As we entered Blue to the Bone last Friday, we were welcomed with sounds of Tracee belting out "I Can't Stand the Rain"- an apt song for such a cold, blustery August night. Despite the weather, punters were out enjoying the upbeat entertaining atmosphere created by Cyclone Tracee.

Lead by the pint sized lady with the tremendous voice, Cyclone Tracee performs a range of rocky soul tunes, predominantly from the 60s, 70's & 80s. Covering Classics from the Rolling Stones, Janis Joplin & Blues Brothers - just to mention a few, the band's lively performance on stage provides the perfect recipe for an enjoyable night out.

With vocal styles similar to the likes of Tina Turner and Janis Joplin, Tracee executes an element of fun within her performance, combining gutsy vocals and funky attitude as she shakes her tambourine. Keeping it interesting, a couple of line-up changes occur during the night.

Tracee steps aside occasionally to give the guys a chance to shine, performing favourites such as "Baby Please Don't Go" - a great song to demonstrate the sleek drum & bass work performed throughout the sets. Similarly Richard's musical influences shine through as they play Santana's "Black Magic Woman", the song's solo being particularly reflective of his talent as a guitarist.

Unpretentious and sharing a love of music, Cyclone Tracee enjoy themselves on stage and the audience can't help but join in the fun. With the bands energetic fun personality, coupled with their talented musicianship, people are happy to both sit and have a few drinks and get up an have dance.

If you're looking for some classics you can sing and dance to, come and join in the entertainment of Cyclone Tracee, Friday nights at Blue to the Bone.

With Roy's smooth, driving bass lines - Clarence not missing a beat & Tracee's gutsy vocals - As she's shaking the tambourine - Grab a drink & tap your feet to Richard's guitar solos - Come check Cyclone Tracee out Friday's - Blue to the Bone!!

(Skye Fitzgerald)

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Talking with Tracee…

Who are the members of Cyclone Tracee?

(Cyclone) Tracee Morrison - Lead vocals and percussion Richard "Max & His Axe" Leach - Lead Guitar & Vocals Roy Daniel - Bass Guitar Clarence Bailey - Drums

How long has Cyclone Tracee been on the scene and how did you all get together?

"'Been on the scene FOREVER!! (20 years!)", says Tracee. There is a considerable amount of history between all musicians in this band, stemming back more than a decade.

Cyclone Tracee is "the woman; the band"!!. She performs with many different musical outfits, such as 'Fossil Rock' and 'The Bob Patient Band'. Cyclone Tracee has fronted this particular outfit for 12 months as they formulated the "Homegrown Music" evening at 'Blue to the Bone'. They perform as the House-band, backing a bevy of up-and-coming musicians in an 'open-mic' style of evening.

Richard joined Tracey as her guitarist in an overseas venture in Hong Kong, back in 1995. Clarence and Tracee played together back in 1991-92, in an original band called "The Trouble With Tracee"- with the legendary Dave Rose. Roy and Tracey played together in "The Bob Patient Band in 2004 through to 2006.

Which musical influences inspire the band?

All facets and styles of music inspire this band, but with the in-house Friday evening gig at 'Blue to the Bone', we tend to lend to a "blues" genre.

What are the funniest/most memorable moments of being in the band?

Every performance is memorable in a 'funny' sort of way. These guys are just totally 'good fun' to play with and every moment on stage with them in unpredictable, funny, memorable and most of all, enjoyable.

Where does the name "Cyclone Tracee" originate?

'Cyclone Tracee' has been my stage name for a good 20 years .The name explains itself if you happen to witness me in action! I think Rick Selby (Fossil Rock) originally put the stamp on the "Cyclone Tracee" name for me. It originates from the concept of 'singing up a storm'.

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Do you have a favourite venue to perform at?

Favourite venues would have to be "The Quarry Ampitheatre", "The Indi Bar", but mostly "Blue to the Bone" (174 James Street Northbridge), where we have enjoyed huge success with the 'Homegrown Music' evening. Cyclone Tracee plays every Friday evening from 8:30 -11:30 pm.

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