Gigs at the Underground
Bistro is Open Upstairs for Meals, Coffee and Desserts.
Under 18's are welcome accompanied by a reponsible adult.
The Vampires
March 3rd, 8pm
Fresh from their European tour, The Vampires are back in Australia with 12 shows along the east coast, promoting their sixth release Pacifica.
The Vampires are trailblazers for a generation of creative talent from Sydney, having gained critical attention worldwide in the jazz community and beyond. Creating a distinctive sound that is undoubtedly their own, their latest release Pacifica described as “such a good album that it’s difficult to know which superlatives to start with (The Australian), and “choosing...to slay with impeccable and relentless congeniality” (US Downbeat).
Combining influences from around the world, the band has developed an original sound that has been compared to such diverse sources as Mulatu Astatke, Blue-Note Jazz, Electric Miles Davis, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, Bob Marley and Henri Texier’s cinematic music, yet has something of their own. Having developed their music through the band’s 14 years of touring, travelling, and recording together, the band has found a recognisable sound that is as much the sum of the individuals in the group as it is a part of Australian jazz.
The ARIA nominated and Australian Music Prize shortlisted band has played at major jazz festivals in Australia and Europe, toured and recorded with internationally celebrated guitarist Lionel Loueke, released six albums and toured regularly since they started playing together in 2005.
Jeremy Rose - Saxophone
Nick Garbett - Trumpet
Noel Mason - Double Bass
Alex Masso - Drums
Half Nelson
March 10th, 8pm
Half Nelson are a unique mix of musicians, from a wide variety of backgrounds.
From New Orleans Jazz to Free Improvisation and all manner of music along the way. This combination has helped to forged a band dedicated to the era of jazz we love. The 1920's to the 40's.
"Half Nelson will take you on a midnight ride through the back alleys of New Orleans and the smokey Jazz dives of 1920's Harlem. From gritty Billie Holiday, to the smooth styling of Ella Fitzgerald. Add a shot of Louis Armstrong with a dash of Fats Waller and you have the energetic cocktail that is Half Nelson. Half Nelson deliver high energy, heartfelt jazz that is equally suited to a pub, jazz festival, sophisticated corporate function or an old basement speakeasy.
Dance up a storm or moan the blues away, but what ever you do,
do it to Half Nelson".
Sheriden Nelson - Vocals
Jason Nelson - Trombone/Vocals
Shane Shanks - Reeds
Carter Smyth - Piano
Chris Dawson - Double Bass
Tim Evans - Drums
Caribé
Havana Return
March 17th, 8pm
Caribé’s Havana Return crafts Cuban traditional and classic forms in a contemporary mold resulting in music that is unique and fresh. Seeing Caribé live is a communal experience incorporating chants and percussive elements deeply rooted in rumba and Afro-Cuban religions. The constant push and pull between powerful percussion and stunning melodies creates a dynamic tension that draws you in and invites you to dance.
Adrian Medina - Dancer
Gai Bryant - Alto & Soprano Saxophone
Julian Gough - Tenor Sax
Lee McIver - Trumpet
Des Cannings - Trompone
Ed Goyer - Piano
Nick Henderson - Bass
José Antonio Marquez Muzzio - Percussion
Kettletree
March 24th, 8pm
Named after a safe haven for all things great and small, Kettletree is a personal project for Liam Tooth to present his own music for the first time. Joined by the exceptional Naomi Blanch and Kieran Norman, the trio will perform a mix of original compositions and modern jazz from Europe and America. Kettletree is influenced by the Esbjörn Svensson Trio, Mammal Hands, Pat Metheny, every ECM/ACT record ever, and cups of tea.
Naomi Blanch - Saxophone
Kieran Norman - Piano
Liam Tooth - Drums
Damian Wright Trio
March 31st, 8pm
Damian Wright - Flamenco Guitar
Ben Hauptmann - Guitars
James Hauptmann - Percussion