It’s significant that the Joe Camilleri led band, The Black Sorrows has just released their 24th studio album The Way We Do Business but what’s even more apparent is the high quality of songs, musicianship and production on the record. The band is as relevant today as they’ve ever been.
The Way We Do Business features Philly soul, New Orleans roll, a little rockabilly, blues and on one song titled City of Soul, a return to the fabulous Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons sound, a track which includes three members of that band including Jeff Burstin, Tony Faehse and Wilbur Wilde. 
Any examination of The Black Sorrows inevitably comes down to one person. Joe Camilleri (singer, songwriter, saxophonist, producer and the brains behind The Black Sorrows) is one of the most genuinely talented figures in Australian music. And while The Black Sorrows have released their 24th studio album The Way We Do Business – this release is also frontman Joe Camilleri’s 55th career album.
Writer of milestone Australian songs such as So Young, Hit And Run, Shape I’m In, Hold On To Me, Harley and Rose, Chained To The Wheel, Never Let Me Go and the Chosen Ones, Camilleri has dedicated his life to making music. Leader of two of Australia’s most successful bands, Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons and The Black Sorrows, Joe’s music has become part of Australian music culture. He was inducted along with other members of the Falcons, into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame in 2007. Over the years other greats have admired Camilleri’s songwriting. Elvis Costello and John Denver are just two who have recorded cover versions of Joe’s music.
Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips had great pleasure in sitting down with Australian music royalty Joe Camilleri in his home studio to chat about his career and the making of The Black Sorrows album The Way We Do Business. Video assistance and photos by Jason Rosewarne.
MORE ABOUT JOE CAMILLERI AND THE BLACK SORROWS
In the mid-80s, following the success of Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons, Joe Camilleri gathered a group of musician friends and dubbed them The Black Sorrows. The band began playing for the fun of it, recording independent albums and selling them at venues. When radio picked up the classic track, Mystified, The Black Sorrows really took flight. The band signed a worldwide deal with CBS/Sony and proceeded to release some of Australia’s most successful albums, including the multi-platinum sellers Hold On To Me, Harley & Rose and The Chosen Ones.
Since 1984, The Black Sorrows have toured Australia more times than anyone can remember, played sell out shows across Europe, won the ARIA for Best Band‚ and sold more than a million albums worldwide. Joe Camilleri has shown fans and critics alike that he is a performer with an undeniable energy and love of it all.
Says Joe Camilleri “It’s still wonderful to be part of the Australian music fraternity. I’m just as excited today releasing the latest Black Sorrows album ‘The Way We Do Business’ as I was in late ’75 releasing my very first single. I thank everybody that’s been part of my wonderful journey – hail hail rock ‘n’ roll!”
The Black Sorrows are one of the country’s most respected and enduring bands. They continue to tour successfully year after year, delivering their special blend of blues and roots music to fans across the country. Joe has celebrated over 50 years in the industry and has earned the reputation as a hard working musician who never fails to deliver and knows how to connect with his audience.
The Way We Do Business is released through ABC Music, available HERE
CONNECT WITH THE BLACK SORROWS: FACEBOOK YOUTUBE WEBSITE
THE BLACK SORROWS TOUR DATES 2024/25
Saturday 2nd November
Bellarine Estate – BBQ & Blues, Bellarine VIC
Friday 8th November
Swan Hill Town Hall, Swan Hill VIC
Saturday 9th November
Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton VIC
Sunday 10th November
Kyneton Town Hall, Kyneton VIC
Friday 15th November
Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale VIC
***SOLD OUT***
Saturday 16th November
Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan VIC
***SOLD OUT***
Sunday 17th November
Regent Theatre, Yarram VIC
Thursday 21st November
Queenscliff Town Hall, Queensliff VIC
Friday 22nd November
Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham VIC
Saturday 23rd November
Yarraville Club, Yarraville VIC
Friday 29th November
The Gov, Adelaide SA
Saturday 30th November
Big Easy Radio, Aldinga SA
***SOLD OUT***
Sunday 1st December
Big Easy Radio, Aldinga SA
***SOLD OUT***
Friday 6th December
Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick VIC
Saturday 7th December
Musicland, Fawkner VIC
Thursday 19th December
Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca NSW
Friday 20th December
Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca NSW
Saturday 21st December
Flamingos, Newcastle NSW
Sunday 22nd December
Flamingos, Newcastle NSW
Saturday 28th December
Memo Music Hall, St. Kilda VIC
Tuesday 31st December
Wangaratta Showground – NYE Celebration, Wangaratta VIC
Thursday 16th January
Club Forster, Forster NSW
Friday 17th January
Longyard Hotel, Tamworth NSW
Saturday 18th January
Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton NSW
Sunday 19th January
Yamba Bowling Club, Yamba NSW
Friday 24th January
North Sydney Leagues Club, North Sydney NSW
Thursday 30th January
Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral NSW
Sunday 2nd February
Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo NSW
***SOLD OUT***
