Jimi Hocking is a songwriter, singer and guitarist of the highest calibre, the electric love child of T-Bone Walker, BB King and Jimi Hendrix. He struts the stage with his band, playing his ‘showy’ guitar style while pulling all the classic stunts ... behind the head ... the duck walk ... even the splits!

Jimi’s affinity with the guitar started as a boy when his father, Kevin Hocking (a well known pianist and composer) realised that Jimi was more interested in Chuck Berry than his piano lessons, and so presented him with a primitive acoustic guitar for Christmas. These humble beginnings led to an ongoing career in music, with Jimi playing electric guitar, acoustic guitar and mandolin.

Always working on multiple recording projects, including a new blues album, 2006 chimed in for Jimi with the release of ‘The Ultimate Bootleg (vs2)’. Jimi's 10th album is a re-make of his first independent acoustic album, featuring all new recordings of original songs and bonus tracks.

Certainly 2005 was a remarkable year for Jimi. He was crowned winner of the Solo/Duo section of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA, and subsequently embarked on a comprehensive US tour, appearing at festivals and clubs to great reviews. Meanwhile his blues albums were added to play lists in the USA, Europe and London.

2003 and 2004 saw Jimi on the road, travelling many miles throughout Australia and the USA. He also released a compilation of his 'rock' days titled 'The Spectre 7 Years' - a whole bunch of re-recorded, re-mastered tracks plus some great live material from the era. Jimi also took out the coveted MBAS ‘Blues Performer of the Year’ for 2004.

In 2002, Jimi was busy on the Australian festival circuit, but he also put his ‘Biscuit Boy’ studios through its paces. He recorded, played on and produced Dave Gleeson's (of 'Screaming Jets' fame) first solo album ‘Wanted Man’, while also chalking up a solo blues album. 'Give Jimi Some Love!’ features original songs, plus a couple of blues classics given Jimi's unique touch.

In 1999 Jimi had defied his critics and released his first blues album, ‘Blue Guitar’ … at that time there was pressure to take to the rock stage, but Jimi insisted he would play the music that was close to his heart. The results speak for themselves, with ‘Blue Guitar’ selling as well today as it did when it was released.

Prior to this Jimi had been hired as lead guitarist for the popular Australian rock band ‘The Screaming Jets’ (although he also managed to squeeze out an acoustic album ‘Standard Bohemian’ in 1998 too). For almost four years Jimi focused on touring with the band and played lead guitar, mandolin and keyboards on their 1995 Top 5 ‘Self-titled’ album, as well as the follow up release 'World Gone Crazy', receiving two gold records for his trouble.

In the late-1980’s and early 1990’s Jimi had his own career as a hard rock artist. Known as ‘Jimi the Human’ he released two recordings ... the Top 20 album 'No Turning Back' and 'Living in Luxury'.

Even before the 'Jimi the Human' era, Jimi had a reputation as a gun guitarist, so when misfortune struck seminal Oz rockers ‘The Angels’ in 1988, he was asked to temporarily join the band to perform guitar duties on their 'Live Line' concert tour.

The mid-1980's was when Jimi cut his teeth, playing hundreds of pub shows fronting bands like 'The Astroboys' and 'The Astros'.

2006 marked the 20th anniversary of Jimi's first indie release, 'The Astros' self-titled (and vinyl) EP, which sounds so fresh, it's like you're in the same room as the band!