Joe’s blueprint for Sorrows' success

Australian roots legends The Black Sorrows, whose latest album Certified Blue comes out today, will perform at Provence tomorrow.

For front man Joe Camilleri the album launch marks 50 years in the music industry.

“I’ve produced 45 albums in 50 years, but I am surprised when I look back that it’s been 50 years, ” he said.

“I think if you like playing music you’re honest about it and you don’t degrade it.

“I’m more honest about music then I am about anything else in my life and I think that’s what’s kept me sane through all the years.”

Camilleri has written about 350 songs throughout his career and says he is “constantly on tour, ” performing 150 shows a year on average.

He also has five children ranging in age from two to 35 and spoke to the Times this week from the park where he was minding his youngest, two-year- old “tomboy” Aurora Lilly.

Born in Malta as one of 13 children, Camilleri described being a migrant in Australia in the 1950s as hard times.

“I started playing early; I left school at 12 and couldn’t’ fit in until I found music, ” Camilleri said.

“I was fortunate to find it. It was my solace and I still get lost in it — I think because I stay true to it.

“In 1982 I started out with a violin and a piano accordion, which for rock bands at the time was way out in space.”

A singer-songwriter, saxophonist, producer and record label boss, Camilleri was previously a member of Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons and has been involved with side collaborations Amazing Revelators and Bakelite Radio.

The Black Sorrows first formed in 1984 and have evolved through several different incarnations and band members over the years.

“Certified Blue began as an unfinished sandwich of old- time, ’50s and ’60s-style blues, ” Camilleri said.

“As it progressed it all changed, still beneath the banner or Black Sorrows which is, at its core; roots music, rock’n’roll with an R&B background and jazz, blues and country influences.”

The Sorrows perform at Provence Lake tomorrow in a free outdoor concert from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.