Train and performances in Melbourne, Sydney and Newcastle) DJB has appeared at the Broadbeach Blues Festival, Brisbane Blues Festival and Twin Towns Blues Festival as well as iconic blues and roots venue The Rails in Byron Bay and Nimbin’s legendary Mardi Grass.
See Dillion James Band at the Sphinx Rock Cafe on Sunday.