Ash Grunwald

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Ash Grunwald is a young Australian radio announcer and blues musician from Melbourne, Australia.

Born of an African father and an Australian mother, Ash grew up listening to the songs and myths of both Africa and Australia. Drawn to the blues from an early age he learned to play the music of Robert Johnson, Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells, influences that remain a strong part of his music today.

Somewhat later Ash discovered electric blues, soul and funk in the form of Albert King, Freddie King, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Tony Joe White and Aretha Franklin. These influences lead Ash to form his first band: the Blue Grunwalds. The Blue Grunwalds released the album "Groove Cave", which enjoyed healthy sales, local community radio airplay and favourable reviews in the local press.

In 2001 Ash formed a trio called the Groove Catalysts. The Groove Catalysts have played every major blues venue in Melbourne and have enjoyed popular residencies in many of them. In 2001 through 2002, the Groove Catalysts played at several major outdoor festivals, sharing the stage with well-known Australian blues acts such as Geoff Achison, Harper, Collard Greens And Gravy, Chris Wilson, and Lloyd Spiegel.

As a solo artist, Ash has maintained several residencies over the past few years and has toured throughout regional Victoria and the east coast of Australia.

Throughout 2001 Ash played in a duo with Lloyd Spiegel, and played several shows with Ian Collard (of Collard Greens And Gravy).

In 2005 Ash took up presenting duties on Australian youth network Triple J's blues and roots program Roots N All.

In 2006, Ash Grunwald supported deceased soul legend James Brown at his Tasmanian concert.

On December 21, 2006 Ash finished his role as a Triple J presenter.