4 The Blues band formed around 2001 when old mates Kim Sumner and Daryl Eastcott had a reunion after years of working on other projects. Kim and Daryl both developed their interest in the blues playing in various bands back in the early seventies and this led to the idea of putting together a band of like-minded old mates to blow on some tunes.
Initially Ian Noyce of Noyce Guitars, renowned musical instrument maker, joined on harmonica and Dave Newton played bass guitar. The lineup changed in 2004 when Joe Eastcott, Daryl's son, replaced Dave on bass and Peter Ruyg joined in place of Ian to add keyboards.
Joe added another vocalist to the band as well as contributing his skill as a songwriter, and Peter complemented the band's blues sound with his great rhythmic feel and soaring organ fills. As a result, the band went into the studio in 2005 to write and produce their first album I Am a Tree. This album introduces the band's unique sound and talents with eight original tunes and four distinctive covers. In 2006 veteran keyboardist Grant Mathers joined the band replacing Peter Ruyg. Grant brings a wealth of experience to the band and adds a lovely blues/jazz feel to the band's sound, and to great effect.
Nevertheless, as with any combo, the hallmark is live performance. 4 The Blues display their passion for the blues with covers of artists like Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Witherspoon, T-Bone Walker, Tom Waits and John Mayall. The band introduces the audience to obscure tunes and artists along side of their own acerbically satirical brand of irreverent blues. Original tunes like "Election Shuffle" and "Reality TV" jibes common perceptions of society's attitudes whilst "Jeronimo" and "21st Century" delve into the confusing times in which we live. But the most enduring impression of the band is their commitment to groove - the repertoire covers a wide variety of blues, old and new, slow and up-tempo, but all of the tunes have a toe-tapping groove underneath.
The band conveys a relaxed, good-natured sense of comradeship derived from years of working-it-out in-the-shed. The members of 4 The Blues enjoy the process of creating exciting, stimulating music and this shows through in the stage performance.
Since recording the album, the band has been increasing their profile locally and elsewhere. The CD has been well-received gaining regular airplay on ABC FM and Voice FM as well as securing gigs for the band on the Victorian blues circuit.
The band has performed along side many other blues acts including Kelly Auty, Phil Manning, Salty Dog, Brian Fraser, Jimi Hocking and numerous others. They have done live radio and webcasts in 2003 and 2005 and were contenders in the playoff for the Melbourne Blues Performer of the Year Awards in 2005.
