Little Australia_

email: littleaustralia@gmail.com

Ask any musician how to describe his music and he’ll have a tough time answering you. When asked that daunting question, Eric Davich of Little Australia responded, “Imagine a young Eddie Vedder fronting a 1960’s era soul band.” A perfect description! Labeled by some as "soul-rock," Little Australia combines sophisticated songwriting with accessible pop-melodies and electrifying performances.

This sextet features core members Eric Davich (vocals/guitar), David Ostrem (bass), Dan Wilson (drums), as well as a rotating horn section most frequently consisting of Kevin Birk (Trombone), Sam Ryder (Sax), and Mark Morgan (Trumpet). Aside from Little Australia, Eric Davich has performed solo at the Bitter End, CBGB’s, the Baggot Inn, and Googie’s Lounge (upstairs at The Living Room). Both Davich and drummer Dan Wilson played together in jazz combos, funk and rock bands, and world music ensembles while students at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine. Wilson got his start drumming for the nationally recognized William H. Hall High School Concert Jazz Band in West Hartford, CT. During his time with the group, he participated in both the Berklee High School Jazz Festival and the finals of the Essentially Ellington competition at Lincoln Center in New York City. Bassist Dave Ostrem, perhaps the most accomplished musician of the group, has performed with jazz legend Pat Martino and Brooklyn indie rockers Bryan Scary and the Shredding Tears as well as the Nikhil P. Yerawadekar Quintet (NPYQ), the Jed Feuer Quintet (Bipolar), the Laura Thomas Band, the Regulars, and Ruby Bullet. Kevin Birk recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in jazz performance from NYU and has performed with the Crevulators, Pete O'Connell's Interioration, Quintus, Ferraby Lionheart, the Walkmen, Brian Lynch, Teo Macero, Frank Wess, Gary Smulyan, Ryan Keberle, and Victor Goines. Mark Morgan has performed with the Undisputed Heavyweights, the Drifters, Lenny Welch, Doug Cameron, and Pearl Kaufman.

Since September 2006, Little Australia has been performing at NYC venues, including Arlene’s Grocery, the Annex, the Delancey, the Lion’s Den, Kenny’s Castaways, the Bitter End, and the Knitting Factory. In the spring of 2007, the band began playing shows in Philadelphia at the Grape Street mainstage and in Boston at the Bullfinch Yacht Club. With little more than a six-song promotional CD (recorded in one night!), Little Australia has received critical praise from AmieStreet.com, Indie Sounds NY, The Grove Magazine, and Indiemusicstop.com. The band has gained a reputation for being an impressive group of young accomplished musicians who play with the professionalism of veterans and the raw energy of 20 year-olds. Their name might include the word “little,” but don’t be fooled - these guys are up to some BIG things.

Accompanied by Dave Ostrem on Bass, the line-up just gets better and better. Playing his instrument like Sin Semilia hits a bong; you can tell Ostrem never puts that thing down. As Dave lays down a funky groove Dan Wilson really opens it up on the drums. Accompanied by Kevin Birk on trombone, trumpet and sax players take turns with solo’s and pass the audiences attention around like a fuck doll.

These guys rocked. We give them much deserved respect."

-The Grove Magazine

-AmieStreet.com