Stephen Bowtell, Instrumental Blues Guitarist

Stephen Bowtell EP 2008

With a musical maturity rarely seen in one so young, 19 year old Melbourne guitarist Stephen Bowtell’s passionate and soulful playing truly defies his age.

Stephen has an instinctive “feel” for the blues and displays technical mastery of the guitar rarely seen in players twice his age.


This young guy can truly make a guitar sing! His intensity, outrageously fluid lines, sensitivity and emotional dynamics have stunned audiences Australia wide - leaving them wanting more!

Primarily self-taught, Stephen picked up his first guitar at age 6, had a few lessons at school when he was 10 but found formal teaching too restrictive. Stephen went on to “teach himself” by listening to the players he admires and applying himself to hours of daily practice. His influences include: Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Allman Brothers, Robin Ford, Geoff Achison and Derek Trucks to name just a few.

Elements of all these styles come through in his playing and his original tracks provide a modern and fresh “next generation” twist on classic styles of blues.

MAIN INFLUENCES:

  • Albert King
  • Allman Brothers
  • B.B. King
  • Derek Trucks
  • Geoff Achison
  • George Benson
  • Jimi Hendrix
  • John Lee Hooker
  • Johnny Winter
  • Robben Ford
  • Robert Cray
  • Rory Gallagher
  • Stevie Ray Vaughan
  • Wolf Mail

Stephen has toured in most states of Australia over the past 3 years, supporting greats such as Joe Camilleri, Canadian player Wolf Mail, Mal Eastick and Doug Williams and was mentored by Geoff Achison throughout early 2007.

Stephen played at the 2008 Australian Blues Festival in Goulburn as one of the emerging young players this festival helps to promote. Stephen’s EP is played on community radio stations in the USA and Australia Wide.


See gig guide for show dates


“I first heard of Stephen Bowtell’s musical prowess by reputation, and that is always an impressive start! He seems to me to be possessed of that rare and elusive ‘it’ factor which most of us practice for years trying to find.”
Geoff Achison

“Gifted! This boy was born to play guitar!”
Doug Williams

“PHENOMINAL”
Wolf Mail - USA

PLEASE NOTE*** THIS WEBSITE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING RE-DESIGNED - FOR PREVIEWS OF STEPHEN'S MUSIC PLEASE GO TO:
http://www.myspace.com/stephenbowtellband