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Singer and instrumentalist Melissa Smith (Mel) was born and has lived in
the Clarence area most of her life. Mel has been working in the music industry
for
over 20 years in bands and duos such as Aluna, Gom Jabbar, Fillidh,
Cheeky Lollie, Mick and Mel as well as teaching at the Clarence Valley
Conservatorium for the past 10 years.
She has a passion for travel and music in which she draws her musical style
from Blues, Rock and Folk music with influences from Latin, African and even
Indian music.
With these influences, Mel has developed a raunchy and interesting vocal
style
as well being able to play solid rhythm guitar and funky conga and
percussion
rhythms in B.R.B..
Mel believes music is a shared space that not only entertains but inspires,
creates and fulfills. It can bring the most different people to connection and
is a
language we all understand. |
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Despite having been on stage since 8 years of age and having performed countless times
world-wide from Auckland to Zurich for decades as an international street performer,
Dom is a relative newcomer to the band world.
The guitar first entered his life at 10 years of age and became his passion for the next 10.
And then she quietly subsided into the background as clowning, mime, juggling, escapology,
street theatre and the gypsy life took hold and flourished.
It wasn't until many years later after having done the "seachange" (moving from Sydney to
Yamba), and in search of a new form of self-expression that Dom's love of the guitar was
rekindled. A ten year journey of solo instrumental performing followed as he forged a
unique sound and repertoire, created 2 solo CDs (selling thousands of copies to
eager listeners) and played his heart out to hundreds of rapt audiences at markets,
cafes, festivals, house-concerts, campuses & street corners.
And then, quite by chance B.R.B. entered his life along with the opportunity to
play the ageless tunes of his teenage guitar heroes
(BB King, Santana, Clapton, Gilmour,
Page, Trower and of course Jimi Hendrix!)
live. Applying his improvisional skills and
guitar prowess to blues, rock, R&B & soul classics has been as much of a joy as melding
into the dynamics and camaraderie that is B.R.B., a joy that is obvious to
all from the sound of the first note of every gig!!
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Born into a musical family and working in my fathers music shop in Parramatta during the 60's and
early 70"s, it was second nature for me to pick up an instrument and learn to play. My choice of
instrument was the guitar, playing rhythm guitar for many years.
In the mid 70's I moved to the NSW
north coast, opening and operating another family
run music shop for 20yrs in Lismore.
During the
70s and 80s live music was played in Clubs, Hotels and Local Halls on a regular
basis.
I began setting
up and playing in a number of
popular local bands.
As there was a shortage of bass players I then
took up the Bass guitar.
First off with "Big Mozzie" a successful popular band which ran for a period of ten years.
Other popular bands I formed were country rock outfit "Katie Flyer"as well as "The Blue
Finns" and "Hands Down".
All played not only covers but had lots of original songs of
which some were recorded,released and played on local radio stations.
We supported touring bands that passed through the North Coast during this time.
The likes of "Richard Clapton" "The Cure", "Black Sorrows" "Little river Band", "Cold Chisel"
and many others.
In the 90's live music venues began to be taken over by night clubs.
Gigs became few and far between.
Late 90's, semi retirement bought me to live in the Clarence Valley. Since living here I have
come to meet and play with various local musicians playing many local pub and hall gigs.
In 2016 B.R.B. was formed and still going strong, with a popular local following.
Still playing the blues with a funky feel !!! |
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Bringing a wealth of drumming experience and an infectious groove like none other,
Gary Nottingham is
the latest addition to the B.R.B.line-up.
After playing with many bands in New Zealand Gary left for Melbourne in 1982, and
started
out playing with Wilbur Wilde's Big Kombi. He then went on to play with the likes
of Broderick Smith, Chris Wilson, Russell Crowe, Brian Mannix,
George Kapiniaris, Lisa Mc Cune, Ross Wilson, James Reyne and
Paul Norton.
Gary recorded with many of these artists & appeared live on Hey Hey It’s Saturday,
Tonight Live with Steve Vizard, Rove Live with Rove MacMannis and
Good Morning Australia with local and international artist including
Moby, Sue Medly (Canada) & Joshua Kadison.
Since moving to the Clarence Valley, many have had the chance to see Gary live playing
with Mal Eastick, Deluxe Suite, The Dennis Wilson Band and StormWater.
Locals also get to hear Gary regularly on
TLC FM's popular "The Gravy Train" every Tuesday afternoon
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Vital
to the magical sound of B.R.B.
is the impressive audio skills of
soundman Jarred Burley.
Jarred ensures that no matter how difficult
the venue is, audiences are
treated to
a balanced and great sounding mix.
Being talented musician in his own right, when his soundman duties allow,
Jarred has also become a valuable
addition to the band as a great rhythm
guitarist
and occasional opening support act.
B.R.B. are indeed very lucky & happy to
have him on board!
(along with Rob & Jane Burley!)
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