Our Story
The Swamp Riders originate from Narrogin, Western Australia.
They play a blend of boogie- rock- blues.
The Swamp Riders are currently in a three piece format with Slide guitar, Drums and Bass Guitar.
Guitar: Craig Hardie
Bass: Chris Harwood
Drums: Geoff Rowe
Our new CD "Alice" has two new musicians playing in the band.
Bronton Ainsworth recorded the excellent drum track and
and the gifted Jo Harwood sang back up vocals.
The Band's songwriter, Craig Hardie, grew up with the guitar bands of the seventies and has been influenced by such artists as Rory Gallagher, Little Feat, Allman Brothers and Paul Butterfield Blues band.
Craig lived in London, USA and Canada where he became attracted to the heavier sounds of rock blues.
On returning to Australia he played in a number of bands around Perth and country Western Australia
He performed a solo act "Edward Edge" for a number of years. During this time the acts consisted of covers along with some of Craig's original songs.
The band Swamp Riders was formed in the early nineties to play all original tunes and the first EP recording was called "Seabreeze". The Track "Rain" from this EP won a Western Australian Music Industry Award (WAMI) for Songwriting.
The CD "Crocodile Bait " was recorded at Planet Studio in Perth, Western Australia and features 10 tracks.
The band went into recess for many years with commitments to family and children but has come alive again in 2015.
The band has played Mojo's, Charles Hotel Blues Club, Velvet Lounge, Indie Bar and Clancey's as well as private functions and Bridgetown Blues Festival Challenge.
They have recently recorded an 7 Track CD called " Ain't Love Grand" at Poon's Head studio in Fremantle, Western Australia.
These songs are featured on this website. Also three songs from " Crocodile Bait" - "Bones, Sigh and Lately" can also be heard.
Chris Harwood on bass, has vast experience, having played in many bands since the 80's in Western Australia. These include The Rocking Advocados and the Moneymakers who toured nationally and played at Bindoon. Recently he has played with Fremantle band the Suntones , releasing two CDs and playing twice at Tamworth Musical festival. He also was instrumental in the setting up of the successful VHS rehearsal Studios in Fremantle that has served the local industry for 20 years. He also spent time in Darwin playing in multiple bands.
Geoff Rowe (Rowie) is the unfaltering powerhouse drummer. He has also played in many bands over the last few decades, including Hunter, Aussie Rules & Room Service in the 80's and recently in the south west of W.A. with Smooth Operators, Little Miss and the Peaks. The Peaks having supported Jimmy Barnes, Ian Moss, Diesel and the Angels. He has been recently described as a "drummer with attitude!"
All songs are original with great rhythm which gets people quickly on to the dance floor.
Keep tuned for info. on dates of gigs etc.
Contact us for any questions or comments you may have.
All the Best.