Robbie Long (guitar) - Dave Hellens - (Banjo) - Andrew Clermont (Fiddle/mandolin) - Tony Eyers (harmonica) - Liz Frencham (bass) - And we all sing!
Influences
Bela Fleck, Dave Grisman, Nickle Creek, Django Reinhardt, King Crimson, Zubot & Dawson, Chris Thile, Tony Rice, Earl Scruggs, Brian Sutton, too many to list!
Sounds Like
The Lawnmowers have been described as: 'The Cutting Hedge of Bluegrass' - and 'Australia's tossed salad of acoustic music'. Hmmmm......
Sublime & ridiculous! Naught is safe around the Lawnmowers.....they keep the audience (and each other) on tippy toes with a high-voltage selection of bluegrass classics, spiced up with beautifully composed contemporary acoustic pieces. Sample some home-grown Australian ‘newgrass’ at its best! Warning: stage must be fireproof!
Forming in 2003, The Lawnmowers have quickly established themselves as a force in Australian bluegrass, performing at over twenty festivals and recording two albums. Three times national banjo champ Dave Hellens and veteran all-rounder Andrew Clermont (Totally Gorgeous, Dya Singh)
join with jazz guitarist Robbie Long (Kate Fagan Band), well known and loved bassist & vocalist Liz Frencham (JigZag) and internationally recognised harmonica player Tony Eyers, to create a distinctively contemporary Australian bluegrass sound. Selections from the classic bluegrass
repertoire are treated with reverence, yet given a ‘fresh coat’ with contemporary arrangements.
The Lawnmowers’ original material reflects the band’s creative energy & musical diversity ~ from the traditional to the edgy, from the hard driving to the lush & spacious. On stage, The Lawnmowers have a rare energy and spontaneity, which is supported by superb musicianship and a genuine sense
of fun & excitement.
Select appearances to date include: Bruce Mathiske’s HUMfest 2004/2005/2006 and ‘Strings of Fire Fest’ 2006, Dorrigo Bluegrass Festival 2003, 2004, 2005 & 2006, Harrietville Bluegrass Festival 2004 & 2006,
Tamworth Country Music Festival 2004, 2005 & 2007, The National Folk Festival 2004, Illawarra Folk Festival (Jambarroo) 2004, Woodford Folk Festival 2004/2005, and Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival 2006, Cobargo Folk Festival 07, Port Fairy Folk Fest 07, as well as gigging regularly all over Australia.
The amazing Australia dive Gail Page with legendary guitarist Mal Eastick and the most awesome band supported by absolutely gorgeous duet Microwave Jenny!!
Hidey ho Robbie, Hows it goin? Mary's regional tour is goin really good. I've been religiously looking in all the country op shops and found some classic albums like- 'Keep on Truckin' Nev Nicholls, which I gave out as a prize at one of our gigs. Not sure if the guy I gave it to was very impressed though... Luv Cat
You guys are CHAMPS! Hope to catch up real soon. Here's to Success in all you venture! I will no longer be available on myspace as the risk to my PRIVACY has become too much. I have left a final Blog if you have time to read it. Jane-E CJ xxx
Really enjoyed your gig at the lass last Saturday, it was very fitting as Sunday was the 5 Year anniversary of my Dad's passing, and as Dave knows he played bluegrass, it's something i grew up with, so anytime I get to hear you guys play makes me feel at home and that my Dad is nearby jamming on his mandolin, pedalsteel,dobro,banjo or guitar!
Haha Yes!! You and Bela were the ONLY to people to get the date right! Yeah I'll miss you's too. We'll have to come next year. I'm sure You guys will shred it to all the Aussie's tho' Take Care, BB
ROBBIE! Well you might be in luck BB gets back to NZ from IBMA in about a week she'll be playing at Wellington Festival in about a week... Are you going to Dorrigo? I'll be playing there...
