Jam ignites journey with Blues outfit

For Perth-based blues musician Alan Rogers, a night spent propping up the bar at a Bunbury venue has led to a regular gig, an industry nomination, great friends and a lot of good times.

That was the night he began playing with blues-loving hooligans, Flamin’ Crows.

“In a round-about kind of way there’s a bit of a story behind it,” Rogers said.

Isn’t there always?

Rogers, who has been playing music for much of his life, said it all started the night he was invited down to Bunbury for a jam at the South West Blues Club on Eliot Street.

“I was just kind of hanging out at the bar, feeling sorry for myself,” he said.

“Home Brew, the blues club house band was playing and someone forced me onto stage for a couple of numbers.

“They liked the way I played, we formed Flamin’ Crows, and the rest is history.”

The band have reached some pretty impressive highs in their short time together, appearing at prestigious blues festivals, the Bridgetown Blues Fest and Blues on Broadbeach in Queensland.

Flamin’ Crows has been nominated for New Talent of the Year at the 2013 Australian Blues Music Awards with the winner to be announced on February 7, as part of the Australian Blues Music Festival in Goulburn.

The band officially launches its album in the South West on January 19 and Rogers says he is excited to see what 2013 will bring.

“I think it will be interesting to see where we go from here,” he said.

In an interesting twist, the Crows are planning to record their set at the Eliot Street Bar, for release as a live album further down the track.

“Playing to a live audience is a bit like working with animals and children,” Rogers said.

“You never know what will happen.

“But I’m sure it will be great.”

The Flaming Crows launch Pie in the Sky with support from Home Brew, at the Eliot Street Bar on January 19.

Tickets will be available at the door.