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 attacks the guitar with a driving rhythmic swing.
He cut his blues teeth in rough canefield pubs and the dangerous waterfront bars of Cairns’ famed and feared but now gone Barbary Coast and his 25 year performing career in far north Queensland is the stuff of local legend.
Sugarcane released his brilliant new album
way down the river
in the USA in March 2006 and in Australia in November 2006 to universal acclaim and on Thurs 7th February 2008 at the Australian 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
