 Stevie Paige: Critics have described Stevie’s voice as “superb” and “amazing.” Couple this with reviews of “great guitar” “Impressive songs” and an “outstanding band” and it is clear this Australian Soul/Blues star has announced her arrival to the world.Brought up in the country town of Hanging Rock in Victoria, Stevie first became interested in music whilst watching the hit TV show ‘Fame’. So at the age of 10, Stevie grabbed hold of her first guitar and never looked back.The vast array of music played in the family home would in later years have a significant impact on Stevie’s writing style. Sound tracks to the big musicals like Oklahoma, Carousel and Don Quixote fostered a love of the ‘grand’ production. Even as her attention moved to the classical guitar, the draw to the more dramatic orchestral guitar music as opposed to the solo format was very evident.Making good on her ambition to attend the ‘fame’ school, Stevie audition for and was accepted to one of Australia’s most prestigious music schools, ‘The Victorian College of the Arts’. Despite excelling at the college as a classical musician and an offer to continue studies at London’s Royal College of music, the growing ambition to explore another side of the music world was proving irresistible. The seed for this was planted quite accidently when Stevie was asked to fill in for a local Blues Brother’s tribute band. Fronting up to the show with her trusty classical guitar, the good humoured band firmly placed a borrowed Stratocaster in her hands with a “there ya go, plug that it in.”With that, Stevie took her first, if somewhat flustered steps to playing on stage with a band. The band and Stevie were about as rough as they come that night, but the chemistry was magic. The proverbial light had been turned on and it was a significant turning point. With absolutely no doubt in her mind that this was the kind of performer she wanted to be, it was still to be determined what kind of artist she would be. Stevie began performing in numerous rock and cover bands, as well as releasing her first album and an EP. But it wasn’t until Stevie came across a small independent Blues label in Australia that her eventual destination began to take shape. Encouraged to explore the world of Blues, Stevie set off across Australia armed with just her guitar and a stomp box. Four years of solo touring, exploring new songs, a solo album and the energy and enthusiasm from the growing fan base forged a confident and exceptional talent. Stevie was born to sing the blues and soul is her perfect medium.Stevie’s new soul album “Welcome To The Big Time” marks her departure from performing solo. The coupling of ‘that voice’, signature guitar and a three piece rhythm section, punchy horns and lush strings produces a vibrancy and tone that is reminiscent of the “Memphis Sound” from Stax and Hi Records during the late 60′s. Adding weight to the album is Stevie’s pairing with Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite on an acoustic rendition of “Ol’ Man River.”With the new album already collecting awards and accolades both at home and abroad, an extensive tour schedule is in the planning for Australia, North America and Europe. |
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 Rob Little: ‘The groove king’. A graduate of the Elder Conservatorium of Music – Adelaide University in Cello. An exceptional Bass player, musician, multi instrumentalist, singer, composer and published author, who is best known for his work with Tommy Emmanuel, Ricky May, the Seekers and Peter Cupples. Rob is one of the most sought after session players in the country.
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 Mark Kennedy: Mark Kennedy is the drummer’s drummer! There is no drummer spoken more highly of. Currently playing with Leo Sayer, Mark’s other credits include; Spectrum, Ayers Rock, Marcia Hines, Doug Parkinson In Focus, Renee Geyer Band, Kevin Borich Express, Billy Thorpe and Men At Work. Mark has also played with Ringo Starr as well as playing on over 500 Albums, including Duran Duran. Mark was also the Drummer for the House Band for the ‘Long Way To The Top’ Concerts.
