CHECKERBOARD LOUNGE
Inspirational front man Carl Pannuzzo (drums and vocals), master guitarist Shannon Bourne, Hammond virtuoso Tim Neal, and ineffable bassist Zoë Frater, are Checkerboard Lounge, breathing fire, virtuosity and improvisation into classic soul and blues/roots originals. Their multi-award-winning album SUN Sessions, recorded at the legendary Sun Studio, Memphis TN, catapulted the band to nationwide recognition. Recent release ‘Roller Coaster’ has already shot to the top 5 of several national charts. An undeniable powerhouse, world class musicianship, dynamic, passionate and playful, Checkerboard are the very essence of a live music experience. Playful and unyielding, Pannuzzo, revered as one of the greatest voices in Australia, is joined on stage by the cream of Australia’s talent, who share an almost telepathic ability to create.
From standing ovations at festivals to crammed inner Melbourne pubs, no two shows are the same. Vibrant and unforgettable, a Checkerboard show is a tour-de-force of honesty, integrity and truthful musicianship. Their famed 7 year residency at the Great Britain Hotel in the early 90s inspired the development of some of Australia’s finest musicians and bands including Powderfinger, Dirty Three, Clare Bowditch, Jet, Spoonful/Rocket Science and Kylie Auldist.