Robbie Long is a multi-instrumentalist who has covered miles of styles in his weird & wonderful career. He has been a working man's musician since leaving school, walking the boards with countless acts on stages and in studios over the past thirty years in Australia, New Zealand, Europe.  Although he has jazz/rock foundations, he has gathered tools from a spectrum of musical genres through his musical journeys, adding spice and depth to his playing. During the early 2000's Robbie became involved with several well known figures in the Australian bluegrass scene, including Fiddler Andrew Clermont and Banjo virtuoso Dave Hellens. This led towards competing in the National Bluegrass Championships at Tamworth, where he won National Flatpick Guitar champion 2008 & 2010.

Robbie Long and the Cardiff Spares
Robbie’s current project showcases a selection of original material composed over the last three years or so, possibly best described as world-jazz. In the live set this is blended with a selection of pieces by artists that have had a significant influence on Robbie’s playing and writing style. This includes guitarists Jeff Beck and Larry Carlton, and mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile. The music will thus visit far flung corners of jazz and cross over into neighbouring genres - from trad, jazz rock, fusion, to bluegrass, gypsy swing and Western swing.
Joining Robbie on stage are a selection of Newcastle’s finest young players, all distinguished in their own right.  Special guest Sue Carson will join the group, adding some soulful vocals & fiddle.

Robbie Long on stringed things
Jacob Neale on piano
Jarrod Gibson on bass
Brad Reinberger on drums

"I went to the Jimmy The Fish Troubadour concert at this year’s National Folk Festival on the strength of Frencham’s reputation alone. What I discovered was lovely laidback show showcasing some beautiful bluegrass-tinged folk songs. Liz Frencham is joined in Jimmy The Fish by Robbie Long (Mic Conway, The Lawnmowers) and Pete Fidler (Bluestone Junction, The Somervilles, Bill Jackson) but rather than it being just a folk-festival-supergroup, the band have created a sound that will appeal to fans both new and established.

Fidler’s slide guitar is by far the most distinguishing feature of Jimmy The Fish, giving the band their bluegrass/country feel. Add to this Robbie Long’s expert guitar skills and Liz Frencham’s smooth voice and bass and the group really comes together."

~Timber & Steel folk music blog 2011

Stripped back, irreverent and shameless, Mic Conway of the legendary
"Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band" and the infamous "Mic Conway's National
Junk Band" has teamed up with one of Australia's finest guitarists and
driest wits - Robbie Long. From Darwin Festival to Melbourne Cabaret
Festival, it's a circus of comedy, magic and music - idiosyncratic songs
that will make your jaw drop, toes tap and sides split. Featuring some
Matchbox favourites like “My Canary Has Circles Under His Eyes” and an
hilarious version of Tom Lehrer's classic, "Masochism Tango".
They have been in the studio during winter, cooking up a duo album.
www.micconway.com

The lovely Liz Frencham will be opening the evening ... peforming her
gorgeous serenades.
www.myspace.com/lizfrencham
See Mic and Liz dueting "Paper Moon" :
youtube.com/watch?v=9MLp5KCekxY

The third in our series of bands led by bass players:

Possibly Australia's best female double bass player, with heartwrenching songs and a voice like honey. Now working in Melbourne, Liz will be joined by local pianist Nick Southcott and Newcastle guitarist Robbie Long (current Australian flat-pick guitar champion) for an evening of stupendous revelations and unearthly delights.