Page 2 - BiTS_09_SEPTEMBER_2022

E don’t have many, but I thought it was about time I did one. So here is an
Editorial! Over the last few years BITS has grown phenomenally. Once a single
WA4 sheet folded in a Z format, we now have regularly over 50 pages of top quality
blues news, reviews and specials.

One of the great changes is that, what once was a one-man-band job, now comes from a
team of experts from around the world, bringing you their diverse views of the blues world
and of the music that we love.

One of the developments recently has been that, increasingly, despite the title, we are able
to offer a world view and I am delighted to report that we are joined from this edition, by
Chris O from Australia who will be bringing a Southern Hemisphere view to BiTS adding
to the already transatlantic view provided by the invaluable work of Lawrence Lebo with
her view from California.

Chris O is an Australian musician and producer who loves to play blues, respecting the
history of the genre, and reflecting on its messages about humanity and social justice that
we can apply to life in current times. https://chrisokunbor.net Born in the UK on the
banks of the River Mersey, and of Mayo and Manx origins, Chris O was lulled to sleep by
blues recordings from the original masters; the grand old songs of Ireland; and foghorn
melodies from ferry boats on the river. Now based in Australia (thus a true emigrant Ed)
Chris O travels around carrying her “band” like a pack pony— lap-slide, banjo, uke,
resonators, as well as a few plain ole guitars—she performs regularly in Australia and
Europe.

In 2016 she was an Australian representative at the International Blues Challenge &
National Women in Blues Showcase in Memphis, and her second album, “Wailin’ & Raggin’
the Blues” was a finalist for “Best Self-produced CD” with the Blues Foundation, USA. Her
third album, “Twisted Roots & Twisted Highways” was a finalist for Blues & Roots Radio
Album of the Year in 2018.

Check out Chris’s opening contribution in this edition, her interview with Aussie stars Hat
Fitz and Cara, and welcome her to the growing blues family of Blues In The South.

Best wishes

Ian K McKenzie

Editor BiTS