Stingray is an innovative and energetic Perth blues, funk and soul band. Since forming in August 1996 the band has been gigging in city pubs and clubs and taking frequent road-trips all over Western Australia. With a more than obvious foothold in roots music, these guys have branched out and developed a distinct style which has been described as ‘progressive blues’. Over the last 8 years the band has developed a unique sound, an excellent reputation among the WA blues community, and three CD’s of their own songs.

The 4-piece line up consists of Hamish Jacobsen (guitarist/singer/songwriter), brother Nick Jacobsen (bass), Chris Oldman, (drums), and Kat Kinley (vocals and keyboard). Hamish and Nick both played in numerous bands during their earliest days in the Perth music scene, and Hamish has experience beyond his 27 years having played stints in bands in home of the blues itself - the South of the USA. Chris and Kat are the newest members of the line-up and both bring a great deal of experience and talent. Chris has played with well-known Perth outfits such as the Blue Shaddy Band and the Gerard Maunick Band. What can go wrong with Chris at the helm of the rhythm section? Kat has produce a solo album and played extensively overseas. Her vocals (harmony and sometimes lead) and deft touch on keys give the band a full sound and added versatility. Stingray is enjoying a fresh injection of enthusiasm and a new perspective on the future.

Stingray has played with some of this country’s most well known musos, such as Rick Eastman, Ash Grunwald, Bob Patient, Dave Hole, and the Bondi Cigars. Front-man Hamish has also had stints playing in the U.S. where he had the honour of working with Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s band, and legends of the industry such as Joe Osborne (The Mamas and the Papas, Billy Joel Simon and Garfunkel), and Jay Davis (Ron Wood, Rod Stewart).

With both original tunes and blues & funk classics as part of their rep list, Stingray’s versatility shines through with every performance, whether it be regional venues or metro pubs & bars.

Some of the highlights for Stingray have been:

• ~ Support for Dave Hole, Ian Moss & Jeff Lang
• ~ Eastern States tour July 2004.
• ~ National tour 2003, including Great Southern Blues and Rockabilly Festival, Narooma (NSW)
• ~ Performing at the 8th World Swimming Championships
• ~ Headlining band for the RTRFM Blues Fundraising Event held at the Flyby NightClub
• ~ The completion of their third CD, and only full-length album, Ghosts in the Attic, 2002
• ~ Nomination at 1999, 2000 and 2001 WAMI awards for best West Australian blues act
• ~ A tour to Louisiana, USA 1999
• ~ Performing at 1999 & 2002 Bridgetown Blues Festival
• ~ Completing and Launching debut CD Here I Am (1997)

Inspiration from Stateside

In 1998 Stingray’s frontman, Hamish, followed his passion for roots music to the home of the blues itself, the deep South of the U.S.A. Since this first trip, there have been two more. During his time in the U.S. Hamish has performed and recorded with high profile players such as Jay Davis (Rod Stewart, Ron Wood, The Bluebirds), and Joe Osborne (The Mammas and the Papas, Billy Joel, Simon and Garfunkel and many more). In ‘98 he played a 3-month stint with members of Kenny Wayne Shepherd’s band in Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas.

“It was an incredible time that first time to the States. I had been traveling Greyhound for weeks and was on my way from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival to the W.C. Handy Blues Awards in Memphis. I stopped in this town called Shreveport, in Louisiana, where I had only the vaguest of contacts. I was picked up from the bus terminal - I hadn’t slept or eaten properly for a long time - and whisked off to jam at a recording studio, and then to play at a local blues club. Kenny Wayne (his hometown is Shreveport) had just come off the road from a tour of Europe, and I was asked by a couple of his band-mates if I wanted to do some gigs with them. I said ‘Yeah, after I’ve seen Memphis and New York’. So, after a couple more weeks, I ended up back in Shreveport, sleeping on a couch and working in a blues band. I had a hell of a time.”

Hamish’s tours in the States have seen him cross paths with the likes of Otis Rush and Bo Diddley (”Bo signed my guitar. The signature is still there but a little faded”). He also got to record with Jerry Beach, whose hit song “I’ll Play the Blues For You” (made famous by Albert King) is reinterpreted by Stingray on most recent album.

The Album

Stingray’s latest album is called Ghosts in the Attic and has 15 tracks on it, 12 of which are original tunes. Hamish found much of his inspiration for the album material on his last sojourn to the United States, where he work-shopped ideas with local musicians in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Famous rock’n'roll and blues exponent Dale Hawkins has described the melodies on Ghosts in the Attic as “golden”.

Hamish says:

“Dale Hawkins and I have mutual friend in Louisiana. I got to meet him one night when he played in Shreveport. It’s a huge thing for me that he likes our music. We have discussed the idea of him producing our next album.”

Many guest musicians have helped in the creation of Ghosts in the Attic. Perth blues and R&B piano legend, Bob Patient, chimes in with some super-tasteful playing. Bob brings a great deal of experience and expertise to the project, having been a member of Dave Hole’s touring line-up, and continuing to be an integral part of his recording band. If ripping guitars and catchy blues-rock beats are what you like, then get a copy of Stingray’s “Ghosts in the Attic” NOW! Available at JB Hi-Fi, Mills, 78’s, DA DA’s, Jay’s Juke Box, The Purple Ear (Dianella).