Tim Freedman has been developing an alt-country outfit since 2021 – The Whitlams Black Stump Band – which features some of Australia’s finest roots musicians like Rod Macormack on banjo, Matt Fell on bass, and longtime Whitlam, Terepai Richmond on drums. Its singles, The Day John Sattler Broke his Jaw and Blow Up the Pokies have been staples on Australian Country radio over the past year, and the band has been booked to play a Saturday night spot at the Deni Ute Muster in September.
Recently Freedman and band member Ollie Thorpe, an acclaimed pedal steel player, have been touring nationally as the Black Stump Duo, stripping back the Whitlams’ repertoire and delivering classics like ‘No Aphrodisiac’ to showcase the unique combination of piano and pedal steel. They have toured from the Mornington Peninsula through the South Coast of NSW, and up through Maitland and Bowraville to play the Northern Rivers this weekend.
Freedman’s classic storytelling songs from his seven albums will be sprinkled with some Americana gems from Kris Kristoffersen and Ry Cooder.
They are playing the Lennox Head Cultural Centre on Friday, and Brunswick Picture House on Saturday, followed by the Regent Theatre in Murwillumbah on Sunday.
Tickets are $55 from www.thewhitlams.com
