Singer-songwriter ~ guitar finger-picker ~ harmonica player

One of the most authentic blues voices on the scene, but with an individual sound – Helen Jennings, PBSfm

Takes old time, pre-war and country blues, and wraps it all together into a dynamic and authentic new package – John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network, reviewing Dan Dinnen’s debut acoustic blues album Back Home

Dan Dinnen performs stripped back ballads, haunting minor key confessionals, upbeat country blues ditties, swinging shuffles, and swampy juke-joint grooves. He also does a pretty fine job of interpreting classic blues songs and standards.

Dan Dinnen has steadily built his profile within the Australian blues music scene since winning the MBAS Blues Performer of the year in 2009 and going on to release three albums of predominantly original music. Fronting Greg Dodd & The Hoodoo Men from 2013-2017 further established Dan's reputation, showcasing his abilities as a vocalist and harmonica player, with the band making a string of successful Australian blues and roots festival appearances and recording two award winning albums.

Over the last decade, Dan has won a swag of Australian blues music awards for his work as a solo performer, for his studio recordings and songwriting and as a front-man/vocalist/harp-slinger (with Greg Dodd & The Hoodoo Men).

In 2017 Dan teamed up with Anthony "Shorty" Shortte, a drummer / percussionist held in high regard for his work with ARIA award winning blues act Collard Greens and Gravy. DAN DINNEN & SHORTY dish out a bluesy gumbo of rootsy goodness, seasoned with a touch of delta swamp, a spoonful of hill country, and very much its own unique flavour. In December 2020 they released their self-titled studio album debut. “DAN DINNEN & SHORTY” topped the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Charts and stayed on the charts for 11 months. The album also won the duo BEST BLUES ACT 2021 at the MUSIC VICTORIA AWARDS.

As well as working with Shorty, Dan Dinnen is very much at home as a solo artist. Dan’s solo performances showcase his talents as a both singer/songwriter and instrumentalist: a tasty mix of songwriting, soulful vocals, finger-picking guitar and blues harp.

Dan has performed alongside some of Australia's leading blues artists including luminaries such as Fiona Boyes, Geoff Achison, Jimi Hocking and Lloyd Spiegel. As a solo artist, Dan has played at some of Australia’s premiere blues festivals including: Blues On Broadbeach QLD; Thredbo Blues NSW; Echuca Winter Blues VIC; Australian Blues Music Festival, Goulburn NSW; Bendigo Blues and Roots VIC.


AWARDS…

Dan Dinnen has won awards for both his solo performances, his studio albums, his recent work in the duo Dan Dinnen & Shorty, as well as for his work singing lead vocals and playing blues harp with Greg Dodd & The Hoodoo Men...

  • 2021 MUSIC VICTORIA AWARDS - Best Blues Act - Dan Dinnen & Shorty

  • 2017 MBAS Vic/Tas Blues Music Awards - Artist Of The Year (album Keep On Stirrin' The Pot)

  • 2017 MBAS Vic/Tas Blues Music Awards - Song Of The Year (album Keep On Stirrin' The Pot, song Diamond In A Coal Mine) 

Winning the MBAS Blues Performer of the Year award for the second time earned Dan a place competing in the 33rd International Blues Challenge on Beale St., Memphis TN in 2017 where he made it to the Semifinals.

  • 2016 Chain Award - Group Of The Year (Greg Dodd & The Hoodoo Men for their album Movin' On)

  • 2015 Vic/Tas Blues Music Awards - Band of the Year (Greg Dodd & The Hoodoo Men for their album Movin' On)

  • 2014 Age Music Victoria Award - Best Blues Album (Greg Dodd & The Hoodoo Men for their album 3am Blues -Live!)

  • 2013 MBAS Best self-produced album of 2012/2013 (album Last Thing On My Mind)

  • 2010 MBAS Vic/Tas Blues Music Awards - Song Of The Year (Album - Back Home, Song - Ain't No Good)

  • 2009 MBAS Blues Performer Of The Year