You could say some country music fans live and breathe the genre.
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That’s not enough for Lower Hunter crooner Jason Carruthers though, who yodels it as well.
Carruthers will take his full array of singing skills to the stage during the Tamworth Country Music Festival this month, with the Lambs Valley-raised musician at the head of the Australian Country Legends Tribute Show.
Among his musical skill set, which includes the ability to play bass, drums, guitar and harmonica, is yodeling.
“In the very early days of country music, they yodeled when they didn’t have a guitar,” he explained.
“It’s dying out a bit, so I thought I’d give it a go.”
According to Carruthers, it’s an acquired art.
“You’ve got to practice it a lot – practice in the shower, in the toilet. If you don’t get it right it sounds terrible.”
Carruthers, who lives in Abberglasslyn, said the Tamworth festival was a huge boost both for country music as a whole and his own musical aspirations.
“It’s about keeping the old Slim Dusty, Chad Morgan style of story telling alive,” he said.
“Their music tells stories about Australia and it’s people.
“Country music is dying out, you don’t really hear it on the radio anymore.
“That's why Tamworth is so good, it gets it out there and keeps it alive.”
Jason’s primary form of income is his window cleaning business, but he hopes the four Tamworth performances, to be held at the Kootingal Bowling Club from January 21, will lead to more gigs.
“We’re just trying to make it in the country music industry, but it is hard,” he explained.
“To play at the country music festival is huge, it’s the biggest date in country music in the country.
“The Tamworth shows are recognition that what we are doing is worthwhile.”
Carruthers won’t be the only Lower Hunter born-and-bred performer at the festival.
Kurri Kurri product Tori Forsyth will take to the Toyota Park main stage during the festival as part of her meteoric rise in the country music scene .
More than 50,000 expected to attend the festival from January 19-28.
Australian Country Legends Tribute Show at Kootingal Bowling Club:
-10.30am Sunday Jan 21
-2.30pm Wednesday 24
-2.30pm Thursday 25
-2.30pm Friday 26
