The Willie Wagtails are a bunch of old mates who play a unique blend of ocker jazz-folk music. They seek to make connections with Australian history, landscape and politics in their songwriting and their energetic, discordant music smells like the bush. Combined with a penchant for the dinky-di vernacular and fondness of the great outdoors, The Willie Wagtails set out to remind us of our Aussie roots; the dreamtime, the early settlers, the Aussie battlers, and the late-night servo meat pie.
Their performance approach harks back to the good old days when musicians would crowd around one solitary microphone. Watching four musicians maneuvering around each other, changing proximity to this lone mic is an entertaining (if not at times clumsy) treat, and each member not only plays but sings lead and supporting roles at any one time.
The Willies have toured Australia extensively playing festivals, pubs and halls far and wide, with appearances including the Port Fairy Folk Festival, Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Tablelands Folk Festival (QLD), Guildford Banjo Jamboree, Newstead Folk Festival, Bendigo Blues and Roots, Maldon Folk Festival, Fleurieu Folk Festival (SA), Nanga Folk Festival (WA), Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival (NSW), as well as supporting artists including The Duhks (Canada), Jaron Freeman-Fox (Canada), Perch Creek and The Woohoo Revue.
The Willies are proud to release their latest and maturest musical recording - Strathbogie. Written and played on banjo by Jeremiah Rose, Strathbogie marks a new direction for the band, telling dry and true Australian stories. Recorded on quarter inch tape in the Victorian bush.
Available in digital or hard-copy on Bandcamp.
