MITCH GRAINGER in Concert

Hotel Blue, Upstairs “Live At The Attic” Katoomba, Blue Mountains

Sunday 22nd November 2015, 6:30pm. Doors Open 6pm.

US-Based world-renowned blues harmonica player & Australian roots-music troubadour previously of The Beefs, Bondi Cigars & Papa Lips. Mitch returns to Australia in 2015, on tour to follow up his award winning album ‘The Blues’.

A master of the blues harp, singer and guitarist, Grainger cut his teeth with Harry Vanda, Alex Lloyd, Bondi Cigars and Papa Lips before re-locating stateside, where he plays harp on sessions from LA to Nashville. In this hi-tech world Mitch Grainger is now collaborating with artists from Hollywood to Botswana, while teaching people from all walks of life around the globe how to play their first ever note on the blues harp, though his wildly successful youtube channel.

After taking up the harmonica at age 14 inspired by a dream, Mitch was introduced to Little Walter and within 6 months was performing Blues ‘n’ Roots music 3 nights a week across Inner Sydney on both the Guitar and Harmonica in THE BEEFS with Australian soon to be pop star ALEX LLOYD. After THE BEEFS disbanded (despite much industry attention) Mitch was recruited by the BONDI CIGARS in 1992 and put to work playing hard hitting blues guitar and harmonica across the length and breadth of Australia’s states and territories, from Broome to Launceston. This was a formative period in Mitch’s life, what he calls his “university degree in rock n roll”. He lived almost constantly on the road, in a new town, playing in front of a new crowd.

In 1994 after 2 years and one Album (After Closing Time), Mitch left the BONDI CIGARS and formed PAPA LIPS with his sister KARA GRAINGER, DECLAN KELLY, ROWAN LANE, DANNY GUERRERO and CLAYTON DOLEY. Together they created a sensation “Greater than when Lenny Cravitz re-discovered the wah wah pedal” (Michael Smith, Drum Media, Sydney). The band recorded “Harmony” (1996) and “High Time Now” (1998), toured constantly, and played Australia’s premier music festivals, including WOODFORD and BYRON BAY BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL numerous times.

In 2001 at the request of Atlantic, Epic, Sony and BMG records, Mitch and Kara Grainger visited New York to play showcases. Their visit coincided with the tragic September 11 terrorist attack and brought on a deep reflective period of song-writing for both Mitch and his sister, stretching over 5 years and leading them in different musical directions.
Upon hearing Mitch Grainger’s compositions written during this period, legendary Australian producer, HARRY VANDA (Vanda/Young) encouraged Mitch to record his own debut solo album “LOVE & DEMONS”, which was released in 2006.

Since his 2006 solo debut Mitch Grainger’s voice and music has been heard in movie cinemas across Japan, America & Europe in the “DECEMBER BOYS” movie opening scene, in American and Australian NATIONAL TV SHOWS such as NASHVILLE, KILLER WOMEN, RAKE, and THE TIME OF OUR LIVES. He has recorded countless sessions, written songs, and produced music with artists such as ROSA PULLMAN, PAPA LIPS, KARA GRAINGER, RICK PRICE, THE WRIGHTS, JOHN PAUL YOUNG and acclaimed Australian thespian, JACK THOMPSON.
Forward to today and Mitch Grainger has gained an international reputation and audience for his harmonica skills. Type “Harmonica Lessons” into YouTube, and Mitch’s video is the first one on the list.

In this hi-tech world Mitch Grainger is now collaborating with artists from Hollywood, to Botswana, while teaching people from all walks of life around the globe how to play their first ever note on the blues harp.And now, in 2015, importantly ‘The Blues’ marks a signpost of artistic and personal growth that brings Mitch out of a recording hiatus and into the spotlight.

www.mitchgrainger.com

VENUE:
HOTEL BLUE “LIVE AT THE ATTIC”
Upstairs, 88 Lurline St, Katoomba, NSW 2780
Blue Mountains