Created by Melbourne-based blues bass warrior Ben Wicks, the Blues Roulette concept has become a Melbourne Blues Institution. Offering an always solid rhythm section, Blues Roulette invites special guest artists from all over Australia to join them for a night (or sometimes arvo) of spontaneous, infectious blues jamming. Earlier in 2020, Wicks released the first in the series of Blues Roulette recordings with Frank Sultana as the featured artist. On November 1st, they release EP number #2, this time spotlighting Jimi Hocking as the frontman. Recorded in Marysville just before Covid lockdown, the Jimi Hocking Blues Roulette EP has that energetic live vibe that all great blues recordings seem to possess. The solid pocket laid down by Wicks on bass and Johnny Tesoriero on drums allows Hocking to shine on his rare Maton AX5, Les Paul style guitar.
Ahead of the Jimi Hocking Blues Roulette EP’s official release on November 1st, Australian Musician’s Greg Phillips caught up with Jimi to talk about the Blues Roulette concept, the creation of the recording, the gear he used on it, and the influence of blues legends.