Gary Lothian
Gary is one of Australia's finest R & B, roots/rock guitarists. He first came to prominence (perhaps further back than he'd care to admit) somewhere around '68-'69 with The Elliot Gordon Union, one of Sydney's most prolific R & B, soul based groups, often working three spots on the one night. Unfortunately they never released any vinyl.
Eventually parting company with EGU he found himself with another cult band (once again R & B based) around '70-'71 - Galadriel - recording one album for Polydor Records and worked relentlessly around Sydney plus some modest touring. Anyone that frequented Joseph's Coat disco, in Sydney, would surely remember this outfit.
After a short hiatus he found himself in an extremely popular R & B outfit, the totallly legendary Cyril B. Bunter Boogie Band. Lasting from '73 to '85 and recording one album, Mad Money in High Places.
When not blowing people away at their regular gig at the Welcome Inn, this band toured enormously, supporting the likes of George Thoroughgood (also writing the title track of his album Boogie People), John Mayall, Canned Heat and many major Australian acts such as Chain etc etc.
Eventually this band called it a day around '89-'90. The Blues Doctors formed with front man Mick Diggles and the schedule ramped up.
However, around 1990 The King Bees evolved with Lonesome Harvey Fisk fronting. Nick Churkin also joined. Around '93 Harvey moved on and Country Kim Cook took over front man duties. This band developed a loyal following with it's rootsy, R & B and New Orleans flavours.
With one live CD Gotta Move recorded, Country Kim eventually moved on and around '96 James Thornbury - ex Canned Heat - hooked up and this line up became James T. and The Last Volunteers.
With two CD's - First Up and Sharpen Up - and much touring to their credit, they eventually called it a day around 2002-'03 whereupon the wheel turned and The Last Volunteers reformed with Lonesome to carry the flag to this day.
