C. W. Stoneking.

I stumbled across C. W. Stoneking on a forum (Stencil Revolution to be precise), and thought I'd give him a go. After downloading the album Jungle Blues, I was pleasantly surprised.
This earthy blues album has such a rich, almost rugged sound, consisting prominently of guitar and banjo, as well as simple percussion and bass, with of course Stoneking's raspy voice.
It brings to mind images of the early 20th Century in America, strumming on the front porch, whilst a steam train toots in the background, and a horse and cart wheel past, tumble weed and local rustic tavern certainly aren't far away. The occasional, yet consistent, fill-ins provided by moody brass (Stoneking's Primitive Horn Orchestra), and a honky-tonk piano also contributes to this album and "Housebound Blues", performed by Kirsty Fraser (his wife) is certainly a notable track, which sets as some relief from Stoneking's at times apathetic tone. That said however, Stoneking truly captures the blues in all it's expressive glory, with at times a needed wander into an American Folk and even hints at times to the roots of the Appalachians.
The 2008 album, Jungle Blues, gives C. W. Stoneking an even greater name for becoming one of Australia's most distinguished blues artists.