Doors 6pm
Show 7pm
Drawing on simple guitar strums and hoarse voices, American folk music has captured the state of the human condition: relationships, religion, running out of money. The great writers of the genre ponder universal conundrums and tell profound tales. Giants like Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and James Taylor share intimate postcards with every verse through glorious melody and heavenly composition. The style is deeply evocative, fascinating, and moving.
These postcards, once from the Mississippi Delta; from a prison cell; from Memphis; will be sent from right here at home in Perth. Through timeless folk songs, old and new, the genre will be reimagined for 5 piece jazz ensemble and delivered by some of Perth’s very best. Along with classics from Simon, Dylan, and Taylor is a celebration of the great writers of today – the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Jensen McRae and Phoebe Bridgers.
Lead by drummer and composer Ben Shelley, the band will feature experienced rodeo-riders Jess Carlton on trumpet, Holly Forster on alto saxophone, Bob Tweedie on piano, and Tommi Flamenco on electric bass. Traversing soaring choruses, dreamy lullabies, wonderous ballads, and melancholy melodies, this show will enliven hearts, minds, and imaginations. Come on a journey to where the flowers grow.
Ben Shelley is a versatile and exciting drummer, specialising in rich musical interaction and complex rhythmic interplay. Having graduated from WAAPA with honours, he has intensely studied a wide variety of genres and styles. Ben can be seen performing in many of Perth’s venues, including having performed with Linda Oh with the WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra, and at the 2024 Perth International Jazz Festival with original modern jazz group Bad Neighbour. As a band leader, Ben released his original album Kindness in 2024, supported by the Perth Jazz Society’s Recording Opportunity.
Band:
Jess Carlton – Trumpet
Holly Forster – Alto Saxophone
Bob Tweedie – Piano
Tommi Flamenco – Electric Bass
Ben Shelley – Drums
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