Heartstarters — Kim Farrell, Jeff Jenkins, John Mitting and David Johnston.By Kath Gannaway
HEALESVILLE’S own Heartstarters are back in town.
Formed four years ago by singer-songwriter Jeff Jenkins with drummer-vocalist David Johnston and lead guitarist Kim Farrell, the band was originally christened, somewhat tongue in cheek, Jeff Jenkins’ Late Starters.
After recording three CDs and performing regularly at some of the inner city’s premier venues as well as music festivals, they are back home with a regular spot on the balcony at the Grand Hotel.
With new bass player John Mitting and a repertoire comprising new songs written by Jeff and the band, including the new CD Amplifier, as well as favourites from the past and tributes to artists of inspiration such as Dylan, Springsteen and the Stones, Johnston says the sound is very much ‘rock from the roots’.
Their success, he says, is in part due to the change to including covers but says the band is equally committed to continuing to create original material.
“Jeff is still writing constantly and the rest of us, Kim, John and myself, are also writing which is exciting,” Johnston said.
“What we hope will happen is that over months of playing there (The Grand) people will become as familiar with our original songs as with covers of other songs.”
The next Heartstarters gig at The Grand is on Sunday, 24 June from 2.30pm to 6pm.
