Michelle Van der Meer's Midnight Ramblers

The Midnight Ramblers are the winners of this year's NSW Sydney Blues Society Blues Performer of the year competition and are heading to Memphis in February to represent NSW in the International Blues Challenge.
The band was conceived in late 1992 around the outstanding natural vocal talent of Michelle Van der Meer.Performances at the Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival, Thredbo Blues Festival and support spots for international acts such as Canned Heat, Chris Cain and The Fabulous Thunderbirds followed.In 1995 they were nominated alongside the Bondi Cigars and the Mal Eastick Band for Best Australian Blues Band award at the Australian Blues Music Awards.The fabulous Alison Penney joined the band in 1997 and in 1998 Michelle won the “Best Female Blues Artist” award at the Australian Blues Music Awards after being nominated for the past three years.

“Those who’ve witnessed the delights of Michelle’s big blues voice will attest to her skills as a vocalist who is among one of the most stunning blues singers active in Australia’s scene today. Michelle possesses a vocal style well steeped in tradition. Singing very much in the vein that made Big Mama Thornton, Etta James and Bessie Smith so popular. Michelle has the soft yet powerful characteristics that typify the music of these now legendary artists. Highlight of this years Thredbo and Australian Blues Music Festivals backed by a fine array of musicians collectively known as the Midnight Ramblers. You’d be well advised to catch this band whenever and wherever the opportunity presents itself”.
Glenn Nelson, Highway 49 Radio show, Melbourne.

‘BREAKFREE’ CD LAUNCH AT THE BASEMENT Michelle Van der Meer & the Midnight Ramblers launched their debut CD at Sydney’s ‘Basement’ on Thursday night. Special guests on the evening included Ray Beadle (who opened the night) plus Carolyn ‘Pinecone’ Packer, Adam Pringle, Jon Bolton and Ian Jones. There was an excellent turnout and the evening was a stunning success. Now it is up to the DJ’s and their like to realise the full potential of this group and their music and do their part.
Malcolm Moore, Editor, Sydney Blues Society
Towradgi Rock & Blues Festival Review:
Ray Beadle’s special guest was one of my all time favourite Blues singers. Michelle’s powerful vocals are also sounding better than ever and why she isn’t constantly performing Ill never know – neither will those hundreds of punters whistling and stomping their appreciation! Come on agents, this girl is talent with a capital “T”!
Julie Fox, Sydney Blues Society

In the summer of 2008/2009, Michelle, Ali & George collaborated on a second Midnight Ramblers release, ‘The Closet Sessions’. This nine track CD features fresh vibrant original blues & roots tunes; from Soul and Old School R&B feel (‘Tell it Like it is’), to down home swamp (‘You’) and everything in between. Mostly written and arranged by George & Ali in the studio, ‘The Closet Sessions’ also feature the songwriting skills of Melanie Horsnell. The entire CD was recorded and produced by George at his home studio and features Michelle on vocals, Ali on piano/keys/organ/vocals, George on guitars/bass/vocals, Jacob Cook on drums/percussion, Mick Stuart on alto saxophone, Danny Carmichael on trombone and Melanie Horsnell on vocals. With this renewed energy, the Midnight Ramblers are definitely at a new peak and transfer this intensity into their live shows. Michelle’s vocals are better than ever; the awesome new rhythm section of Rosscoe Clark on drums and Mike Rix on bass allows for Ali & George to blaze away. Sit back and enjoy, or get up and dance!
NEW CD “THE CLOSET SESSIONS” OUT NOW!
NEW CD OUT SOON. WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!!