“I think it’s important to preserve Blues Music as it is one of the oldest and most influential styles of music. I don’t know of any other music that has such emotion and can really make you feel great. As a modern musician playing Blues Music I think it is very important to make it known where you got it from and pass it on.”

Darren Jack: Classy Blues Rock

For over 20 years, Darren Jack has been thrilling audiences in Australia with his powerhouse rock, blues and electrifying original compositions. A multiple award winner, Darren Jack has collaborated with some of Australia’s finest musicians. His passionate performances throughout the country (both band and solo), regularly prove why he is regarded as one of Australia’s top Blues musicians. In 2021, Darren Jack produced his most ambitious album yet. Lost in Living is a tour de force of song writing and musicianship. On its release, Lost in Living stormed up the Australian Blues Charts, showcasing his powerful vocals and mastery of the guitar. From the roaring electric blues of the title track Lost in Living to acoustic gems like Deep Blue Ocean, Deep Blue Sea. In 2022, Darren Jack was invited to tour the United States with St Louis legends The Kingdom Brothers Band, playing several venues in St Louis, Missouri and Chicago. A highlight gig was the legendary Rosa’s Lounge in Chicago which was live streamed to fans worldwide. Darren Jack is no stranger to success, his album Better Place swept up five awards at the 2012 Australian Blues Music Awards.

(Photo: Darren Jack)

In 2012 Darren Jack also won the Band Category of the Sydney Blues Challenge and in 2013 represented Sydney in the International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, Tennessee. An accomplished solo artist, Darren won the Solo/Duo category at the Sydney Blues Challenge (2014) and represented Sydney in the International Blues Challenge (2015). Darren Jack has played alongside some his most important artistic influences, opening for and sharing the stage with Robert Cray, Jimmie Vaughan, Canned Heat, Ford Blues Band, George Thorogood, Chris Cain, Andy Just, Long John Baldry, Tyrone Vaughan, Kevin Borich, Ian Moss, Jeff Lang, Phil Emmanuel, Dave Hole, and Chain.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most? 

It was in 1985 when I was 16 and I was just tinkering with the guitar without any real direction. I was washing my mother’s car when I heard Robert Cray Righ next-Door, such a strong persuader on mainstream radio… The sound of that guitar and the vocals instantly got my attention. I knew straight away. That was the music I wanted to know and learn. 

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What keeps a musician passionate over the years in Blues / Rock music?

I had a well-known well respected drummer from Australia once tell me my sound is gutsy yet classy. I thought that was a good way to describe my sound. I think to stay passionate you have to be listening and learning all the time and I find when I write new songs that really gives me good mileage to stay focused and interested. 

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in Australia?

Australians like to keep it real and they say it like it is. I think Blues Music is that kind of music. It is real and genuine. 

“It was in 1985 when I was 16 and I was just tinkering with the guitar without any real direction. I was washing my mother’s car when I heard Robert Cray Righ next-Door, such a strong persuader on mainstream radio… The sound of that guitar and the vocals instantly got my attention. I knew straight away. That was the music I wanted to know and learn.” (Photo: Darren Jack)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

The hard work you put in and the hours of playing live shows and trying to get better is what is missing these days. I fear that there will not be enough of the younger generation into this music and that’s what we need to keep it going.. 

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?! 

I have played many great festivals and shows and also opened up for some of my most important heroes such as Robert Cray and Jimmy Vaughan. 

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Write good songs and don’t overplay. 

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I especially make an effort to write the songs I play rather than try and recycle the blues that has already been done. I hope this has a kind of freshness to keep people interested, and hopefully they want to know about the blues and where it came from.. 

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music/musicians in today’s society?

I think it’s important to preserve Blues Music as it is one of the oldest and most influential styles of music. I don’t know of any other music that has such emotion and can really make you feel great. As a modern musician playing Blues Music I think it is very important to make it known where you got it from and pass it on.

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(Photo: Darren Jack)