The first feature album of 2021 is a special re-release from the late Chris Wilson – Live At The Continental. Originally recorded and released in 1994, Live At The Continental is an intimate recording, an Australian classic and an incredible creation by one of Australia's most beloved blues and roots musicians.
The original nine-track CD was expanded with extra material in 2007 taking it to a 15 song double CD. Live At The Continental has once again been remastered, this time with with even more material – taking it to a seventeen-track odyssey – and for the first time ever, on vinyl.
Wilson's career was long and illustrious. His early days were spent in pubs with R&B/soul rocking Soul Twisters and then post-punk blues enthusiasts Harem Scarem. A multi-instrumentalist, Wilson drew attention in the late 80s and 90s for his harmonica playing; adding his touch to the works of Hunters & Collectors, Crowded House, X, and Paul Kelly & The Coloured Girls.
Known for his instrumental work, Wilson found his voice when forming his own group Crown of Thorns, releasing records on a label by revered blues DJ Max Crawdaddy, which then led to a deal with Mushroom Records. It was with Mushroom that Wilson released his debut solo album Landlocked in 1992. The album saw Wilson nominated for best male artist and breakthrough artist at the ARIAs. Live At The Continental followed and soon become a fan favourite.
There is much to say about Chris Wilson; a big man with a big voice and an even bigger heart, but we'll let his music speak for itself and leave you with this live clip of 'You Will Surely Love Again' recorded at Live At The Continental.
Live At The Continental is out now on Melbourne's Cheersquad Records & Tapes.
TOP TRACKS WE'RE LOVING
King Stingray - 'Get Me Out'
mara - 'Singing'
Michael Beach - 'De Facto Blues'
Madlib - 'Road of The Lonely Ones'
Patricia Brennan - 'Magic Square'
Nahawa Doumbia - 'Blonda Yirini'
Emeka Ogboh - 'Danfo Mellow'
B'Zircon - 'Ultramarine'
Joelistics x Parvyn - '5 Rivers'
