Gavin Doniger’s Mescalito Blues
Mescalito Blues combines the gritty vocals, swampy blues guitar, rhythmic stomp box and hypnotic harmonica to create a sound much bigger than its parts.
Fast building a reputation for blazing live shows that resonate with audiences from all walks of life, Mescalito Blues are as comfortable playing intimate shows to blues aficionados in Brisbane as a room full of rambunctious backpackers in Byron–their uncanny ability to seduce crowds with their potent blend of dirty blues knows no boundaries.
Taking an overseas sabbatical in 2007 to play solo through the U.S. for just under a year, Gavin Doniger bounced around famous locales such as Hollywood and Seattle before soaking up the sights and sounds of Nashville for 3 months. The experience left him invigorated and chomping at the bit to unleash some fresh blues goodness back home.
Their sound is something Gavin Doniger jokingly describes as, “swamp-stompin’ bluesy hillbilly-ism.” Others may like to classify it as blues with southern rock overtones, with that odd folk tune homage thrown in for good measure. But whatever you call their brand of music, Mescalito Blues sure know how to show audiences a good time.
Despite several independent releases under the Mescalito Blues name, Gavin Doniger agrees the best way to experience the band is by seeing them live. He attributes this to the unique experience and energy that the different touring members brings to the band. On the band’s live shows, Gavin Doniger muses, “The great thing about playing this Mescalito format is that none of the musicians are trying to be musical virtuosos–we just really enjoy playing music.”
With the travelling bug firmly planted in their DNA, Mescalito Blues are constantly on the lookout for potential tours further afield, and are lining up tours to distant shores as we speak. Check them out when they’re in your town!
