THE father of one of the region’s most famous musical exports will showcase his own talent at Bompas of Beachport tonight.
Bill Chambers, father of Kasey, is known for his growling voice, owing a substantial debt to Bob Dylan and John Prine.
Perhaps it is a result of the early weathered years he spent roughing it in the outback with his family.
“My kids Nash and Kasey grew up listening only to the music I played on cassettes or on my guitar around the campfire – songs of Hank Williams, the Carter Family, Johnny Cash, Jackson Browne and John Prine,” Bill said.
“I’m entirely self taught and I guess that’s why I sound like I do.”
However, there is much more to Bill Chambers than just being Kasey’s dad.
The patriarch of the Chambers clan is considered by some to be Australia’s premier alt-country guitarist.
He can be a master of delicate picking on dobro or lap steel and a demon on slide.
Along with producing albums for the likes of Catherine Britt, Audrey Auld, Bec Willis (co-produced with Kasey) and the Dead Ringer Band, Bill has still found time to write most of the songs on his albums – the ARIA
nominated Sleeping With The Blues, Frozen Ground, Drifting South and his most recent Cold Trail.
“What I love the best is to get out on the road and perform the songs,” he said.
“I still play in Kasey’s band when she’s on the road and the gigs take us all over the world – that’s where I get many of the stories for my songs.”
Bill will be joined by the Wallace family trio, featuring singer/songwriter Christy Wallace, her husband Jason on guitars, bass and harmonica and son Jimmy on drums, performing a range of covers and original songs, including tracks from the Angel on Earth album, which was produced by Bill.
The trio plays a blend of country, folk and bluesy rock tracks.
Limited tickets are still available for the Beachport show.
Contact Bompas of Beachport to book on 8735 8333.
