Swamp and Circumstance

Who said drummers should sit in the background and just keep the beat! Thankfully Nick Churkin (James T. and the Last Volunteers) didn't think so either and this is his debut CD, teaming up with another Volunteers member - Gary Lothian (guitars). I have always loved Nick's drumming - what I would describe in layman's terms a s "chunky" - good solid bass combined with inventive Chicago shuffle. Add some deep, swampy vocals and I am wondering why Nick hasn't stepped up to the mike, so to speak, long before this!

Nick handles all the vocal duties on this album, but it is hard to believe it is just a duo putting out this sound. Gary excels with some fantastic guitar playing - - acoustic, electric and slide. I know I am not the only one who thinks this guy has to be one of our most talented musicians. Two more musicians who should be constantly in work, but are seldom seen on the Blues circuit - let's hope this album sets the ball rolling for some live gigs around Sydney and the many festivals, for all our sakes!

Off the soap box and onto the recording - very well mixed with equal billing (sound) between the drums and guitar. Nick's vocals are strong, and while he does add the odd American twang here and there, his diction is so clear that even I picked up on some words that I had been listening to since the 60s but never understood! Thanx Nick!

Swamp and Circumstance contains 13 tracks, with 3 originals. Great selection from artists such as McKinley Morganfield (Trouble No More). Jimi Hendrix (Remember and Up From the Skies) to Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood, Memphis and Red Headed Woman, to name just a few. Like his drumming, Nick puts his own stamp on his vocals, never imitating the originals - often using a softer approach (Memphis) or a forceful delivery (It Hurts Me Too) than we are used to hearing with these covers. As I said previously, don't be fooled by the word "duo" or have preconceived ideas about the name Swamphouse - these guys put out a sound that any full on band would be proud to produce!

The Sydney Blues Society - Julie Fox

This Boogie Life

REVIEW OF SWAMPHOUSE: THIS BOOGIE LIFE FOR CD BABY

There is no short supply of blues bands in the United States. Apparently and interestingly, there is also no short supply of them in Australia. Yes, that’s what I said – Australia. And who’d a “thunk” that one of the best blues bands around –either here in the States or Down Under – would be a three-piece band from the Sydney-area called “Swamphouse”? Swamphouse’s excellent rhythm section is manned by Mike Rix (acoustic and electric bass) and Nick Churkin (drums and vocals), two exceptionally solid and experienced musicians who keep driving “the bottom” of each song. All the guitar work on this CD is done by Gary Lothian, a phenomenal guitarist whose electric, acoustic and slide guitar phrasing reflects his mastery of Texas Blues as good as SRV and as good as any Delta Blues performer. Despite these obviously apparent similarities, he has managed to express his own individual and unique style through a generous array of phrasing and tonal diversity. Nick Churkin carries most of the water when it comes to vocals. He has a very unique and special vocal style that lends itself perfectly to the tunes on the CD.

In short, this three-man combination of talent and many years of gig-after-gig experience can play everything from driving Texas Blues, spirited Rockabilly, as well as traditional country/folk ballads. Now, what about the tunes on “This Boogie Life”? Well, how many blues bands would cover songs written by just about everyone from Fats Domino to Duke Ellington? I kid you not. These guys also do Chuck Berry, Bruce Springsteen, Elmore James and Roy Rogers. Of the 11 tunes on the CD, “Boogie Or Burst” is an original tune Nick Churkin co-authored with a mysterious individual known only to the members of Swamphouse. Otherwise, they cover this eclectic range of the remaining 10 tunes and do them their own, special boogie way. To get a taste of this band’s Texas Blues style, listen to their version of “I Used To Be Bad.” And if you’re hungry for a Chuck Berry vibe, listen and tap your foot to the band’s version of “You Never Can Tell.” Lothian’s guitar work on this tune is tasteful and melodic. He really knows his way around a guitar fret board. And it’s very rare to hear bands cover Fats Domino tunes, but Swamphouse does a superb job of it with their version of “Blue Monday.” And I can’t remember the last time I heard any band tackle Duke Ellington’s “Caravan,” but Swamphouse handles it beautifully. And Lothian’s slide guitar work is nothing short of brilliant. I could go on and on, here.

So, you don’t have to go to Chicago, Atlanta, Memphis or Austin to hear boogie blues of the highest quality. Just get yourself a copy of Swamphouse’s “This Boogie Life.” When it comes to the blues, the States don’t have anything on our cousins Down Under. Rix, Churkin and Lothian can really kick some ass.

Chuck Topetzes - Atlanta, Georgia