Grimick

Originally growing up in Perth, Western Australia, James has become a familiar face in Manly. His background could be described as eclectic, having a degree in Psychology but working in the IT, marketing and property industries. This was a precursor to an early life crisis involving selling almost everything he owned and moving over to Bali Indonesia where he started his surfboard label, “The Source Surfboards”.

The journey to Indonesia started as a means to escape routine, to stray from mundane paths already been worn in by many. It all catalyzed while stuck in traffic in his suit and tie one day on the way to work, to his prison on the 16th floor of an office building, He made the decision right then to head towards something more unknown. Whilst travelling he embraced his affinity for music, and the fulfillment it gave him while performing and writing.

It was while in the remoteness of Indonesian specifically Northern Sumatra That James wrote the songs for his EP, “More than I could afford”. James doesn’t feel he could have written them in any other surroundings or situation. His music is a product of his life, it reflects who he is and how he became, and perhaps who he will be. Some is joyous and celebratory, some is heart wrenchingly sad and melancholic, but there can be beauty in the midst of great sadness and he hopes that notion shines through.

James' life is based around music, the ocean and love, and not specifically in that order. He has discovered that with these three things in his life he is fulfilled, he is at peace.

jameswilling.com.au

An honest, folk-rock, acoustic style, Grimick are an energetic group of singer/song-writers who never stray from the essential ingredients - great rhythm, a contagious melody, and something to say...

With seemingly no upward limit to their vocal range, they are capable of both power and tenderness, humour and passion. Add to this, ripping guitar solos, riffs and delicate acoustic counter melodies, smooth harmonies, earthy percussive rhythms and arrangements on conga, trumpet, ukulele and piano – and you have a special live act not to be missed.

Their strength of song-craft, consistently crosses generations. From intimate bars and cafes to large concert halls and festivals, Grimick guarantee to captivate a crowd with their sheer vocal talent, catchy melodies, mischievous banter and mysterious 'x-factor'.

Grimick have impressed audiences & recieved outstanding reviews at festivals such as;

• Peats Ridge,
• Snowy Mountains of Music,
• Yackandandah,
• Majors Creek-Braidwood,
• Illawarra Folk,
• Mount Beauty,
• St Albans
• Wallaby Creek...

...and have performed at many of Sydney's premier live music venues including The Basement, The Sydney Opera House, The Hopetoun, The Vanguard, Bar Broadway...

"Emotional and engaging... the vocal performance is passionate and full of palpable emotion... the cohesively natural flow and well thought out instrumental execution complements the personal aspects of the lyrical story line."
TAXI A&R, USA

"...one of the highlights for the festival, and their vocal harmonies and songs stuck with you well after they had finished."
AU Review - Snowy Mountains of Music Festival

/www.grimick.com

2013 Triple Australian Blues Chain award winner Liza, has  been described as having a voice that can howl, growl or soothe a furrowed brow, reminiscent of Etta James and Aretha Franklin.
 
Liza has a versatile soulful style influenced  by her upbringing, singing in her mothers gospel group and learning from  her brothers love of Blues. She passionately delivers  heart- wrenching Jazz/Blues Ballads, foot stompin blues/Funk grooves, a big lacing of Gospel harmonies and witty, cutting lyrics all delivered with a  passion that will send shivers up your spine.

She has worked  for over 25 years at top venues and Festivals including The East Coast Blues ,and has performed with many Australian and International artists, including Richard Clapton, Tony Neville ( Neville Brothers), John Paul Young .

She is backed by the crème of Australia’s Musicians including Eric Rasmussen ( Doug Williams, Taylor Dane, Ian Moss) and Husband Greg Ohlback( Julian Lennon), Zoltan Budai (Richard Clapton, Ray Beadle) and Rick Mellick( Joe Bonamassa).

 Liza recently released her Debut CD “Trouble Goin’ Down” described as a “Sophisticated Blues Affair” receiving rave reviews and 3 awards at the Australian Blues Chain awards  for Best Female Vocalist, Best new Talent and best Producer with Husband Greg, and has reached no 7 on the Australian Radio Blues Charts.

www.lizaohlback.com