LIVE WIRE – Sydney Live Music Guide 12th Jan

Thursday 12th January local cabaret/surf rock group Hobo Bordeaux are playing at Venue 505. Interestingly the group openly refer to their sound as ‘Clunky-cuban-swamp-blues-spaghetti-soul-western’ and attribute their inspirations to be Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Mos Def. Their music is slinky and sensual and reminiscent of smoky bars and gunslinging. It’ll be a colourful night. Glaswegian rock group Sons & Daughters are playing at Keystone Festival Bar as part of the Sydney Festival. Last year saw them release their fourth album Mirror Mirror and they’ve continued to evolve their indie blues rock sound as well as honing the sound of those shrieking guitar sounds. They’re joined by locals Songs and The Laurels. Straight out of New Orleans the seven piece ensemble Tuba Skinny are bringing their upbeat dixieland blues to The Basement for all to enjoy. The group consists of trombone, guitar, washboard and of course a tuba. They are without a doubt one of the most infectious and dance-inducing groups to be visiting our shores this summer. This Friday 13th January as part of Sydney Festival noir hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces are playing at the Keystone Festival Bar. The duo’s recent debut release Black Up! is a dark and spaced-out rap affair blending percussive and synthesised beats with tripped-out lyricism. They’re supported by Taylor McFerrin the beat-boxing son of Bobby McFerrin and electro beat junkies Shangaan Electro from the neighbourhoods of Soweto. At the Gaelic Club you can catch local folk-pop hero Brendan Maclean. His beautiful and uplifting pop ditties are seriously catchy and he’ll no doubt be playing numbers from his successful debut EP White Canvas. He’s supported by the equally talented Andy Bull, Maples and Bennie James. On Saturday 14th January over at the Vanguard the smoky bourbon drenched blues of Gay Paris will be on display for all to see. In case you haven’t already heard of these guys just imagine Tom Waits on steroids and you’ll get the idea. They’re supported by Glitter Canyon, Surprise Wasp, Guthrie and the irresistibly named group Reckless Vagina. UK turntable legend DJ Yoda is in town to knock your socks off with his scratch wizardry and his party mashup mayhem. He’ll be dropping all the hip-hop, funk and disco classics so if you’re keen for a boogie this show at the Oxford Arts Factory won’t be one to pass up. On Sunday 15th January there’s a real treat for any blues lovers out there as the iconic Australian blues trio The Backsliders are performing at the Annandale Hotel. They’re arguably the best blues act in the country and the delta blues combo features experienced guitarist Dom Turner as well as Rob Hirst of Midnight Oil on drums.