From the far north of Australia but with his musical roots embedded in the deep south of the USA, Sugarcane Collins is a one of a kind singer-songwriter-guitarist.
Inspired by the slashing delta blues of Charley Patton and Son House, the sparkling ragtime of Blind Blake and the powerful songster traditions of Leadbelly, Sugarcane sings passionately with a voice that is big and soulful, writes songs that are potent and rich with imagery and he spanks the guitar like no one else around. He started his career in the rough canefield pubs and dangerous waterfront bars of Cairns' famed and feared but now gone Barbary Coast and his 30 year career in far north Queensland is the stuff of local legend.
STOP THE PRESS!!
Announcing the 1/1/2013 release
of his brand new album
DOWNUNDER THE BLUES
The big voice the muscular guitar the masterful storytelling are once again used to great effect on this bold and brilliant work that delivers up a powerful new batch of songs that bristle with energy and originality. Back from Mississippi and with an eye on Australia the former Queensland Songwriter of the Year touches on everything from indigenous issues to old Australian folk songs, deaths on the roads, blue childhood days, environmental musings, menopause, relationship breakdowns and recalibrations and even a little lullaby for poor old mother earth.
Back in November 2006 Sugarcane released the remarkable way down the river to universal acclaim and on Thursday 7th Feruary 2008 at the Australia Blues Music "CHAIN" awards held in Goulburn, NSW to honour excellence in blues recordings.
way down the river
received
the "CHAIN" Award for the 2007
AUSTRALIAN BLUES ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Sugarcane’s musical perspective has broadened with every album and his first two CD’s were also rewarded with outstanding critical acclaim and an impressive collection of awards.
Australian Songwriters Association Folk / Acoustic
Song of the Year for ‘Pascoe River’ 1999
Queensland Blues Excellence Album of the Year 2000
Queensland Adult Contemporary Album of the Year 2000
Queensland Song of the Year 2004
Queensland Songwriter of the Year 2004
Queensland Blues/Roots Song of the Year 2004
