Pete Cornelius grew up as far away from the Delta heartland as is almost humanely possible. He has never picked cotton, never hitched a ride on a freight train, nor traded with the Devil. Not knowingly, anyway. Yet the 29-year-old is one of the most experienced young bluesman in the country, with more live shows, festival appearances and album releases under his belt than most performers twice his age.
Groundswell, his soon to be released 9th long player features 11 songs not restricted by genre, with Pete feeling keen to record some r&b, funk, soul, rock and alt-country tracks, in a further shift away from the sounds on many of his previous albums.
Recording with the same band he used on his acclaimed 2010 release Tumbleweed, Groundswell includes original numbers worked in with some favourite songs from artists such as the Rev. Al Green, Otis Rush and Ray LaMontagne. The aim during recording was to capture a live vibe and sound, with all the Drums, Bass & Guitar recorded live –something not done on the Tumbleweed release.
Early feedback from blues and roots radio presenters has been excellent with the album already receiving good airplay support and feature album status on a number of shows before the official release date of October 1st.
Pete is gearing up for a 7 week tour to promote the album, starting in his home state of Tasmania, then heading to the mainland for an appearance at The Great Southern Blues Festival in Narooma, before winding his way up the Eastern Seaboard for shows in NSW and QLD, then heading for home via Victoria and South Australia.
GROUNDSWELL TOUR DATES
Sunday 15th September – Falmouth Community Centre, Falmouth TAS
Thursday 19th September – Republic Bar & Café, Hobart TAS
Friday 20th September – Tapas Bar, Devonport TAS
Saturday 21st September – Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston TAS
Sunday 22nd September – Bridge Hotel, Forth TAS
Sunday 29th September – Longley International Hotel, Longley TAS
Saturday 5th October – The Great Southern Blues Festival, Narooma NSW
Wednesday 9th October – Brass Monkey, Cronulla NSW
Thursday 10th October – The Vanguard, Newtown NSW
Saturday 12th October – Heritage Hotel, Bulli NSW
Sunday 13th October – Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland NSW
Friday 18th October – The Loft, Surfers Paradise QLD
Saturday 19th October – Joe’s Waterhole, Eumundi QLD
Sunday 20th October – The Joynt, South Brisbane QLD
Saturday 25th October – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle NSW
Saturday 26th October – Kidgeeridge Music Festival NSW
Wednesday 30th October – Northcote Social Club, Northcote VIC
Thursday 31st October – Babushka Bar, Nth Ballarat VIC
Friday 1st November – Semaphore Workers Club, Semaphore SA
Sunday 3rd November – Elwood Blues Club, St Kilda VIC
Monday 4th November – Kazbah Lounge, Sale VIC