Jason Mraz Brass Players @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009
Jason Mraz’s brass players want some crowd action too!

Festival season is FINALLY OVER! And what a fitting way to bring us back to our roots by having a cruisy day at the West Coast Blues & Roots Festival. As usual, it was held at the Esplanade Reserve in Fremantle, right next to the harbour among the huge Norfolk Island pine trees. This time the festival was more low-key compared to the last couple of years which saw the lineup spread over a weekend. Ben Harper and Michael Franti were not brought over to Fremantle either. Though, that doesn’t mean we weren’t able to laze about for the day… it probably should have made it easier!

John Butler Trio @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

Some time after the Bluesfest tour announcement, The John Butler Trio said this would be the last time to catch the current trio. John Butler said something about gathering a new trio for a different sound, I think. I’m not sure how often “Betterman” is played at recent JBT concerts, but it was the fourth song of the set and it sounded marvellous.

John Butler Trio @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009 John Butler Trio @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

They all looked quite comfortable on-stage performing with each other. I didn’t stay for the full set though, having not eaten properly due to lack of cash and suffering from sleep-deprivation from the night before’s shenanigans.

Jason Mraz @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009 Jason Mraz @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

It’s obvious after “that song” became synonymous to Channel 7’s Packed To The Rafters that there were many many people wanting to catch Jason Mraz. Although being around for a fair while, I’m thinking it’s not just Australia who has tuned into I’m Yours over and over again. It’s a cute song, I must admit. A bit ashamed that my sister knew some of his older songs too… it took a while for me to jog my Mraz memory.

Missy Higgins @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

Oh, Missy Higgins… you’ve been gone for too long. You’re still gorgeous. I melted when you started the set with “Nightminds”. Stay in Australia just that bit longer please!

Easy Star All-Stars @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

What roots festival would this be without a bit of reggae? The Easy Star All-stars were just one of those Caribbean bands to perform that night. Come on… let’s get lost and sway for a while.

Paul Kelly @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

I don’t think I could ever picture Paul Kelly playing at a music festival, but I guess he fits right in when jumping right into all the “Dumb Things” he had done. Though, speaking of Paul Kelly, I’m really bummed I didn’t get to catch Kev Carmody perform. You gotta catch the legends… even if they have been billed early on in the day.

Bob Evans @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

I guess Bob Evans really COULD say “Goodnight, Bull Creek!” tonight! I’m still debating whether “Bullcreek” ever existed as a singular word though…

Seasick Steve @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

Seasick Steve has a reason to be happy. Having been a hobo, tramp or bum for most of his life, Seasick Steve has a story to tell to many thousands of ears out there. Now, wouldn’t it just poke your heart to hear “I Started Out With Nothin’ and I Still Got Most Of It Left”? He is such a jovial spirit.

Augie March @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

Ben Kweller @ West Coast Blues & Roots Festival 2009

And now, finally, my early highlights from the festival - Augie March and Ben Kweller. Either of those two I certainly can not get enough of. I’m a bit peeved off though… two years ago when Ben Kweller was on his own tour, I had tried twice (and failed) to get him to sign my special photobook. He announced he’d be at the signing tent and I didn’t bring my book. Snap!

There are plenty more photos in my Flickr photoset of the West Coast Blues & Roots Festival.

Coming soon… more V Festival posts!