Jim Conway – Harmonica

Renowned blues musician Jim Conway is an extremely adept harmonica player. His unique style is familiar to blues fans as well as jazz and country music listeners.

Jim’s storied career featured Australia-wide tours with US blues performer Brownie McGhee, The Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, The Backsliders, Jim Conway’s Big Wheel, and even Circus Oz.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Jim Conway, born and raised in Melbourne, began his musical journey at Camberwell High School. His career took off in the 1970s with the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, a frenetic jug band fronted by his brother, Mic Conway. Jim contributed to the band’s unique sound by playing the harmonica and kazoo and providing vocals on releases such as the definitive album Wangaratta Wahine (1974).

The Conway brothers continued their musical collaboration in the Conway Brothers’ Hiccups Band from 1984 to 1988, where they achieved international recognition at various festivals, including those in Edinburgh, Capitol Music Festival, and Newcastle.

Musical History

In 1988, Jim teamed up with the Backsliders, touring across Australia at festivals including Perth, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Womad, East Coast Blues, and Gold Coast’s Jazz and Blues Festival.

After nearly two decades with the Backsliders, Jim left the band in 2006 to focus on his own project, Jim Conway’s Big Wheel, which had already established itself on the Australian music scene since its inception in 2002. The group released their second CD in October 2008, further cementing their presence in the industry.

New Directions and Leadership Roles

In addition to his work with Big Wheel, Jim took on the role of Director of the Balmain Acoustica music festival in 2005, showcasing his leadership in the music industry.

Despite his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, Jim continued to compose, produce, and record music for various film and radio projects. A documentary about his music and his life with multiple sclerosis was made in 1999, highlighting his resilience and dedication to his craft.

Arts Contributions and Recognition

As a session musician, the harmonica legend helped artists including Shane Howard from the Goanna Band, Men at Work’s Colin Hay, Jon Lord from Deep Purple, Slim Dusty, Anne Kirkpatrick, and Pat Drummond. Jim has also been behind the music for cinema and radio projects, with notable examples including the telemovie The Riddle of the Stinson and the comedy The Honourable Wally Norman. His production credits include Big Wheel’s Little Story and co-producing two Backsliders albums: Hellbound and Sitting On a Million.

A documentary on his contribution to music in Australia was televised on SBS in 2000. Jim received the Centenary Medal to acknowledge his immense contribution to the Arts and Music. A photo of Jim by Greg Weight won the 2003 Prize for Photographic Portraiture, and a painting of Jim by Greg Warburton was featured in the 2006 final for the Archibald Prize.