The Groovesmiths

The Groovesmiths
The Groovesmiths performing at Curtin University in August, 2007.
Background information
Origin	Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Genres	Roots
Years active	2004–present
Labels	Independent
Website	http://www.myspace.com/thegroovesmiths

The Groovesmiths are an Australian roots-music band, founded by Gavin Shoesmith, ex bass player of John Butler Trio. Originally located in Darwin, Northern Territory, Gavin has since shifted to Fremantle, Western Australia. The band is recognized for its unique style and awe inspiring live performances, blending strong elements of Reggae, Jazz, and Hip-Hop into traditional Blues and Roots music.

The Groovesmiths released a debut EP entitled Demonstrations Of Intent in 2006, featuring guests John Butler and Saritah and a follow up self-titled album in 2008.

Style and songwriting

Rockus Online Magazine had the following to say in a review of Demonstrations Of Intent:

The hallmarks of roots music are all there; inflections of ska and reggae, acoustic percussion, steel & slide guitars, and lyrical content much in the vein of social awareness. The slight twist here, however, is that the rhythm and beat of the music sits much more in the area of hip-hop than blues or rock. The instrumental side of things is top notch. Guest appearances from West Australian roots-stalwart John Butler on Bushranger, and local diva Saritah on Lonely, certainly add flavor to the recipe.

Demonstrations Of Intent

The band's debut EP features 5 original songs, written by Gavin Shoesmith.

1. "Bushranger" – 3:51
2. "Lonely" – 4:05
3. "Rebirth" – 5:04
4. "Viva La Revolution" – 3:33
5. "Oh The Sun Is Shining" – 4:35

The EP features performances from previous band-members Michael Boase (Drums) and Jesse Moore (Guitar), as well as John Butler (Lap-steel Guitar), Saritah (Vocals), Mark Robinson (Didgeridoo), and Francis Diatschenko (Guitar)

The Groovesmiths (Hello Operator)

The band's album featured 4 more of Shoesmith's songs as well as reworked versions of the 5 featured on the EP. Guitarist Alex Dew also contributes 'Sun and Moon'.

1. "Bushranger" – 3:51
2. "Oh The Sun is Shining"
3. "Red Fox"
4. "The Rebirth of Cool"
5. "Viva La Revolution"
6. "The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith"
7. "The Gypsy Song"
8. "Sun and Moon"
9. "Blues and Roots"
10. "3AM Monday Morning'

The recording of their self titled album saw the return of Mark Robinson on Didgeridoo as well as percussionist Walter Piccolruaz and drummer Matt Wright joining the core group of Shoesmith and Alex Dew. Often erroneously called "Hello Operator" due to cover art.

Further reading

Online articles

• EP review by Dominic Pearce. http://www.rockus.com.au/, 2007.
• Interview by Faster Louder.