Tag: Jazz Party

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunset Sounds Bringing Free Summer Gigs to Melbourne

At this time of year, many of us are feeling the pinch. The organisers of Sunset Sounds understands this, so they’re brightening your summer with a series of hot free gigs across Melbourne.

The three free gigs will see the likes of Saskwatch, The Bamboos, and Jazz Party playing for local music lovers. Some of Melbourne’s most popular food trucks will also attend to keep everyone well fed.

“Stonnington has some of the most sensational parks and gardens, and it brings me great joy to see residents and visitors enjoying them” Mayor Stefanopoulos said. “Pack a picnic basket, and your dancing shoes, and head down for a summers afternoon with some of Australia’s finest talent.”

Sunset Sounds 2018 kicks off on January 7 and runs every Sunday for three weeks.

7 January 2018 – Saskwatch & Alexander Biggs, Victoria Gardens @ Prahran
14 January 2018 – The Bamboos & Jazz Party, Central Park @ Malvern East
21 January 2018 – Hot Potato Band & 30/70, Malvern Gardens @ Malvern

Image used with permission from Little Giant

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Monday Night” – Jazz Party

Jazz is a genre that’s been watered down a lot over the years. Jazz festivals have become playgrounds for artists who could more accurately be described as blues or soul acts. You rarely hear musicians scatting any more. True jazz might not be popular anymore, but Melbourne’s Jazz Party don’t seem to care about that. On their debut album Monday Night, it sounds like they’re having far too much fun to consider the opinion of the masses.

This album will transport you to a retro New Orleans speakeasy. It’s got a fantastic, infectious energy about it. The band manages to play with an unbridled frenetic sound which seems spontaneous, yet they’re the tightest bunch of musicians you’re likely to hear. From the heavy-handed honky-tonky piano to the brassy horns section, everything is just where it should be. Songwriter and leader of the band of eight Darcy McNulty says recording Monday Night was the most fun he’s ever had in a studio, and that shows. From opening track “Want a Baby,” this album leads you to the dancefloor and twirls you around until your feet are sore. I love Darcy’s Harry Connick Jnr-esque vocals, but the tracks featuring the sassy, soulful Loretta Miller on lead are probably my favourites. She’s a revelation on numbers like “Sleep” and “Magic Man.”

Monday Night is released on November 3. Jazz Party will launch it with shows around the country. If the album’s any indication, anyone attending these shows are in for one hell of a time.

11 November 2017 – The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
16 November 2017 – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane
16-19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
24-26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
16-18 February 2018 – Riverboats Music Festival, Echuca-Moama

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz Party Delivers With “Drowning”

Melbourne’s Jazz Party takes listeners on a wild ride with its new single “Drowning.” Released today, the track travels at a frenetic pace, with driving drums, heavy-handed piano, bold horns, and sexy, sassy vocals from Loretta Miller.

She says “Drowning” is “about finding a release and revelling in your darkest places. The kind of song you can join in on and dance around your room in an ecstatic way.”

“Drowning” comes from Jazz Party’s forthcoming debut album Monday Night, which gets released on November 3. The band will celebrate its launch with the following shows.

11 November 2017 – The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
16 November 2017 – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane
16-19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
24–26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz Party Knocks It Out of the Park With “Talking in Your Sleep”

Melbourne band Jazz Party has taken me back to a 1930s speakeasy with the soulful new single “Talking In Your Sleep.”

The song is the perfect combination of soul and jazz, with on-point vocals from Loretta Miller and an irresistible old school feel. I love the way it builds from this demure little thing to a heartbreaking climax. You just try to resist this.

If you like what you hear, make sure you get out and see Jazz Party launching the single with shows around Victoria this month.

11 March 2017 – Golden Plains Festival, Meredith
24 March 2017 – Castlemaine State Festival, Castlemaine
31 March 2017 – Howler, Brunswick
1 April 2017 – By the Meadow, Bambra

Image used with permission from This Much Talent