Jeff Lang is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist from Geelong, born in 1969. His work is rooted in folk and blues, and his playing draws on slide guitar traditions as well as a wide range of American and British songwriters and players, including Skip James, Blind Willie Johnson, Jimi Hendrix, Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan and Richard Thompson.

Style and writing

Lang is known for guitar playing that sits alongside rather than overwhelms his songs. His writing is described through its poetic quality, while his performances are marked by a search for something improvised or inspired in the moment. He develops a distinctive voice rather than fitting neatly into direct comparisons with other artists.

Performances and touring

He performs across a range of settings, from small clubs to major venues such as the Sydney Opera House. He also appears at Australian festivals including Port Fairy, Woodford, Byron Bay, Mudslinger and Livid, and at international events such as the Dublin Blues Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, Quebec City Music Festival, Falcon Ridge, Winterhawk Bluegrass Festival, Blissfest and Ottawa Blues Fest. In the United States he appears on radio programmes including A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage and Acoustic Café.

Collaborations and recognition

Lang tours with artists including Ani Di Franco, Chris Whitley, Albert Collins, Bob Dylan, Loudon Wainwright III, Richard Thompson, Greg Brown, Kelly Joe Phelps, Dr. John and Bob Geldof. In 2002, a collaboration with Bob Brozman wins an ARIA Award for Best Blues and Roots Music Album.

Associated act

He is associated with Maru Tarang.