Band LineUp

Joe Fenech - Mandolin, vocals, main songwriter

Joe is a songwriter who in a way catches what the “sing out” folk movement was and IS about. He grew up with a passion for music and hungrily absorbed genres of many kinds until somehow it started flowing out of him in a very raw form - writing songs before he could even play an instrument. He has taught himself guitar and mandolin and has learned to take command of this creative energy, creating songs that are timeless.

Edmond Kairouz - guitars, vocals

Grew up in inner city of Sydney. My passion for music stems from my earliest influences: the music being brought home by the older siblings in my big family of 8, (mostly the Australian pub rock scene of the 70’s), and the middle eastern music being played my parents in the house, (particularly the great Ud player, Farid). One of my ongoing passions is the folk music from all over the world. This is music that comes collectively from people. It is timeless and rewritten from generation to generation to become archetypal and crystallised. It speaks culture and history, is full of variety in styles, instruments, dancing and rites. This music is not just performed but lived. Some of my previous bands include: The Stolen Holdens, Solarwind, The Kahoonas, Give My Love To Rose.

Maree Byrne - lead vocals

Born and bred in the Emerald Aisle (aisle number 5 Woolworth's/Dublin: biscuits, snacks and those 2 minute noodle things). My first public performance was at age 10, where I sang at a wedding - as far as I know they’re still married! Influences include Mary Black, Eddie Reader and Gillian Welch. I attended Performance College in Dublin where I hooked up with with the all-girl vocal group ‘Lara’. I’ve played in various covers bands, recorded for the Finnish band ‘Scrapes’ and have won awards for vocal performances in Ireland. Soon after moving to Australia in 2003 I was lucky enough to run into Joe and Edmond. The rest, as they say, is history - I adore the challenge of being the ‘voice’ of this unique and wonderful band.

Nick Williams - harmonica, dobro guitar

I was heavily into country music and blues from a young age. I had wanted to play harmonica after seeing a live performance of Chris Wison in Melbourne in the late 80’s. I remain influenced by his playing to this day. In 2003 I started playing harmonica for Kurt Williams, a slide guitarist and singer songwriter from Geelong in Victoria. We were originally a duo before being joined by a drummer, where we became “The Broken Hearted Mexicans”. In 2005 I joined Torchsong Coutry Soul Band.

Besides harmonica, I also play Dobro in Torchsong and guitar in my bedroom. As a harmonica player, I am heavily influenced by the American player Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson band).

Mitch 'Bottom End' Mitchell - bass

Made in England and Born in Wollongong just after the ship pulled in. I started off playing rhythm guitar at about age 16 in a band that didn’t stay together long enough to agree on a name. Fell in love with and changed to bass and joined a band from Port Kembla called ‘For Sale’. I later met ARIA Award winner Kevin Bennett who worked in a touring country band at the time - I joined the new band he formed (later to be called The Flood). Later, after a few disappointing cover bands I found Joe Fenech and his ‘Torchsong Country Soul Band’. God save his big black boots.

Mark Fairhurst - drums, percussion

My early instrument of choice was a flat, rectangular biscuit tin - the lid perched delicately - my first DIY ‘drum kit’. Flash-forward a number of years and I’m playing in Route 66, then the Magnetics, followed by an assortment of outfits such as the Foreday Riders, Bad to the Bone, On the Prowl, Ol’ 55 and The Vegas Knights. I met up with the guys (and girl) from TSCSB in October 2005 and many rehearsals and gigs later I’ve found a way of fitting into the TSCSB sound (less is much, much more).

I look forward to creating lots more music and wearing tight black jeans for many years to come.