By PETER DOUGLAS
UPWEY favourite son Matt Walker is preparing his band for a hometown gig, upon release of their new album.
The roots artist and his crew of talented musicians, collectively called Lost Ragas, are celebrating their release, ‘Trans-Atlantic Highway’, with a performance at Burrinja on Saturday, 26 September.
The performance will mark the start of a national tour for Lost Ragas, which formed when Walker met pedal steel player, Shane Reilly.
Roger Bergodaz (bass) and Simon Burke (drums) helped complete the quartet.
Walker is an Aria award winner and perhaps better-known for his solo work over the past 20 years, but he told the ‘Mail’ that playing in a band had rejuvenated his music.
“I’ve more recently moved away from the solo act and focused more on the band,” he said.
“They’re the best band to work with, I feel I can express myself without having to fit in, I can play how I want to play.
“Collectively, we have a wide appreciation of music, which is why we mix so well.”
Interestingly, Walker wasn’t the only artist in the group needing a change.
The drummer (Burke) used to be a bass player, while the bass player (Bergodaz) used to be a drummer.
Walker, too, has stepped out of his comfort zone.
He wrote much of the new album on piano, despite the guitar being his usual instrument of choice.
For this performance, it will be a homecoming of sorts, after starting out his career performing at the Selby Folk Club.
“I grew up in the Hills and sometimes take it for granted, but it has influenced my music,” he said.
The new album has been described as ‘cosmic country’.
Lost Ragas will play at Burrinja Cafe on Saturday, 26 September, with dinner from 6pm and music from 8pm (cost $20).
For more information, visit www.burrinja.org.au.
