DOC SPAN
Doc Span is a harmonica player and singer, renowned for a unique voice, expressive tone, inspiring dynamics and exciting stage presence. A paramedic at the notorious Cook County Jail in the 1970's, Doc's early style was formed by jamming with many of Chicago’s Blues greats and some of Cook County Jail's inmates, hence the "Doc". There he learned first hand the intrinsic nature of African American history and blues music, the roots and the feel of the genre. Spans influences include Little Walter, Big Walter Horton, Sony Boy Williamson 1 and Larry Adler.
In the late seventies Santa Fe New Mexico became his base for touring his own band, Two Fisted Blues. Working throughout the Rockies, Canada and Alaska this hard driving Chicago style blues band became a showcase for Doc as frontman, vocalist and harmonicist. Extensive touring over several years raised Spans profile across the Green Chilli Circuit and in 1987 he was a featured artist in the prestigious Hohner Harmonica Calendar.
In the late eighties Doc came to Australia for a holiday and was invited to return to form the Sydney based band, The Doc Span Blues Band. Unusual at the time, the repertoire was solid Chicago Blues, rarely heard treated in this way in Australia. The band played gigs around the country over several years, firmly establishing Span in the Australian blues community and as one of our premiere harmonica players. The band members included luminaries of the Australian music business; Mark Kennedy, Glynn Mason and Mark Punch to name a few.
In the early nineties Span moved to Queensland and formed what would become a ten-year partnership with Ross Williams (ex A & R executive for CBS Sony Australia). This union led to various bands, albums and awards, including Sunshine Coast Entertainer of the Year 2000, winner of the Olympic Torch Relay Noosa Song Contest and the 1996 Sunny Award for their collaboration, “Last Train”. Other recordings include "Live from the Underground" featuring Phil Manning and "Blues Appetite".
Over the last eight years Span has worked in collaboration with the National Country Music Muster co-ordinators to form the performance program for the Dark and Stormy Blues Venue which has grown from one blues show to a mini festival in its own right. Doc's role also encompasses on site co-ordination and stage management for the acts.
Doc has lived in Australia since 1987 and holds dual citizenship. He occasionally returns to the States to play and has secured a publishing deal with Mel Bay for the production of a harmonica instruction CD and booklet, "Blues Grooves" which is featured in the new Mel Bay "Building Excellence Audio Series". Doc has also written and performed radio jingles and television scores including a series of "A Country Practice".
Doc plays at all major Australian Festivals including Great Southern Blues Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Thredbo Blues Festival, Bridgetown Blues Festival, East Coast Blues and Roots, and many more. He currently tours and records with a brilliant new band featuring Tim Gaze, Gus Fenwick, Max Sportelli and Glen Muirhead.
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