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Due to the response of the previous band review we’re back with another …..
This time i had the pleasure of going to see The Johnny Hawken Royale at the Barwon Club.
Well first of all let me tell you a bit about Johnny Hawken. He’s from the coastal town of Torquay in Victoria, where he’s grown up surfing and playing his six string. His music is heavily influenced by the surf culture and you can hear that in his rock/blues ballots.
After my many years of surfing the Juc myself, I know this guys talent runs deep gaining many accolades with Johnny at the forefront of the 90’s revolution of surfing and the core surf scene in Torquay.
A few years ago Johnny decided that he would like to take his musical passion further and have a go at playing to live audiences. The journey started in cafe’s and then moved on to the great night life venues around the town. This brings me to his latest gig at the barwon club.
It all started with myself and pappy venturing out on a cold wet winter night to see the show.
The Johnny Hawken Royale consisting of three members including a base guitarist, drummer and Johnny on vocals/guitar. The band played to a small but very enthusiastic audience.
Whether playing his electric or acoustic Johnny’s strong blues vocals and guitar solos had the crowd moving to the fine catchy tunes. In summing the gig up i give Johnny my two thumbs up with the easy listening music that all will appreciate.
With Johnny making a very big impression on myself and pappy i suggest you all have a look at his myspace page for the next up and coming gig .www.myspace.com/johnnyhawken
Girv…. - www.moborush.com
Discography
Johnny Hawken - Self Titled - 2008
Photos
Bio
Born in New Zealand and raised in the coastal town of Torquay, Victoria, Johnny Hawken grew up with a guitar in his hands and a surfboard under his feet.
Johnny was introduced to playing instruments at a very early age. Starting with the piano at 5, he then progressed onto the guitar, and quickly becoming a talented musician.
By early high school Johnny was playing in pubs as a lead guitarist in the band 'Red Rattle Snake', which was fronted by a young Xavier Rudd. The band went their separate ways after a few years, but Johnny continued to study music and play the guitar as a passion.
In his mid 20's Johnny finally discovered his singing voice, and started performing solo. More recently, Johnny has toured Tasmania, played the Rip Curl Pro with Ash Grunwald and The John Steele Singers, supported Pete Murray, and was a finalist in the Tooheys Extra Dry Uncharted Band Competition.
Influenced by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Buckley, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Johnny has taken elements from each of his favourite musicians and blended them to create his own original sound. The feel for his own music is a bluesey rock taste in light and shade with flowing melodies and strong guitar overtones.
Johnny plays regular gigs with his band The Royales (Matt on Drums, Sam on bass/backing vox).
If you enjoy a great blend of guitar riffs, falsetto vocals and heartfelt lyrics then you'll love Johnny Hawken. Let his music speak for itself and have a listen...
See you at his next gig.
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