The Crew
Dave Billing
VOCALS, HARMONICA
'Diamond' Dave masterfully demonstrates a full understanding of the many styles of the harmonica - from the expressive acoustic approach to the 'driving' amplified style. Using the chromatic harmonica, Dave has developed one of the most distinctive styles heard in Australia - such a great tone with ideas to match!
Dave spent the late 1980s and most of the 90s performing with his band The Mighty Mudcats. In 2000 the Mudcats changed their name and introduced new members including Dave Brewer who had recently returned to live in Perth.
Dave Brewer
VOCALS, GUITAR
Dave Brewer played with the Elks in the late 70s and shifted base from Perth to Sydney touring up and down the east coast. In 1982 the Elks disbanded and Brewer stayed on in Sydney, forming a lasting musical partnership with harmonica/ vocalist 'Continental' Robert Susz.
Brewer joined his soul /R&B band The Dynamic Hypnotics as well as the Mighty Reapers during the 90s. The Mighty Reapers released five CDs for Rufus Records label and played support for many visiting blues acts including BB King, Albert King, Buddy Guy, Screaming Jay Hawkins, Stevie Ray Vaughan and many more. Recently, Dave released his first solo album "Life of Riley" featuring some of Australia's most respected musical talent, including Lucky Oceans.
John Wilson
BASS
John has been a professional bass player for decades. He is very versatile and can perform many different styles of music. He often plays in an African band and is in high demand by a number of blues and blues rock bands. John often performs at the Perth Blues Club.
Among many other respected artists, John performed with our local and internationally acclaimed Slide guitar master Dave Hole for many years. Dave Hole is an Alligator Records recording artist. John has toured internationally and nationally. John also enjoyed a long partnership with Ivan Zar playing guitars, bass and producing. Ivan has several CD releases and is a highly respected local bluesman having a very long career. John brings a wealth of blues experience. He loves the blues and really enjoys teaming up with Chob, creating hard driving beats.
Yugon Chobanof
DRUMS
Chob has been playing drums from his very early teenage years. He started playing rock and pop but soon found his niche in the blues particularly the Chicago style made popular by such bands as Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Little Walter and Junior Wells.
Chob played for a number of years with the ‘Nacho Mamas Blues band’ in the early 90s then had a long run with the jump blues band ‘The Vibrolators’. Both bands released CDs and performed at local venues and Blues festivals around Australia. In 2008 Chob was invited by International Blues artist harp player vocalist Lynwood Slim (USA) and joined his backing band on his Australian tour.