Press

Wooden Kimono Bruce Elder`s review in SMH, June 12 ” If there is a sure – fire formula for musical success, leading to lots of regular work and critical acclaim, it has to be New Orleans style piano playing mixed in with boogie and blues, that is both hot and cool, sensuous and intimate, raw and loads of fun. Think only of Fats Domino, Fats Waller, Dr. John, Jon Cleary, Tom Waits and our own home grown performer with the unforgettable name, Pugsley Buzzard.

His technique is simple: a voice with all the smoothness of a corrugated dirt road leads to effortless, raw honesty; an exceptionally good and rich backing band; a bunch of songs that range from ” Aces and Eights” , lazy, piano based blues with a dash of soul, through ” Chained”, powerhouse New Orleans- style blues that wouldn`t be out of place in the repertoire of the late Howlin` Wolf to the dark, smoky menace of ” Black Dog”, with some wailing, fat baritone saxophone from Adam Simmons.

The result is an album that is deeply rooted in African – American musical traditions and still sounds fresh and original. The most impressive aspect of this very impressive album is that not for a moment do you feel that Buzzard is an imitator or an imposter. This is so authentic and persuasive that if you were told he arrived in the country last week after a residency in some steamy New Orleans club, you`d believe it. He is that good.”

Pugsley Buzzard is a piano player and singer with a distinctive sound. Pugsley’s shows are exciting and captivating at the centre is his huge mesmerizing voice and dazzling piano playing all delivered with a vaudevillian nuance and humour.Pugsley’s music spans the entire spectrum from dark hoodoo blues musings to good time rollicking boogie fuelled piano romps that never fail to get people stompin’ and shakin’ that thang. Pugsley is a fascinating and versatile songwriter who also enjoys interpreting classic R& B, Jazz and Popular tunes giving them his own fresh and unique treatment. Pugsley ‘s playing features Barrelhouse, Boogie, Stride piano stylings dripping with New Orleans funk and oozing with tantalizing improvisation which ranges from delicate and moody to wild and ecstatic.”Without a doubt the most unique voice in Australia right now! Prepare to weep tears of joy.” Ugly Phil – Triple M

“There is something inexorable about the progress of that massive sand blasted voice and those rolling piano figures; something undeniable about the dark images crowding the lyrics; something dangerous about the snarling guitars, growling horns and clawing rhythms. ….. This is hearfelt music that can sweep you into its shady world, and have you flirting with a little good ol` fashioned evil, or smiling at the sly wit .” John Shand – Author of Jazz – The Australian Accent and critic for the Sydney Morning Herald.