Gibson Guitars unites Aussie Music Legend Ross Wilson and the up and coming Josh Owen.
Aussie music legend Ross Wilson was first impressed with the talents of Josh Owen during a demo session at the late Paul Hester's home studio. Josh's guitar playing prowess was hired-in as part of a Songlines session where established artists mentor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians.
During the session Owen was as equally impressed by Wilson and the sound of his Gibson Les Paul Special guitar. Formerly a Fender Stratocaster player, he felt that Wilson's guitar had the "thicker, bluesier tone" he was looking for to expand his guitar sound for his signature style of funk, rock and soul.
In a move that may surprise most guitarists, Wilson offered to loan Josh his guitar to try out the sound. A very generous act from an Aussie legend to an up-and-comer, not able to afford new equipment easily. Humbly Wilson says that he does not consider himself a lead guitarist and that that particular Les Paul is really suited to a more serious guitarist - which he could see Owen was. Of his own sound Wilson says he really has only one and the simpler the guitar the better. He also says he is not sentimental about guitars, unlike many others who collect them and never part with them (Let alone loan them!).
The Tobacco Sunburst coloured guitar with two pick ups was the perfect for Owen who is now paying it off and playing it regularly. Wilson says, "It's a good guitar and it's in good hands". Wilson went back to the team at Gallin's Guitars in Prahran, who have had a long relationship with him and purchased a Cherry Red Melody Maker. He'd heard a lot of neo punky bands playing them and noticed the guitar being played by Green Day in a video clip and decided that was his next guitar. He says the glossy paint finish also changes the sound, making it the right sounding guitar for him.
Owen says that Wilson has not only introduced him to the unique sound of Gibson, but given him insights into music that you couldn't learn anywhere else, "little bits of info that are gold". He says "Ross Wilson is still singing and playing very well and his longevity is to be admired and to strive for as a young musician making his way".
On 14 April, fans will have the chance to see both Wilson and Owen together on the same bill. The Josh Owen Band supports Mondo Rock at The Palms at Crown Casino from 8pm. The show is almost sold out, single tickets are still available by calling 03 9292 5103, they are $50.80 each.
Background - Ross Wilson
Ross Wilson is probably the only person in Australian rock music who can't make a comeback simply because he's never been away.
In a career that spans over 30 years Ross remains one of this country's most respected artists. From Daddy Cool to Mondo Rock, as a solo artist, or as songwriter of A-grade classics such as Eagle Rock and A Touch of Paradise, or producer of the legendary Skyhooks, Jo Jo Zep, The Johnnys, & recently The Screaming Jets, Ross's involvement with success has continued unabated.
Daddy Cool exploded out of the 70s playing rootsy 50s sounds. Mondo Rock surfed the contemporary scene from the mid 70s to the late 80s. As a solo performer and major songwriter he continued to achieve success & make his mark during the 90s & beyond with his songs being recorded by artists as diverse as Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, DEF-FX, Custard, Jennifer Rush (EU), Troy Cassar-Daley, Leslie Avril, Hey Gringo, You Am I, Uncle Bill, Keke (Spain), Renee Geyer, Christine Anu, Duane Jarvis (US), Elkie Brooks (UK), Ann Kirkpatrick & Lee Kernaghan, Sovereign, Pleasantville, Beccy Cole, Sonic Jihad, and The Wiggles!
On trips to Europe & the USA he collaborated with O/S writers & concluded the millennium as a special guest performer on John Farnham's "I Can't Believe I'm 50" tour & live CD.
2001 saw Ross back on the frontline as the result of a decision to return to regular live performing & recording.
A new solo album GoBONGO GoWild! was released in April 2001 & displays the vital influence that blues-based music, such as early R&B and jazz, continues to have on his performance & songwriting styles.
Rave reviews for GoBONGO GoWild! led to an alliance with Shock Records & the November 2001 release of Now Listen! The Best of Ross Wilson, a 30 track, 2CD retrospective distillation of Ross's career to this point. From his first release with The Pink Finks in 1965, to brand new tracks & previously unreleased early recordings, this wide-ranging compendium is the official 'history of', as selected by the man himself.
Background - Josh Owen
While performing with funk soul band, The Steve Boyd Revue, Josh was approached by drummer John Clayton. John was keen to jam up some funk tunes with close friend and keyboard player Jeremy Brown. Bassist Lucas Taranto, already known by John and Jeremy, joined them on many occasions during the early part of 2002. Together they played funky originals and covers that would form the basis of Jeremy's band Majong.
Majong played several gigs around Melbourne at venues including the Evelyn and the Comfy Chair. It was with these talented musicians that Josh performed some of his own tunes for the first time. Majong recorded Josh's song, 'Getta know ya' late 2002. It formed the basis of Josh's first demo CD that would be used to promote him throughout venues around Melbourne. The Dan O'Connell Hotel offered Josh Wednesday nights for a trial period. By this time it was late 2003. Josh played his first month solo with a percussionist before forming the trio that we hear today. Josh, Lucas and John remained at the Dan O'Connell until September 2004. The Dan O'Connell gave Josh a platform to test run his songs every week before a live audience and he soon had enough tunes ready to record.
2005 saw the Josh Owen Band develop not only their own unique style, but secure gigs at some of Melbourne's premier music venues. Josh, John and Lucas continues to WOW new audiences with their explosive funk, reggae, and soul. Josh continues to write new tunes and used his residencies at the Cape Lounge, and the Evelyn hotel as testing grounds.
Midway through 2005, Luke Hodge (who first performed with Josh back at the Dan O'Connell) became a fill in while Lucas was busy with Mia Dyson. Luke quickly picked up the funk and style that Josh required, and became a key member of the band in Lucas' absence.
After their massive 400+ gig to launce their 'live' album at the Evelyn Hotel, Josh and the boys hit the studio, and under the guidance of Michael Pollard (smashing sound) started recording their debut studio EP, '6 pm'. The EP was launched again at the Evelyn.
Towards the end of the year, Lucas was farewelled with his last show at the Elsternwick Hotel. Lucas went on to further pursue his musical studies. Luke Hodgson quickly filled the spot and helped the Josh Owen Band finish a massive year with the Queenscliff Music festival.
2006 has started with a bang, and the band is quickly becoming one of the most talked about and recognised new talents in Australia and around the world. The Josh Owen Band 'Live' album secured a top 10 spot in Lee Howard's best CD's of 2005 (Herald Sun). Josh and the boys have started recording their first studio album here in Melbourne expected out in late 2007.
- NEWS