The Lyman Debut (formerly The Mutley Band) formed in 2000. As a three piece they played their first gig secured with the help of The Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society, at the popular St Andrews Hotel.
As The Mutley Band, they entered the 2002 MBAS Blues Performer of the Year competition, affiliated with the International Blues Foundation. The competition was a huge learning curve for the band, and the decision was made to begin to incorporate more of the original material each member had to offer while still retaining the “roots” sound of the group. The band relaunched itself in September 2006 by re-entering the MBAS Blues Performer of the Year competition with heats held early October.
With a new look, great original material and a new name, The Lyman Debut was ready. Competing against some of Melbourne’s top blues outfits, The Lyman Debut convincingly won their heat, securing a spot in the finals. The band put on a blistering set, achieving what they had set out to do and gaining the attention of blues fans and media alike. Always a strong song writing unit, the band strive via the use of electric and acoustic instruments to find the dynamic sound and energy the blues needs.
Many of the influences heard in songs by The Lyman Debut stem from Delta blues style guitar playing and singing, mixed with slight jazz grooves, with some deeper, dirtier electric moments that reach into a rock territory without assailing the audience with volume. Working as a three piece, the band adds a stripped down drum approach where needed.
The Lyman Debut were selected to play “live to air” for PBS FM’s Live Music Week on Roots of Rhythm, early December ’06 which gained them more attention and some high profile festival bookings soon followed. Rehearsed and ready to record their debut CD in late January, the boys entered Chris “Darkie” Wilson’s studio in Clayton armed with energy and some great songs.
Produced by the award winning bass player/producer Barry Hills, the band put down 13 sizzling originals in just two days. From the first note, it’s apparent that there is something different about The Lyman Debut. A sound blues lovers can identify with, and an instinct for melody that appeals to a wide range of listeners. The album Blue Harvest flows with a powerful collection of songs that take influence from the past masters of the blues and contemporary hero’s alike. An influence that’s clear. From the energetic opening track “This Ain’t the Way”, to the atmospheric “You Fixed the Right Mood”. From the New Orleans rhythm of “Who Did the Cheating”, to the haunting guitar and lamenting vocals of “Almost Time”, and the harmonica laden “Blue Harvest” and “Annie Roadside”. The Lyman Debut, with some strong emotive lyrics, and heartfelt playing make Blue Harvest one Dobro laden, harp squealin’, blues hollerin’ collection of songs. A musical journey you will want to take.
The Lyman Debut are the winners of the 2007 Victorian/Tasmanian Blues Music Awards for Best Debut Album and Producer of the Year.