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 Jeff Mead: A great Sax man and performer with a wonderful stage presence. Highlights for Jeff include performing with the legendary John Farnham. As a professional musician and music teacher Jeff has worked on a variety of projects including the ABC sing series, the Upbeat Music program and numerous publications with Bushfire Press. When not with Stevie, you can catch Jeff performing with Corporate Soul band ‘The Fabulous Fate Brothers’
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 Tom Jovanovic: After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, Tom was awarded a scholarship to continue his studies in America at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Boston. Tom has attended master classes with the likes of John Mayer, Paul Simon and Bobby McFerrin. This highly awarded musician (VCA Jazz competition, the Al Natale Brass Scholarship, the Dame Joan Sutherland Award to name a few) shows versatility at its best. Equally comfortable playing Jazz with a quintet as he is running his Trumpet through effects pedals to play dance music. Tom has toured Japan as well as completing several tours of Australia. He has performed at venues all across Melbourne including the premier Jazz clubs Bennett’s lane and Dizzy’s. |
 Kim Kelaart: After spending many years touring and recording for artists such as Kate Ceberano, Human Nature, and The John Dallimore band, Kim settled into the role of Hammond player and based himself in Melbourne. Kim and his band KNAG (pronounced nag) recorded the first of the series of albums “Live at Bernies” in late 2005 (Tony Monaco and Tim Neal are now also a part of this series).Kim has also arranged for film and theatre including the popular Australian TV series “Saddle Club” and for Katie Underwood (e xBardot). He is a sought after session musician and was hand-picked by the legendary sax player Dave Liebman (Miles Davis Band) to perform on a recent internationally released CD. |
Stevie Paige: Critics have described Stevie’s voice as “superb” and “amazing.” Couple this with reviews of “great guitar” “Impressive songs” and an “outstanding band” and it is clear this Australian Soul/Blues star has announced her arrival to the world.Brought up in the country town of Hanging Rock in Victoria, Stevie first became interested in music whilst watching the hit TV show ‘Fame’. So at the age of 10, Stevie grabbed hold of her first guitar and never looked back.The vast array of music played in the family home would in later years have a significant impact on Stevie’s writing style. Sound tracks to the big musicals like Oklahoma, Carousel and Don Quixote fostered a love of the ‘grand’ production. Even as her attention moved to the classical guitar, the draw to the more dramatic orchestral guitar music as opposed to the solo format was very evident.Making good on her ambition to attend the ‘fame’ school, Stevie audition for and was accepted to one of Australia’s most prestigious music schools, ‘The Victorian College of the Arts’. Despite excelling at the college as a classical musician and an offer to continue studies at London’s Royal College of music, the growing ambition to explore another side of the music world was proving irresistible. The seed for this was planted quite accidently when Stevie was asked to fill in for a local Blues Brother’s tribute band. Fronting up to the show with her trusty classical guitar, the good humoured band firmly placed a borrowed Stratocaster in her hands with a “there ya go, plug that it in.”With that, Stevie took her first, if somewhat flustered steps to playing on stage with a band. The band and Stevie were about as rough as they come that night, but the chemistry was magic. The proverbial light had been turned on and it was a significant turning point. With absolutely no doubt in her mind that this was the kind of performer she wanted to be, it was still to be determined what kind of artist she would be. Stevie began performing in numerous rock and cover bands, as well as releasing her first album and an EP. But it wasn’t until Stevie came across a small independent Blues label in Australia that her eventual destination began to take shape. Encouraged to explore the world of Blues, Stevie set off across Australia armed with just her guitar and a stomp box. Four years of solo touring, exploring new songs, a solo album and the energy and enthusiasm from the growing fan base forged a confident and exceptional talent. Stevie was born to sing the blues and soul is her perfect medium.Stevie’s new soul album “Welcome To The Big Time” marks her departure from performing solo. The coupling of ‘that voice’, signature guitar and a three piece rhythm section, punchy horns and lush strings produces a vibrancy and tone that is reminiscent of the “Memphis Sound” from Stax and Hi Records during the late 60′s. Adding weight to the album is Stevie’s pairing with Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite on an acoustic rendition of “Ol’ Man River.”With the new album already collecting awards and accolades both at home and abroad, an extensive tour schedule is in the planning for Australia, North America and Europe.
Tom Jovanovic: After graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts, Tom was awarded a scholarship to continue his studies in America at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Boston. Tom has attended master classes with the likes of John Mayer, Paul Simon and Bobby McFerrin. This highly awarded musician (VCA Jazz competition, the Al Natale Brass Scholarship, the Dame Joan Sutherland Award to name a few) shows versatility at its best. Equally comfortable playing Jazz with a quintet as he is running his Trumpet through effects pedals to play dance music. Tom has toured Japan as well as completing several tours of Australia. He has performed at venues all across Melbourne including the premier Jazz clubs Bennett’s lane and Dizzy’s.
Kim Kelaart: After spending many years touring and recording for artists such as Kate Ceberano, Human Nature, and The John Dallimore band, Kim settled into the role of Hammond player and based himself in Melbourne. Kim and his band KNAG (pronounced nag) recorded the first of the series of albums “Live at Bernies” in late 2005 (Tony Monaco and Tim Neal are now also a part of this series).Kim has also arranged for film and theatre including the popular Australian TV series “Saddle Club” and for Katie Underwood (e xBardot). He is a sought after session musician and was hand-picked by the legendary sax player Dave Liebman (Miles Davis Band) to perform on a recent internationally released CD.
