M J Turner
With over 25 years of experience as a guitar slinger, M J Turner has performed on stages ranging from Australia's spiritual heart, Uluru, to Britain's majestic Isle of Wight.
M J Turner creates a captivating soundscape, using the guitar to form an eclectic one-man band. Featuring soulful guitar playing and earthy grooves, he covers a range of styles, including modern interpretations of traditional Blues combined with uptempo World Music rhythms.
Discography
Biography
Mark "M J" Turner's journey with music started when he was just six years old. After seeing the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra perform, he was inspired to take up the violin, which he played and performed with until the age of 12. However, it was the guitar that truly captured his heart as a teenager.
His love of the guitar began when he discovered the music of Jimi Hendrix, Santana, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. This led him to explore the history of Blues, studying musicians like Howling Wolf, John Lee Hooker, and R.L. Burnside.
This influenced the formation of his first band, The Baron, created in collaboration with his brother and drummer Michael Turner. The Baron became a staple in the Adelaide music scene between 2006 and 2014, releasing three EPs and embarking on an East Coast tour of Australia.
In 2009, Mark joined the English band 'Miners Club' for their UK Tour, which saw them play at many iconic venues across London and the surrounding region, with the highlight of performing at 'Bestival' Isle of Wight.
Upon returning to Australia, Turner began work on his solo career, writing prolifically and experimenting with various musicians in live, experimental showcases across Melbourne and Adelaide. During this time, he continued to work on developing numerous music venues in Adelaide and performed with various bands, including The Baron, Subsketch, Deadly Are The Naked and Captain Hellfire & The Wretched Brethren.
In 2015, while living and working in the remote APY Lands, Turner released his debut solo EP, "Wanderlust," which was inspired by his years of travel. The release depicted an instrumental interpretation of the highs and lows of the journey.
In 2017, Turner formed a new band, releasing 'The Wild Bloom' EP, which showcased a lively and engaging new direction for his compositions. However, he took time off performing after becoming the father of three daughters.
But post-COVID, in 2022, MJ Turner re-emerged in the live music scene, performing at the Port Noarlunga Blues Festival and the Dragonfly Dreaming Festival in 2023. He also released the EP, 'Elixir 8.1.8' and became the resident performer at Ayres Rock Resort in November 2023.
Today, MJ Turner continues to perform, creating a captivating sound using the guitar to form an eclectic soundscape. His performance features soulful guitar playing and earthy grooves, covering a range of styles, including modern interpretations of traditional blues combined with uptempo world music rhythms.
Song List
Good Times - M J Turner
Whipping Boy - M J Turner
Desert Groove - M J Turner
Red Rock Soul - M J Turner
Ride - M J Turner
Mellow Mood - M J Turner
Blue Boogie - M J Turner
Bird Song - M J Turner
Little Miss - M J Turner
Thunder Boys - M J Turner
Elixir - M J Turner
Spoonful - Howling Wolf
Catfish Blues - Muddy Waters
Boogie Chillen - John Lee Hooker
Born Under A Bad Sign - Albert King
Going Down South - R.L. Burnside
In My Time Of Dying - Blind Willie Johnson
Hey Joe - Jimi Hendrix
Ghost Riders In The Sky - Johnny Cash
Jingo - Santana
Dumb Things - Paul Kelly
All Along The Watchtower - Bob Dylan
Blackbird - The Beatles
Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Can't Help Falling In Love - Elvis Presley
Wicked Game - Chris Isaak
Jolene - Dolly Parton
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
Wind Cries Mary - Jimi Hendrix
Roadhouse Blues - The Doors
Fur Elise - Ludwig Van Beethoven
Classical Gas - Mason Williams
...and more!