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The Reel Matilda
The Reel Matilda was the first resident band at Sydney’s famous Vinegar Woolshed playing to packed houses up to five nights a week for almost four years. It was here that the band developed their high energy, knees up, power of fun performing style.
As well as the traditional bush band instruments, The Reel Matilda can include:
- the violin
- banjo
- mandolin
- penny whistle
- flute
- guitar
- lagerphone
- bush bass
- and wobbleboard
... the Reel Matilda also employ more contemporary instruments such as drums, electric bass and guitar, saxophone and keyboards to create a really interesting and varied sound palette.
The Reel Matilda came into existence sometime in 1985 mainly as a result of the inspiration and guidance of Australian County Music legend Lester Coombs. The Reel Matilda was the first resident band at Sydney’s famous Vinegar Woolshed playing to packed houses up to five nights a week for almost four years. It was here that the band developed their high energy, knees up, power of fun performing style.
During 1988, the Bicentennial year, The Reel Matilda had many high profile engagements including the huge welcome to the “Tall Ships” at Darling Harbour. The band also represented Australia in a World wide satellite event for the corporate giant Coca Cola. It was during this year that The Reel Matilda managed to clock up some three hundred or so “gigs” as well as releasing their first recording.
After 1988 The Reel Matilda was kept busy with a two night a week, three year residency at the Harbour View Hotel in The Rocks, tours throughout country New South Wales, their usual Wool Shed dance commitments and many supports for Redgum, John Williamson and Rolf Harris.
As well as the traditional bush band instruments - the violin, banjo, mandolin, penny whistle, flute, guitar, lagerphone, bush bass and wobble board. The Reel Matilda also employ more contemporary instruments such as drums, electric bass and guitar, saxophone and keyboards to create a really interesting and varied sound palette.
Winners of the prestigious Battle of the Bush and voted champion bush band by Slim Dusty & The Bushwackers , Reel Matilda have been a concert support act for Redgum, John Williamson and Rolf Harris.
The band has recorded three CD’s which have been used in TV programs such as The World Around Us, Burke’s Backyard and also during the Sydney Olympics.
With a contemporary sound that features fiddle, flute, saxophone and guitar, the band’s music pays homage to the colonial tunes of Australia and the traditions of Ireland, Scotland and England .
A specialty of the group is the repertoire of atmospheric Celtic tunes and bush ballads, perfect background music for corporate or tourist events.
With the addition of drums and bass, Reel Matilda has a powerful impact that’s full of fun and high energy. You can join in with an organized bush dance or do your own thing on the dance floor.
A Selection of The Reel Matilda Repertoire:
Botany Bay - traditional
Click Go The Shears - traditional
Diamantina Drover - Redgum
Down Under - Men At Work
Home Among The Gumtrees - Bullamakanka
Kesh Jig Tune Set (jigs)
Merry Blacksmith Tune Set (reels)
Poor Ned - Redgum
Ryebuck Shearer - traditional
South Australia - traditional
Waltzing Matilda - traditional
When The Rain Tumbles Down In July – Slim Dusty
If you would like more information, or to book The Real Matilda, please contact us.
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