Zoe Elliot
Simon Phillips
Hussy Hicks
Zoe returned to the studio to release two new songs inspired by the 2019-2020 bushfires.
She has a fresh ‘city folk’ sound and particularly relishes lyric crafting, story telling and unique harmonies. In what now feels like a past life, Zoe had the pleasure of supporting and playing alongside: Matt Corby, Renee Geyer, Tim Finn, Declan O’Rourke, Dragon, Patrick James, Tin Sparrow, Paul Greene, Lucky Wonders, Christopher Coleman, Marlon Williams, Sam Buckingham, Charlie Gradon…
Zoe has released 2 EPs, Precipitate and Black Dog. She also won Australian Songwriters Conference (ASC) overall prize (2010) and the 2GO Annual Acoustic Awards (2010) and her proudest feat of all – she is now a full time kick ass mum living on the South Coast learning life the hard way.
www.zoeelliot.com
Simon Phillips has been described by Tommy Emmanuel as “a serious talent”. Simon is far from your typical guitarist, with a vast range of vocal melodies and using every limb in his body – his foot percussion that brings the beat, a tambourine and the sweet sounds from his Cole Clark. This virtuoso blends a distinctive and skilful sound that’s heavily steeped in soul, gospel, finger style and blues & roots.
“When you write something that you really feel in your heart, something so real from your own personal existence that it brings you to tears, you’re going to play it no matter what, isn’t that what it’s all about?” A natural born storyteller, Simon expresses his philosophy and poetry through his music, a modern day tambourine man that chooses not to play by society’s rules, and for good reason. Exhibiting the vocal acrobatics of Jeff Buckley and a song-writing style comparable to John Mayer”, SOULSHINE.COM.AU
That’s the magic that makes all the difference, being able to tap into a place that is deeply personal, vulnerable and true. It’s this combination of expert musicianship and contemporary song writing that sets Simon apart in the present generation of Australian Musicians. Many music festivals, thousands of gigs and four albums later, his musical maturity and stirring songwriting continues to inspire.
“Phillips’ technical ability both as a singer and a guitarist, is perfectly matched by a remarkable breadth of intelligence as a songwriter and lyricist”, DRUM MEDIA Sydney.
Simon moved to Sydney from WA to play with a neo-Latin guitar duo called the Urban Gypsies. Their album ‘Sauvage’ was released by MGM and promoted through SBS and the ABC. It received a 3/4 star review in The Sydney Morning Herald. Simon left Sydney in 2003 armed with an album he wrote and produced on his own called ‘Songs For Leaders’, an album of songs/stories about great leaders in history. The first track on this album was ‘Martin Luthur King’, a song that won awards in the Pacific Songwriting Competition 2004.
Shortly after he toured solo around Australia and travelled to Aceh to help out with Tsunami relief. Returning to Melbourne in 2005, and having written songs inspired by his travels, he recorded ‘Tuesday Night At The Espy’, a live album capturing a performance at the iconic ‘Esplanade Hotel’, released in September 2006 to rave reviews.
Simon has supported Larry Carlton (session guitarist for Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson), Robben Ford (played with Miles Davis), Kate Miller-Heidke, Lee Ritnour (session guitarist for Pink Floyd for a time), and Australia’s own Vince Jones. Time and again his musicianship has established him as a force to be reckoned with, earning him the respect from the likes of Tommy Emmanuel and Robben Ford, who said he “Plays his ass off…sings his ass off”.
“Phenomenal! I can’t recommend this enough. But I can try. Five Stars.” TWENTY600 MAGAZINE
“Quite literally amazing…should be listened to obsessively.”
THE FREMANTLE HERALD
Critically acclaimed Australian act, Hussy Hicks are a tour de force featuring Leesa Gentz’ powerhouse soul vocals and Julz Parker’s revered guitar skills. Prolific and accomplished musicians, Hussy Hicks have honed their sonic dexterity over the past 12 years with six studio albums, multiple industry awards and more than 1,000 live shows under their belts, from Australia’s biggest blues, roots and folk festivals to 15 plus international tours, which now sell out across Europe.
Known for their emotive lyricism, energetic live shows and fiery, frenetic instrumentation, it’s no surprise Hussy Hicks have staying power. From Gold Coast Artist of the Year and Album of the Year wins to Queensland Music Award and Golden Guitar nominations, their critical accolades extend even further, with guitarist Parker being touted by Australian legend, Phil Emmanuel as ‘Australia’s top female guitar player’ and voted fifth in Bluesfest’s Guitar Hero fan poll, among Santana and BB King.
“Some artists need to be seen to be believed, and Hussy Hicks fit that category.” – Sarah Howells, Double J
A not to be missed act that are ready for the world” – Peter Noble, Bluesfest Director
www.hussyhicks.com