These were not really jazz other than that all music can be, or is influenced by, jazz. First up was Moussa Diakite Trio. Afrobeat, huge fun, demandingly danceable, fascinatingly rhythmic. I tried counting at times with some failures. Nice to see they had plenty of whoops and a few up and dancing in the Uniting Church. Just three blokes, all with hats. Strange, insistent, immersive rhythms that demand movement, then stop suddenly or twist with some odd unison line, and those harmonies simple but sure. I was intrigued by the relationship of bass and drums, sometimes obvious enough, other times strangely various in rhythm. But it all worked, despite my disorientations. And that classic jagged guitar that also goes with the territory. A huge joy here and lots of foot tapping. Then a taste of something completely different. Monstress. It's an amusing name. Four 20-something women impressing both with musical skills and awareness and also purpose in lyrics. Again not that I caught the lyrics but the tunes were introduced. There was a wonderful funkiness, nicely structured and easy pedalling and an awareness of the hypnotic and the value of statement. I heard Meshell Ndegeocello in the first tune and Sarah later acknowledged the influence. And she volunteered Esperanza Spalding. Well chosen influences create worthy music.
The Moussa Diakite Trio comprised Moussa Diakite (guitar vocals), Lenny Samperi (bass, vocals) and Junior Jones (drums). Monstress were Sarah Homeh (bass, vocals), Jade Slater (keys), Jenna Lewis (tenor) and Hayley Chan (drums).
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