The joyous celebration of music and life that is Lloyd Swanton’s distinctive long-running septet, The catholics, returns to Foundry616 for their first performance at the club this year, promising more infectiously appealing modern jazz!
The catholics is a star-studded jazz ensemble with over 25 years at the forefront of Australian music. Their unique formula of tough jazz blowing over scintillating world beat grooves never fails to delight their fans.
Throughout The catholics’ beautifully crafted and instantly accessible pieces runs a strong, seductive dance strain found in the band’s various African, Caribbean, Latin and Eastern influences.
The catchy blend of pop music, melding with infectious world dance rhythms and indisputably authoritative jazz-ability, has created a rare thing indeed- a sound with an instant appeal, physical excitement, passion, and critical credibility – as demonstrated by The catholics often sold-out gigs, huge fan base, several outstanding recordings and numerous Mo and ARIA Awards.
Since releasing the stunning 2013 studio album, Yonder, their first recording to feature new member Gary Daley, on piano accordion, the band has celebrated exciting new sonic directions, while staying true to the much-loved and acclaimed music the septet is renowned for. Gary’s rich tones on the accordion add fresh dimensions so new and long-time listeners alike will be drawn in.
Reviewing the catholics’ performance at Foundry616 in December 2016, John Shand (Sydney Morning Herald) stated:
“More telling than any individual performance was the abiding sense of the band having a collective heart as big as a house. And it was this heart that was having the dialogue with the audience”. FULL REVIEW HERE
So whether you are a long term fan or new to this supergroup, come along and enjoy the joyous celebration of stories and music that these seven musicians irresistibly convey from the stage.
The catholics are: