DUTCH TILDERS is a name I’ve been hearing mentioned around the traps for a long time now and the Nimmitabel Hotel Blues Festival was the opportunity for me to finally get to hear the voice behind the reputation.

    As the final act on the bill Dutch was definitely worth the wait.

    Charisma oozing from every pore he immediately had the undivided attention of the gathered blues fans.

    How well he works an audience, I thought to myself.

    Performing as a solo act and also joined on stage by various others he presented a mixed program of standards like “Kansas City” and originals with intriguing titles such as “When I get back on My Feet Again”, “Crying Won’t Make Me Stay” and “I’m A Blues Man”.

    And a blues man he certainly is.

    His voice is what I would call blues personified.

    Technically speaking he was always perfectly in tune.

    Not once did I squirm in agony at an off-key note.

He commanded an impressive range encompassing the highest and lowest pitches of a strong and developed male voice.

    The gravel and grit came naturally with no hint of “this is a dirty bit I’d better fabricate the emotion”. He just sang from the heart with an ease rarely seen.

 
    I was reminded of “Pavarotti and Friends”, a video I watched twice while on the long haul flight to the UK.

    This was a concert featuring an ailing Pavarotti on stage with a long list of pop stars performing for charity. The vocal quality of all, bar one notable exception, James Brown, just paled to insignificance alongside Pavarotti’s immense and natural sound.
    The gravel and grit isn't faked and the pitch is true. Dutch Tilders singin' the blues at the Nimmitabel Hotel.

It seems a natural voice is indeed a blessing not only for the performer but also the listener.

    Dutch Tilders has that natural sound. For him it seems effortless.

    Why he is not an international mega star I don’t know.

    For me though and also the blues devotees at the Nimmitabel Hotel Blues Festival that night he certainly should be.

    To find out more about Dutch Tilders and what he’s up to, visit his website www.dutchtilders.com.au.