From Dustyesky to Smokey Fields – Chris Mallory’s alter ego takes the stage

AFTER discovering the joy of stepping into a new persona as part of the “genuine fake Russian choir” Dustyesky, Mullumbimby musician Chris Mallory felt inspired to create another alter ego.

That new persona — Smokey Fields — was born shortly after Mallory saw American singer-songwriter and guitarist Willie Watson perform at the Civic Hall in Mullumbimby. Watson, a founding member of the Nashville-based Americana string band Old Crow Medicine Show, left a lasting impression.

“I went straight to the karaoke night at the Middle Pub and said, ‘Hello, my name is Smokey Fields,’ then lit the whole house on fire with a performance of Midnight Special,” Mallory said.

For Smokey Fields’ debut performance, Mallory enlisted fellow Dustyesky members Matthew “Gully” Gulliford and James Dods. Together, they performed acoustic versions of iconic songs from Woodstock at the Brunswick Picture House in 2019, marking the 50th anniversary of the legendary music festival.

 

“With the Smokey Fields project, we are all still having fun with vocal harmony and getting into a character, but we also play instruments,” Mallory said.

Mallory began playing the guitar when he was 18 and said it’s all he’s wanted to do ever since.

“To me it is a sort of a meditation or an escape from everyday thinking,” he said. “Playing music I am in the moment.”

Smokey Fields’ next gig will be part of Northern Rivers for Refugees’ 10th anniversary celebration, held at Memorial Hall in Brunswick Heads from 4pm to 6pm on Sunday, June 15.

“I’ve done a few things with them before and I love the work that they do in the community to support refugees coming to the area,” Mallory said. “I am so pleased to be able to perform on their special day and help them to celebrate the great work they do.”

For more information, visit nrfr.org.au/10th-anniversary-party