THE FLAMING MONGRELS

Bringing together some of Australia's finest musicians, The Flaming Mongrels features luminaries of the Melbourne country and blues scene. The ensemble brings a fresh new sound to the Melbourne music scene, cross-pollinating outlaw country, down-home blues, jazz and swing, while retaining a unique and individualistic sound.. 

Guitarist, Gary Watling has graced the stage with some of Australia's biggest names, including Aria and Golden Guitar nominated artist Jasmine Rae.His style is an eclectic mix of country, blues and jazz; combining blistering chicken pick'n licks, moaning pedal steel bends and swinging beebop runs.     

For the last 20 years, bassist/vocalsit Malcom Beveridge has been providing infectious grooves for many of Melbourne's premier acts. His expansive career has led him to the stages at some of Australians premier events  including the Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane festivals. His tenure as a member of the award winning theatre production Jack Charles vs the Crown has seen him tour internationally and perform at prestigious venues including the Belvoir Theatre an Barbican in London.    

Phil plays drums and guitar for a living and has been known to sing (if the price is right). He also runs crackbellrecords.com-which sell great music to people with odd taste. Currently Phil is performing with the artists: the Borrowed Time Trio, Ben Carr Trio, Mike Brady, Stu Thomas Paradox, Dan Flynn and the State of Things (Bass) and Justin Brady. Phil is also touring with the Ilbijerri Theatre Company production of Jack Charles V The Crown, which has just returned from seasons at the Barbican in London and the Dublin Theatre Festival (2014). The 2013 Australian tour won the coveted Helpmann Award for Best Regional Touring Production.

Songstress Hannah Riley is a seasoned performer, having supported the likes of Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson and a host of top name acts. She also composed music for the acclaimed Lions Bride theater production. 

Joel Reed plays his sax like a frieght train- loud and rarely on time. Heavily influenced by blues and R&B, his style is a sonic barrage of firery blues runs, sqawking R&B hooks and twisted jazz lines. He is a member of the group Frankie Wants Out and has toured internationally with Perth-based act Toby.