Checkerboard Lounge Trio (AUS)

The most intensely electrifying experience in Australian blues today’ ...The Age

Evolving over thirty-five years CBL has become a cult-like institution in Australia. The brainchild of renowned singer, songwriter and drummer Carl Pannuzzo, the band has enjoyed diverse membership over its lifespan but the current line up of Carl, Tim Neal and Shannon Bourne is arguably the band’s strongest ever, breathing fire and virtuosity into blues, classic soul and roots.
Checkerboard, leave audiences enthralled by the creativity and chemistry between the band. The spirit is palpable from the first bar of their performances, with an almost childlike sense of play, they reinvent the music every time with authenticity and immediacy, no two shows are ever the same. From standing ovations at festivals to packed Melbourne pubs, vibrant and unforgettable, Checkerboard are a tour-de-force delivering honesty, integrity and truthful musicianship, the very essence of a live music experience.

Band Members

Carl Pannuzzo. As a drummer and vocalist Pannuzzo shifts the parameters of both instruments, weaving a fascinating collaboration between his fluid drumming style and striking, diverse vocal range. Over the years Carl has performed with Kylie Auldist, Mia Dyson, Paul Grabowsky, Shane Howard, Patti Labelle, Fred Smith, Deb Morrow and Bob Sedergreen. He is the powerhouse frontman of CBL with the ability to ignite a roaring flame under a song.

Tim Neal is a highly sought after, award winning multi-instrumentalist and Australia’s foremost exponent of the Hammond Organ who is in demand both in Australia and internationally. His effortless style and musical acuity mean he can elevate the band to heights far greater than a simple four piece or pare back to showcase and compliment the other band members in a most sympathetic way, realising the full power and diversity of the Hammond Organ. Tim has played with the likes of Mavis Staples, Ricky Lee Jones, Joss Stone, Ernest Ranglin and Duke Robillard

Shannon Bourne can only be described as an extraordinarily accomplished and tasteful guitarist who has been performing since he was fourteen. He delivers a beautiful balance between full on rock solos to gentle fills and riffs, augmented by inscrutable rhythm and timing. He brings the unique wow factor to Checkerboard, often leading or instigating changes in feel, rhythm and tempo within the band. Voted people’s choice Blues Legend Winner 2023 by Blues Music Voctoria.