Mr Okell at the Northern
The Australian music scene has had a long history of uncovering phenomenal talent and the occasional larrikin. Marshall Okell is one man who embodies both attributes. Dedicated to a life on the road, Marshall Okell is known for his crowd-rousing and energetic live performances as the frontman and creative drive behind the crowd-pleasing Marshall & The ’Fro.
A band who have ripped the lips off capacity audiences all over Australia, including festivals such as Byron Bay Bluesfest, Woodford Folk Festival, Peats Ridge Festival, Festival of The Sun, and the Optus Gympie Muster to name a few.
In another part of the country following a similar path is Sydney-based power trio Chase The Sun. The two bands met at Bluesfest in 2008 and instantly hit it off. Since then, the bands have shared lineups and stages all over the country as well as a few laughs along the way.
In the winter of 2011 Marshall felt it was time to evolve away from The ’Fro, so he decided to write a new album under his own name. As the notes and lyrics grew on the page, so too grew a grand vision of how the album should sound.
He wanted it to be united under a special bond.
So when Marshall Okell went looking for a rhythm section for his new band, he naturally asked his friends Ryan and Howler of Chase The Sun first.
O’Kell is at the Hotel Great Northern on Tuesday.
Jazz on a Sunday Afternoon
Sharny Russell presents a wonderful afternoon of jazz accompanied by John Hoffman – flugelhorn, Jack Thorncraft – double bass, and Sam Schlencker – drums.
Sharny is known as one of Australia’s leading exponents of scat singing and her performances always leave you wanting more! Club Lennox on Sunday at 4pm.
Young Jazz!
Throughout February a group of uber-talented teenage instrumentalists from every corner of the region have been immersing themselves in jazz at the Lismore Con.
This Saturday their hard work will come to a head in a public performance with esteemed jazz musicians and educators John Hoffman and Ken Stubbs. Featuring blistering improvisations and funky latin beats, come and check out the future of Australian jazz. Contact 6621 2266 or www.nrcac.edu.au.
Young Jazz with special guests John Hoffman and Ken Stubbs, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Concert Room at 6pm. 152 Keen St, Lismore. Entry by donation.
Stomping the Swamp!
Fresh out of the NSW northern rivers, funky roots-rock exponents The Swamp Stompers have just released their new EP Stepping Stones’.
Although they were still in kindy when John Butler released his first album, The Swamp Stompers have put together a six-track tour de force of Byron Bay-inspired grooves, highlighting the band’s unusual dual lead vocal lineup and the slide and playing exceptional young guitarist Corey Legge.
Opening track Swamp Stomp Boogie lays down the band’s mission statement from the outset with some four-on-the-floor bound to get the dreads flying and the booties shaking.
The Swamp Stompers have been honing their skills up and down the east coast since 2012 and are known to ‘have the goods’ onstage, and have landed themselves some sweet festival spots in the process, including the busking stage of Bluesfest Byron Bay, Sydney Blues & Roots Festival, and The Blues at Bridgetown Festival.
The Lismore-based trio of Corey Legge, Luke Ligtenberg and Mitch Broadhead got their start while studying music together at Lismore’s Southern Cross Uni, the incubator for many great Aussie artists including Grinspoon.
At the Hotel Brunswick this Saturday.
The Sound of Toast
Toast is a trio playing reggae, jazz and calypso-style tunes from Jamaica to the Spice Islands. Uti Lokollo, on guitar, ukulele and harmonica, sings songs from his native Ambon with backing from Paul Brewer on bass and Chris Chandler on tenor sax. Uti has that natural Island swing like a hammock in a warm breeze.
Toast refers to the reggae vocal delivery ‘toasting’ which became popular in the 1970s and featured heavily in the development of rap and hip-hop in America. Chris toasts over the skanking guitar of Uti and the melodic, lead bass line of Paul, interspersed with a sax riff. The effect creates a modern mashup of styles with a retro feel.
Byron Brewery beergarden, Saturday 7.30pm. Free entry.
Happy Uke Day, Miss Amber!
Miss Amber is celebrating her birthday this Thursday so break out the cake and candles. It also happens to be Uke Night… so the crew will be strumming and singing all her favourite songs.
Clelia Adams will drop by to help out with the crack Uke Mullum band.
With something in the set for everybody, this promises to be another fun-filled uke-tastic adventure.
The monthly songbooks are available for download so make sure you are on the mailing list at ukemullum.com for the link.
Thursday at Court House Hotel in Mullumbimby from 6.30pm. Adults $10; kids $2.50.
