Dan Sultan started playing guitar at age four. At ten he wrote his first song. For a boy from Fitzroy who started on a clapped-out electric guitar things have gone great guns with the singer/songwriter supporting Bruce Springsteen on his latest tour. Last year he released Killer, an album that has done some great things for Sultan.
Sultan is one of the featured artists at Bluesfest this year. One of Sultan’s strengths alongside his charismatic performances is the band. They are always shit hot.
‘It’s the same band I am taking to WOMAD. It’s just awesome. Everyone is really close. We have a good laugh and everyone’s really good at what they do, which is really important. It’s really nice as well to be standing in front of a group of people like that.
‘We have the Wolfgramm Sisters. Eliza and Tarlii Wolfgramm – they’re singing. We’ve got Joe Sparks playing keys. He’s a bit of a musical director. We have Peter Marin on drums and sometimes Will Holt-Brown. Then we have Josh Jones on bass. We have Brett Langford – he’s Mr Electric on guitar, and me.’
Sultan’s something of a sensation on the guitar. When he was growing up it was Jimi Hendrix who rocked his musical boat. Still does.
‘I’m such a fan. Growing up as a young guitar player, Jimi Hendrix was just everything to me. To be able to see him live, to be able to see him and what he was able to do and see that in the flesh, I think that would have been pretty special.’
Dan’s not just excited about playing Bluesfest; he’s pumped about catching some of the acts.
‘I know that my old friend Benny Walker is playing and Benny is awesome. Caiti Baker is awesome too. I know that we are part of the last bands that are playing and we’re playing on Monday. After us is Nile Rodgers and Chic. And after him is Lionel Richie… so no pressure! I am just glad we are going on before him! That’s what I am happy about!’
It’s just moments away. For more info go to www.bluesfest.com.au
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