Ian has been playing blues now in Australia for 35 years.
In that time, he has amassed more awards than any other blues musician in Australia.
Including being the recipient an Aria award with his band Collard Greens and Gravy in 2001 for best blues cd.
In that same year his band travelled to Memphis where they placed 2nd overall band in the international Blues challenge, a feat unparalleled by any other Australian band.
The bands 3rd release “silver bird” a recording made entirely of songs penned by Ian was the recipient of the “best independent blues cd” at the international blues challenge in Memphis, also an achievement that has only been achieved by Collard Greens and Gravy in this country.
The band has won more awards at the Australian and Vic/Tas blues awards than any other act, their last release “Luedella” being recipient of the Music Victoria award for best blues cd.
Ian’s passion and skill as a vocalist, harmonica player, guitarist and songwriter has been well documented over the years, he was the winner of the Australian harmonica award in Tamworth, and has performed along with many great names including his performances with the Australian Ballet and his recording on the international number one single by Baz Luhrmann on the song “Everybody is free to wear sunscreen “
Along with his work with Collard Greens and Gravy over their 28 year career he has also performed as a solo artist and with his other award-winning band Three Kings. For the last 17 years he has also been the harmonica player for long running Sydney based blues band the Backsliders.
Ian has entered the blues performer of the year competition 4 times and been the winner on all occasions including 2 times with Collard Greens and Gravy once with Three Kings and he was the winner as a solo artist the first time the competition was held. This leading the Blues Foundation in Memphis to change the name of the competition from the “Blues Challenge” to its current name of the “International Blues Challenge” as he was the first non-American to perform in that event.
Ian’s career has always been as a musician performing blues music and his passion for this music is obvious when you listen to him perform.