Little Bushman

Little Bushman formed as a proggy psychedelic rock outfit in New Zealand, openly displaying their '60s and '70s influences through frontman Warren Maxwell's replication of Jimi Hendrix's cadence and phrasing, while their concerts became renowned for extended, unapologetic jams and improvisations.

The group emerged from participants in New Zealand's occasionally overlapping music circles, with original members including Warren Maxwell from Fat Freddys Drop, Trinity Roots, and the Village Jazz Quartet, alongside Rick Cranson from the same quartet and Tom Callwood. Maxwell set aside the saxophone from his Fat Freddys Drop tenure and the guitar from Trinity Roots in favor of Rhodes piano, leaving Cranson on drums and Callwood on double bass; to complete the lineup they recruited Joe's brother Tom Callwood on guitar.

Contributions from additional former associates of Maxwell supported the sessions for their debut album The Onus of Sand, where Lisa Tomlins and Deva Mahal, both from Fat Freddys Drop, lent their voices, resulting in a warmly received release captured live to preserve the vitality of their stage performances.

In 2006 the quartet issued their next album Pendulum, expanding each member's instrumental roles: Maxwell handled harmonica, piano, saxophone, guitar, and tambourine, Joe Callwood added acoustic guitar to his customary electric work, Tom Callwood incorporated violin, cello, and electric bass, and Cranson supplied extra percussion and vocals.