Ash Grunwald is an Australian blues musician from Victoria, born in 1976. His work sits in the blues and roots tradition, drawing on Delta blues and early electric blues while also using grooves and sounds associated with contemporary music.

Early recordings and style

Grunwald first attracts attention with his 2002 debut, Introducing ... Ash Grunwald, a set of original songs and blues standards. It is recorded live with acoustic guitar, foot percussion, a stomp box and tambourine, and includes versions of songs associated with Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James and Robert Johnson. His playing and singing are described as soulful, and his early approach combines traditional blues material with a stripped-back live setup.

Subsequent albums

His 2004 follow-up, I Don’t Believe, is also recorded solo and live. On this release he adds experimental percussion using hammers, spanners and pots, along with a Boss loop station, alongside lap steel, dobro and acoustic guitar. The album includes originals as well as interpretations of Tom Waits songs and blues material associated with Robert Johnson, Son House and Howlin’ Wolf.

His third release, Live At The Corner, draws on songs from his first two albums and includes Willie Dixon’s “Spoonful”, with Ian Collard on harmonica. He later releases Give Signs, which contains twelve original songs and is issued on his own label, Delta Groove Records. This album is also recorded live and solo.

Awards and recognition

Grunwald receives early recognition in the Victorian blues scene, including two Victorian Blues awards for Emerging Talent and Album of the Year. The following year he wins Australian Blues awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Best New Talent, and the MBAS Blues Performer of the Year award. He is also a finalist for the International Blues Performer of the Year in Memphis.

For I Don’t Believe he receives an ARIA nomination for Best Blues and Roots Album, along with a Victorian Blues award for Male Vocalist of the Year, shared with Lloyd Spiegel, and the 2005 MBAS Vic/Tas award for Solo/Duo of the Year, shared with Dave Hogan. Live At The Corner wins Album of the Year from both the MBAS Vic/Tas and the Australian Blues awards, and is also nominated again for the ARIA Best Blues and Roots Album award.

Live work and broadcasting

He builds a substantial following through performances at venues across Australia and at major festivals including Byron Bay, Port Fairy, Falls, Apollo Bay, Fremantle, Cockatoo Island and Margaret River. In May 2005 he takes over as host of Triple J’s Thursday night programme Roots ’N All.

Other details

Grunwald is associated with the act Krash, Tiger vz Shark, and his recorded work is linked with Delta Groove Records.