As one of Australia's premier independent bands, Bluehouse have stamped out their own unique style by writing folk-flavored pop melodies meshed with powerful, intricate harmonies and inspired guitar and bass playing, along with an engaging, lively show that heaps healthy doses of sardonic wit and humor in between songs.
The dynamic duo of Jacqueline Walter and Bernadette Carroll first met in a pub in Melbourne in 1995. They have since forged a successful career worldwide, by honing their performance skills through beautiful singing, clever thinking and near constant touring. They have received five-star reviews from critics and fans alike. With the original line-up as a trio (including Sam Harley) Bluehouse independently released two EPs and three full-length CD's, Big, 6 Minutes of Breathable Air, These Days. The NEW CD "One More Kiss" (May 2007 release), their first as a duo, was produced by guitar legend (and fellow Aussie) Tommy Emmanuel, a two time Grammy nominated virtuoso. Tommy not only plays guitar and drums on all the new songs but invited Bluehouse to open for his shows in Holland, April 2007. They are performing additional dates opening for Emmanuel in the US in Autumn, 2007 along with headlining their own shows.
After initially performing sold out shows in Australia, Bluehouse ventured across the sea to play at WOMAD in New Zealand, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. WIth their first tour of North America, in the summer of 2002, they have continued to impress audiences at many prestigious US music festivals including California WorldFest, Philadelphia Folk Festival, the US National Folk Alliance, Kerrville Folk Festival, and the Ann Arbor Folk Festival. They have performed for millions on Mountain Stage (syndicated on PBS) the Woodsongs Radio Hour and at showcase venues all over the US including the House of Blues (LA), Freight and Salvage (Berkeley), The Birchmere (near DC), The Ark (Ann Arbor) and many more.
Bluehouse have shared the stage with other stars including Neil Young, Cowboy Junkies, UB40, Elvis Costello, and Neil Finn (of Crowded House).
Here's what music reviewers have written:
(Bluehouse) music is "delicious folk-pop...tinged at times with sweet gospel soul, before plunging into raucous guitar riffs" and "exuberant, sad, wise, harmonically dazzling...a lively display of both instrumental and a cappella with attitude and polished pop".
-SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
"This acoustic duo from Melbourne have been winning rave reviews.... they write powerful radio-friendly tunes and twist them with a quirkiness which keeps them outside formula pop."
-Lesley Sly of ROLLING STONE.
"An immensely entertaining and engaging live show has been the hallmark of their success, garnering them such praise as the best night you've ever had with glorious harmony work and individual voices ranging from teardrop soft to thunderstorm forceful."
- Geoff Wilson SCENE magazine.
