Renowned for his lyrical old-time blues harmonica playing, Damian Coen has emerged as a roots & blues singer with a story to tell. A devotee of early country blues sounds, Coen became integral to Sydney’s acoustic blues and roots scene in the mid 1980s, when he founded the now-fabled jug band, The Mudsteppers, with guitarist Damon Davies. After moving to the USA and refining his talents with Delta bluesman, Paul Brasch (Burnside Records), Coen then escaped to a swamp-side retreat south of Sydney. Here, Damian Coen has shaped himself as a highly accomplished songwriter and performer.
In recognition of his musical credentials, Coen and his bands have had the privilege of playing support to various international blues legends, such as Charlie Musselwhite, John Hammond, and James Cotton. He has also played at many peak festivals, including the Waterfront Blues Festival (USA) and the North by NorthWest Festival (USA); and many Australian events including the East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, the National Folk Festival, and Narooma Blues Festival.
In 2004, Coen released his first collection of original songs, Six Lane Highway (now distributed in Australia by Planet /MGM). The album received critical acclaim (see “Reviews”). One of the tracks, Sydney City Rag, was a winner in the ABC’s “Fresh Air” competition, leading to national airplay on programs such as The Planet. Another (previously recorded) track, Do The Mudstep, was borrowed by Australian act, Salty Dog, and used as signature tune on their award-winning album, Mudsteppin. Subsequently, song-writing efforts have led to finalist placings with the Australian Songwriters Association, and the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
Over the past few years, Coen has played selected gigs and festivals, mostly along the South Coast, with occasional Sydney and Canberra shows. Most recently, he has pulled together a vibrant four-piece band, The Fathers of Necessity. Damian is joined by Paul Johnston on acoustic guitar and piano accordion, Danny Freeman on drums and percussion and Ben Staker on bass guitar. Together, The Fathers of Necessity have captivated audiences with a ride that weaves through the rich byways of roots music while somehow managing to take on board personal and political narratives of the modern day.
Damian Coen released his second album of all-original songs, entitled We Gotta Move (distributed by Planet/MGM). Recorded with The Fathers of Necessity, the album also features guest appearances by the likes of Don Hopkins (piano), Cazzbo Johns (tuba), and Marcus Holden (strings). The result is a stunning album that finally realizes Coen’s powerful song-writing and startling harmonica versatility. Drifting through swampy blues, hillbilly tunes, sweet ballads, and gospel harmonies, the album showcases Coen’s unique knack for marrying blues and roots influences with contemporary story telling.