In the late 90’s, Kim Humphreys surrendered a highly lucrative career in the field of animation to devote his time fully to music. Already a semi pro guitarist of many years standing, he was part of several successful pop recording groups, a member of biker boogie band (which he juggled with a tuxedo wearing corporate group gig) and a guitarist for Stevie Wright (Easybeats), John Farnham, Ted Mulry, Jeff St John and Dutch Tilders.
His former vocation had seen him the shared recipient of an Academy and Emmy award, a festival winner for his own animated short films, a contributor to film clips for Little River Band and Midnight Oil, time spent as a camera and special effects director at numerous studios including Amblin (Steven Spielberg) and Hanna Barbera, a lecturer at the Sydney Film & Television School, the designer of a 3D animation camera rig and at the forefront of creating motion control software in the early 80’s, the latter two technologies both employed extensively by Hanna Barbera and Disney.
With an approach to the fret board that bears all the hallmarks of Classic Blues Rock, Kim Humphreys awareness of the guitar’s communicative powers was initially awakened by Aussie instrumental icons, including The Atlantics, The Telstars, The Midnighters, Rob E G, Vince Maloney (Aztecs/BG’s) and Dave Bridge.
As the new millennium unfolded, Kim had become fully booked guitar teacher, broken into the almost impregnable world of ‘A Team’ session work, which included dates for producers Vanda & Young (AC/DC) .His playing also featured on numerous commercials and on several chart topping country hits.
This resulted in a productive alliance with country label ACMEC which saw Kim on the finals dais at the Australian Country Music awards on numerous occasions between 1999 and 2007.
He was honoured with an Ibanez endorsement for their Talman range of guitars, produced a demo CD for the groundbreaking Line 6 Pod, and in 2008 moved his allegiance to Vintage Guitars (UK) which he now combines with import and sales.
He has released a number of instrumental albums, including the now globally collectable BRAVE NEW WAVE, a homage to 60’s Aussie garage surf instrumental music. This album’s award winning cover art is now immortalised on Kim’s signature model guitar as seen in the GUITAR PENITENTIARY music video.
His 2006 EP, MERCEDES, gained national ABC radio airplay and his animated clip for AMISTAD from the 2 GOOD 4 WORDS album received national television exposure and numerous You Tube downloads.
In 2006 he was also presented with the Shadoz instigated Stewy Award for his services to guitar instrumental music.
None the less, by 2007 he decided to take an extended break to recharge the batteries and rethink his musical strategies.
By 2009 he was demoing material for a new album with bass player Chris Perry. The plan was to find a suitable drummer, record the album and perform as a trio.
Late 2011 saw drummer Gordon Heazlewood joining Kim and Chris and by mid 2012 the result was the release of GUITAR PENTITENTIARY.
This is an honest and heartfelt volume of work by a musician whose dedication, determination and integrity comes to the fore on an album that should not only reconnect him with his supporters but vastly increase his audience base.