Hog Stompin' Zydegators

Testimonials
* "An energy-charged band of versatile musicians, The Zydegators inject a unique Down Under party buzz into this specialised dance music style.” - Al Hensley, Rhythms Magazine Australia Oct Edition, 2011.

* "Could be straight out of the Louisiana swamps! Great energy, great sound and big crowds. You will love them!" - Jamie McKew: Festival Director, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Australia.

* "The Hog Stompin' Zydegators, one of my favourite party bands playing the music of Louisiana." - Hugo T. Armstrong: Festival Director (until 2003), Queenscliff Music Festival, Australia.

* "Rip roaring party music at its best and different to most" - Andrew Tucker, Sunshine Coast Daily (QLD).
Band Bio
The Hog Stompin’ Zydegators were formed through their love of Zydeco, Swampy Blues & up there cranking music from the swamplands of Louisiana. Influences include Clifton Chenier, (The King of Zydeco), Stanley Dural Jnr (Buck Wheat Zydeco), Australia’s own Psycho Zydeco (Sydney) and Zydeco Jump (Melbourne). Original music has a high priority with The Hog Stompin’ Zydegators to express where they’re coming from and where they’re heading.

The Hog Stompin’ Zydegators began performing in pubs late in 2001around Warrnambool, but it wasn't long before the band burst onto the festival scene. In fact that happened within the first 12 months of the band forming when it played its first Port Fairy Folk Festival in 2002, just seven months after its first gig!

Wasting no time at all, they launched their self titled debut CD which went on to be rated in the top 200 blues and roots albums of the year by Queensland music critic Andrew Tucker. Their debut CD was also described as "standing among this country’s leading lights in a highly specialised music form” by Rhythms Magazine Australia in June 2003.

The Zydegators became festival favourites at the Port Fairy Folk Festival returning to play in 2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 2010, 2011, and 2013. Other note worthy gig appearances include Hurricane Relief for New Orleans 2005 at the Prince of Wales band room (Melbourne) alongside Louisiana greats “The First lady of New Orleans Soul, Betty Harris” (USA), “72 year old Louisiana swamp legend Lazy Lester” (USA) and Australian soul-tress “Renee Geyer”.

The band played the Queenscliff Music Festival in 02, 03 and 2004, the Apollo Bay Music Festival in 2003, the Wunta Festival in 2003 and the 2008 Gnatannwarr Multicultural Festival (both in Warrnambool)... just to name a few!

To date the group has released 6 albums in total, 2 live albums and 4 from the studio. They are “Itchin’ Scratchin’ Zydeco” 2013. “Snakes & Ladders - 10 years of ups & downs" (live) 2011. “Corn Soup” 2005. Roar @ The Wine Bar, Port Fairy Folk Festival 2004 (live). “Henry's Sawmill Road” 2003 and “Self titled debut” 2002.

The members of the band are Michael Murphy on vocals & guitar. David Corrin on bass. Dave Lodge on accordion & piano. Brendan Dowd on percussion, vocals & harmonica. Jason Nelson on trombone & vocals and Billy Bevan on drums & vocals. The Hog Stompin’ Zydegators have been playing around Victoria for over 11 years and with plenty of great times, great songs and great gigs under their belt; you can be guaranteed of plenty more to come!