(Jim) Neil McClelland
Guitarist, Vocalist, Songwriter

I realized I was about to have long term relationship with guitars after hearing a cousins Buddy Holy & Chuck Berry albums. At 14, while I was at boarding school, I saved madly to achieve a grand total of $160 with which I bought my first guitar & amplifier. I then had 1 guitar lesson from the schools music teacher, and taught myself to play lead breaks by listening to records and trying to copy them. A tedious, but thankfully, rewarding challenge. Next I learnt to play chords by watching other players hands, until one took pity on me and told me what the strange finger shapes where.

Upon finishing my “education”, I left Perth and returned to the country and was asked to join a local band named “Clique”, as lead guitarist, playing old time rock ‘n’ roll to top 40. I did 3 years gigging with these guys, and recall the experience as being the greatest learning curve of my life, ( thanks a million Frank). I left that band with a newfound confidence, ready to take on the blues with my brother Belly, with whom I was now sharing a small house on the family farm. (Or should I say nightclub, since we jammed 7 days a week and it became the local hot spot for action!)

I take inspiration from Steve Ray Vaughan, for guitar brilliance. The Waifs, for their natural earthy honesty, Josh’s guitar work and their ability to relate to their audience. Arni Difranco, for raw guitar talent and songwriting. Albert Collins, for that funky groove. Dave Matthews, as an all round talent. Powderfinger, for their brilliant songwriting, and lets face it we could go on forever.

I play a number of guitar styles, though I favor acoustic slide and aggressive finger picking. I play Fender electric guitars and Maton acoustics. For amplifiers I use Fender and the occasional effect, Ibanez tube screamer and a wah pedal.

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