And so the story goes…

Ross Hannaford is one of Australia’s most iconic musicians and a pioneer in the Australian music industry.

As the original guitarist with Daddy Cool he forged a unique style that influenced many musicians with a guru status that is well deserved.

I first met Ross when I had to fill in on drums for a small local gig. I remember this tingling sensation when I sat in, a feeling of elevated energies and special communications. He was the true channeller, an unfiltered connection to a deeper, higher source that was just undeniable. 

After our second gig I suggested we sent up a recording session at my newly built studio in Newport and over two afternoons we recorded what is now a classic album, faithfully capturing the raw human emotion, all live. It was so fresh that on some tracks he’s even giving Howard Cairns (Upright Bass) arrangement directions.

The album was critically acclaimed and we began gigging often as a trio including interstate tours and a memorable stint at the Commercial Hotel in Yarraville. 

His influence on me is eternal and I still pay respect to him before every performance I do. His passing at the age of 66 was a sad day but his legacy is well intact. His wife Lorraine has graciously given her blessings to limited vinyl pressings with a commemorative Ross Hannaford Helicopter hat.

I feel honoured to be a co-traveller in the Hannaford adventure.