Meet The Band Members of Synergy Blue

Synergy Blue is a formation of experienced live blues musicians based in Melbourne Victoria whose performances cover a wide range of styles and feels for Blues and Blues & Roots music.


The band has three fine blues vocalists in Smokin' Sam, Mr. Entertainment Neil "Buzz" Busacca, and John-Luke Shelley, who all take both lead and backing parts. All accompanied by a lead guitarist, a bass guitarist, drummer and harmonica player.

Smokin' Sam Salzone is a passionate blues vocalist and harp player who also loves to express his ideas and experiences in life by composing songs with fun or meaningful lyrics, which he combines skillfully with his soulful harp playing and singing.   More...


John-Luke Shelley, blues guitarist and talented blues singer, is rather diverse in his ability to provide excellent rhythm and lead playing.   More...

 

 

Neil Busacca on blues bass guitar and blues vocals is the backbone of the band, laying down progressions and rhythms that allow the band plenty of leeway to work with. He sings both as lead and backup.   More...


Grant Collie , our blues drummer is very experienced and ensures that the tempo and time is always right on the beat.    More...

See Synergy Blue Biography for full band history.

 

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SAM SALZONE (Smokin' Sam) Blues Vocalist, Blues Harmonica Player Sam's musical career began at the age of 16, when he began singing and playing the blues with his first band, 'South City Union'. Other bands he played with include: Rag King, Fat Alroy, Clutch Cargo and Sky. His early musical influences included Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and early Fleetwood Mac. He moulded his blues harp playing to Linkin Louisiana Peps Blues Connection. Sam has a unique voice and sings in his own soulful style. Visit Smokin Sam on MySpace

JOHN-LUKE SHELLEY Blues Lead Guitarist , Blues Vocalist John-Luke Shelley didn't know he could play music until just four years ago. He was almost 16 years old and had just started listening to Stevie Ray Vaughan. From then on he was convinced that blues music was his love and passion. John Luke was the youngest guitarist to feature in the Fender Invitational, a ten-guitarist performance celebrating Fender's 60th anniversary. In October 2008 John-Luke will be Victoria's representative in Western Australia at the inaugural National Youth in Blues Showcase. Inspirations are BB King, Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Johnny Lang, Pete Cornelius, Dave Hole, Jimmy Hendrix and many more. But JL's idol, the talent he aspires to, is still Stevie Ray Vaughan.

GRANT COLLIE Blues Drummer I started playing at an early age and have always found music a great way to express feelings and give others a sense of enjoyment and being. I have played drums for over 40 years in many styles and formats and have always found music a great challenge and release. I appreciate and respect the ideals of people working in the profession who often never receive any thanks for their input. Music binds people together never questioning ones beliefs but always offering a chance of expression and enjoyment. Different styles of music can produce different feelings for people and I find Blues music has many great boundaries in feel and style, making it an excellent format to work with. The Blues scene in Australia has many great players and people involved in it, and I know that Synergy Blue has the ability to enhance the Australian Blues scene. ~ Grant Collie ~

NEIL "Buzz" BUSACCA Blues Bass Guitar & Blues Vocalist Neil is a high energy bass player with a flair for getting the audience jumping, dancing and smiling.  This fine entertainer captivates the punters and musos alike. Neil's fine vocals inject a rock-n-roll feel into blues music. Neil has been strutting his stuff for over 30 years. He has played with Michael Charles and various cover bands.