Shortis and Simpson have now presented two episodes of Under the Influence, based each time on the musical influences of a special guest. First cab off the rank was Keith Potger of The Seekers, followed by journalist Karen Middleton.
Coming up soon is their third guest, Dorothy Jane (DJ) Gosper – bluesy singer, songwriter, harmonica player, an integral part of Blues and Roots music in Canberra for a quarter of a century. In Under the Influence, Shortis & Simpson lead her through the songs, the singers, the songwriters, the stories, and the seminal moments that have influenced her life of music. Where their stories overlap, S&S introduce songs and stories of their own.
Find out how girl who grew up halfway between Newcastle and Dubbo discovered the blues. In a town with one TV channel, one radio station, and no record shops, how did she discover Miriam Makeba at the age of four? Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee at the age of nine? Winifred Atwell’s boogie bass lines by ear at the age of twelve?
Her musical journey spans folk, country, boogie, blues, ‘50s rock ‘n’ roll, vaudeville, and much more. There’s even a bit of yodelling, some great harmonica playing, and thanks to Moya’s world music passion, songs in Maori, Xhosa and Bulgarian.
Under the Influence with DJ is informative, entertaining, surprising, dramatic and chock-a-block with great music. Don’t miss it.
Saturday September 17, 6pm, $40/$30 concession
SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE 76 Alinga Street, Canberra
Bookings www.smithsalternative.com/events/under-the-influence-77783
REVIEWS- DJ GOSPER
‘A singer who’s got a voice you’ll never forget, and which sounds as classic as any great 20th century female soul-blues singer you could name.’ (Andy G, Bridge FM)
‘She makes her harmonica strut like an alley cat.’ (Rory McCartney, BMA Magazine)
Gosper is one of the best harmonica payers in the country.’ (Chloe Kay Richardson, Rhythms Magazine)
‘…emotion, poetry and humour depict her fighting spirit and determination to get on with life through adversity.’ (Phil Birch-Marston, Artsound FM)
