The Muddy Farmer is a cosy pub at the corner of Ipswich & Annerley Rds in Brisbane, close to the city on the south side of town.
> Each week the band lays down the groove, while a selection of special guests from Brissie's talented blues, swing, rockabilly and jazz community join in for a great night of roots-rockin' music.
> Special mention should be made of Josh Bambridge, who has been opening most Monday nights with a solo spot of finger-picked Delta, Texas and East Coast blues.
> Make sure you come down soon and join in the action.
> Mike Frost & the Icemen send out an email newsletter about once a month. If you'd like to be on our mailing list, send a message to the Colonel at [email protected] and ask him to put you on the list.
Back in the early decades of the 20th century, most big US cities had a thriving live music scene, and many full-time jazz and blues musicians worked 'dusk til dawn' gigs all weekend.
While Monday was the beginning of the working week for most 'squares', it was a day of rest and recuperation for most musos. However, you just can't stop a keen singer or player from doing what they love best, and so certain venues, often small joints off the main drag, became the focus for regular monday jam sessions, where players would try out new material, or just blow to their hearts content.
Back in 1975 I was fortunate to be in Chicago, where Alligator Records president Bruce Iglauer took me to the South Park Lounge to see the legendary Aces (original backing band for Jr Wells and Little Walter, featuring the Myers brothers) who were the house band for a regular Blue Monday session. All night, local, unknown but talented singers and players got up with the band for a couple of songs, while their friends and neighbours cheered them on, drank beer and danced the night away.
I believe that same spirit of community music is keeping the blues alive in little ol' Brisneyland at the Muddy Farmer with Mike Frost & the Icemen. Come down one Monday night and be a part of this great blues tradition.
Looks like Mike had a rough weekend!
Mike Frost & the Icemen will be on tour in the South Island of New Zealand during the last two weeks of August 2003. On our return, expect photos of the band rugged-up and surrounded by snow capped peaks. We'll be well and truly living up to our name in chilly Queenstown. Can't wait!