31 May 2024 – Wolf Mail, Miss Julia and the Swingin’ Sidekicks, Phil Davidson
Australiana; blues; swing/jazz
Wolf Mail trio
Miss Julia and The Swingin' Sidekicks
Phil Davidson
Wolf Mail is a Canadian-born guitarist and singer-songwriter based in Australia. He embarked on his Blues & Roots music journey at the age of 14. He took a one-way bus ticket from Montreal to Los Angeles to kickstart his musical career.
Wolf’s playing style is a fusion of traditional blues, soul, and rock influences. His unique style cuts a path between Buddy Guy and Rory Gallagher.
For over two decades, Wolf has toured Europe, Japan, Australia, and the US, performing at clubs, festivals, small towns, and big cities. He has shared stages with artists such as Johnny Winter, Robben Ford, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.
His album”The Wolf is at our Door” made Japan’s top 5 best-selling Blues & Roots albums for the Summer of 2023 alongside Taj Mahal and Gary Clark Jr.
He has 7 original albums to his credit.
Wolf has been nominated for 3 international music awards. In 2005, Player Magazine Japan selected Mail as the “Close-up” artist of the month, alongside other artists such as Robert Cray and Brian Setzer.
His talents were further acknowledged in 2012 when he was honored as the Best Top 5 International Performer of the Year by MusicOz Australia.
In 2019, Wolf performed alongside UK blues priestess Milena Barrett at the BB King Club in Memphis as part of the Blues Foundation’s IBC award festivities.
Bruce Iglauer, the CEO and founder of Alligator Records, said “I’m really impressed with his playing; Wolf Mail really knows how to take his time, which is not always true for blues guitar hero.”
Dive into the soulful tapestry of Jazz, Western Swing, and Country with Miss Julia & The Swingin Sidekicks, a band forged from a shared passion for musical exploration and a love for the classics. United by the enchanting vocals of Julia, our journey began as we discovered the magic that happens when diverse musical backgrounds converge into one harmonious sound.
Formed on the premise of a mutual admiration for Jazz standards, blues, and swing-infused country, Miss Julia & The Swingin Sidekicks is a celebration of timeless music. The inception of the band can be traced back to the moment Julia’s beautiful voice mesmerized us all, leaving an indelible mark on our musical souls. It was clear – we had to embark on this musical journey together.
Individually, each member of Miss Julia & The Swingin Sidekicks brings a wealth of experience, having traversed the diverse landscapes of roots music for many years. The collective resume includes everything from smoky jazz clubs to dusty country roads, creating a fusion of styles that resonates with authenticity and depth.
The beauty of Miss Julia & The Swingin Sidekicks lies in the harmonious marriage of instruments that define our sound. With the inclusion of a fiddle and trumpet, our sonic palette expands, weaving sweet melodies that dance effortlessly over a swinging rhythm section. The result is an electrifying and soul-stirring musical experience that transcends genres.
Our live performances are a testament to the energy and excitement that defines Miss Julia & The Swingin Sidekicks. With each note and every beat, we transport our audience to a world where the boundaries between Jazz, Swing, and Country blur, leaving them with an unforgettable experience.
Whether you’re a lover of Jazz, Swing,Blues, or Country, Miss Julia & The Swingin Sidekicks invites you to join our musical odyssey. Immerse yourself in the magic of our melodies, feel the pulse of our rhythm, and experience the joy of musical exploration. Welcome to the world of Miss Julia & The Swingin Sidekicks – where timeless classics meet the thrill of the unexpected.
It was ABC 702 Drive Show host, Richard Glover, who discovered Blue Mountains singer/songwriter, Phil Davidson.
Up till that point he was a struggling, out of work singer/songwriter at the end of his tether. A bet with some friends over dinner, resulted in him writing a collection of songs that fell on the desk of the well known radio presenter. His autobiographical ‘Belfast Boy’ song was an instant hit amongst 702 listeners, resulting in Phil being offered a record deal with ABC/Universal Music launching of his full time music career.
Phil is a songwriter and performer of the highest calibre. His songs are known for their wonderful turn of phrase, their self-effacing humour and their strong Celtic melodies. This is no surprise due to Phil being originally from Northern Ireland.
He is still a regular on Richard Glover’s Drive show and TGIF along side some of the countries finest comedians. He has toured internationally through Canada, Ireland, Nashville and the UK, including appearances on BBC radio. He has released numerous albums and has written for film, theatre and charity. His song ‘Love That Matters’, written to raise money for the Blue Mountains Fire Appeal in 2013, reached number 1 on the Australian Country charts, with proceeds going to help fire affected families.
In 2019 Phil headed to Nashville to work with producer Sam Hawksley. The result was the stunning ‘Out Of The Dark’ record, featuring some of Phil’s musical heroes, including Linda Ronstadt’s side man, Dan Dugmore and Grammy winning songstress Bonnie Bishop.
Phil’s music has had over 700 000 plays on Spotify alone. Phil is currently promoting his new single ‘Cheviot Bay’, which is garnering much attention across the country and streaming platforms.