Sunday Sessions is a sensational new live music program presented by the Blue Mountains Theatre and Live At The Village, showcasing original music from exceptional artists. Sunday Sessions launches on August 13 with an outstanding set from acclaimed jazz ensemble, The catholics.
The catholics is one of Australia’s most distinctive jazz groups. This seven-piece ensemble blend hard jazz blowing with dance rhythms from around the world. Through beautifully crafted pieces runs a strong, seductive dance strain found in the various African, Caribbean, Latin and Eastern influences.
By taking the catchiness of pop music, and combining it with infectious dance rhythms of the world and indisputably authoritative jazz blowing, The catholics are creating a rare thing indeed – a sound with an instant appeal, physical excitement, passion and critical credibility.
Their leader, composer and bassist, Lloyd Swanton, is well known across Australia and internationally for his work with improvising legends The Necks, as well as appearances on over 90 albums, many of them ARIA award winners, for artists including Vince Jones, Wendy Matthews and Bernie McGann.
With The catholics, Swanton has assembled some of the best musicians in Australia from a wide spectrum of musical backgrounds. The catholics have won a Mo Award for Best Jazz Group, and three albums have been nominated for ARIA awards.
Swanton has assembled a great line-up of musician. The legendary Sandy Evans on saxophone, James Greening on trombone, South American born Fabian Hevia playing a wide variety of percussion, Jonathan Pease whose electric guitar would at times not be lost on Santana fans, and Nic Cecire nailing the groove on drums. The newest band member, Gary Daley, playing accordion, brings unexpected textures to the band's sound.
To hear the seven-piece band is a unique opportunity. The catholics last played at Springwood in 2012 and most years play only a handful of times - anywhere.
Sunday Sessions presents The catholics, 2pm, Sunday, August 13, at the Blue Mountains Theatre, 106 Macquarie Road Springwood. Tickets $36, Ccncession $32. Tickets at the box office, on 4723 5050 or online at www.bluemountainstheatre.com.