This was the second gig I’ve attended of The Cambridge Whistlers, the first time being at The Brisbane Jazz Club in 2025.  Both times I wondered if people ever truly appreciate the artistry of each band member and I’m glad to say that it seems people do understand! The Red Hills Bowls Club broke a record for most attended gig, as well as bar takings. 

The Cambridge Whistlers consists of four band members – Jason ‘Jaywah’ Castle and Tim Gaze on lead guitar and vocals, Jason Stimson on bass and Chris Tone on drums. Through years of playing in the Brisbane scene, these musicians have been harnessing their craft, entertaining packed crowds in the local pub scene and -through their love of the game- we still get to watch that craft today. 

Here we have a blues-and-rock band to the bone. Without much introduction needed, the band played their first song of the day; ‘Rambling’ by Eric Clapton. Written by blues legend Robert Johnson, Jason ‘Jaywah’ Castle and Tim Gaze cool and calmly joke in between their songs. It’s a playful energy that compliments the blues they’re singing. They weave in and out of guitar solos and grooves, further owning their covers from ‘Stormy Monday’ by T Bone to Lee Dorsey’s ‘Ride Your Pony’. 

Throughout their set, you can see folks becoming entranced by the band. It’s worth noting that over half of the audience has seen each band member play more than 50 times. And yet, everyone is watching their every move in constant awe. Jason ‘Jaywah’ Castle has been a lifelong blues singer. For a while, Jaywah had what we loosely call a residency at Lefty’s, playing many Friday and Saturday nights for many years and certainly downing too many apple whiskeys (we’ve all been there…).  

Many of those deep blues nights at Lefty’s seem to have ingrained themselves into his sound today. Showing up in his originals with ‘Time Again’ and covers like ‘Born Under A Bad Sign’ by Albert King, there’s pain in his voice and comfort to the audience with how easy he plays.  The audience can’t, and hasn’t for many decades now, get enough. 

Tim Gaze also speaks in leaps in bounds through his guitar. This man has played in some major Australian bands from the 60’s through to the 80’s. With Tamam Shud, a psychedelic and surf rock band, and Kahvas Jute, who supported Bo Diddley on his Australian Tour in 1973.  Did I mention Jimmy Barnes has been quoted to call Tim ‘one of the best guitarists that Australia has ever produced’?  Tim Gaze is extremely humble in his stance and ruthless in his guitar playing. He performed his original song ‘Life’s Emotion’ off his 2010 album Rough Diamonds, which presented just this.  Whether it’s his lyrics or licks - Tim Gaze makes our job, the audience, easy. He leads us into a calm, intrigued and the best type of pensive state. 

Let’s not forget Jason Stimson and Chris Tone, who compliment their front men like a bridge to a song. During the entire set, these two just groove. They know the vibe, they understand the assignment and no beat is missed. Jaywah and Tim know that without these two, their sound wouldn’t resonate the same way. Throughout their setlist, Tim and Jaywah make note of their band members – like any good musician knows to do. 

As the setlist comes to an end, The Cambridge Whistlers play a local favourite to close out – ‘I Remember When I Was Young’ by local Australian musician Matt Taylor. There is a huge sense of joy and pride that comes from this song; for the band playing it and for the audience who share the same hometown of where it originates. And to make their closing song even more special, the band invites their longtime friend and local musician Pat Malone up to sing. The band beautifully harmonises alongside him. ‘I Remember When I Was Young’ bringing the house down, or up should I say? 

The blues is melancholy, sad and deep. And here is a band of four wise men – who not only perform to the quintessential level of what blues is, but bring you happiness, escape and a sense of community and connection through their energy. And on a perfectly sunny day in Brisbane, on Sunday April 19 - it’s a walk down memory lane for the Brisbane music scene. It’s a band reminding you to support your local bowl-o. It’s The Cambridge Whistlers. 

Words and Image By Amber Castle