Boxcar Special , the first offering from the Chris Mawer Band, is a vigourous Blues album distilled with cool West Coast tones.

Frontman Chris Mawer delivers witty lyrics with a rich vocal styling as he lays down confident bass lines. Adam Pringle plays guitar with charisma and finesse. George Brugmans (ex Detonators) drives the beat with solid, lilting West Coast shuffles. 25-year-old Mawer (pronounced ‘Moore’), from Wollongong, has played with Blues notables such as Jan Preston, Harper, Ray Beadle, Lil’ Fi and Robert Susz.

Mawer draws inspiration from Bassists Bill Willis of Jimmie Vaughan’s Tilt-a-Whirl Band and Preston Hubbard of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. He looks to Albert King for lyrical prowess, James Harman for outstanding phrasing and Chris Cain for performance technique.

“Blues music is honest. It deals with everyday ups and downs in a unique way,” says Mawer. “I’ll always have the Blues - it’s my life. I feel driven to get out there and keep the craft alive,” he says.