Performance Times
1.15pm, Saturday
Berry
4pm, Saturday
Tramshed
Overview
Energetic, brilliant and playful, the Spyglass Group present a modern take on the traditional gypsy jazz style. Combining French gypsy songs with swinging originals the ensemble brings the bygone days of bohemian Paris into the present day with the lyrical sounds of the accordion, clarinet and the percussive 'la pompe' of gypsy guitars.
Spyglass launched their second album 'Voyages' to a full house in December 2017, and as Australian Arts Council grant recipients they have taken their music to all corners of the country with a national tour. Established in 2010, the group formed through studying and performing together in various jazz projects. They have appeared at many notable venues and festivals, among these headlining performances at the 2013 and 2017 Oz Manouche Gypsy Jazz Festivals (Brisbane), the 2014, 2017, 2018 & 2022 Manly Jazz Festivals, the 2014 Red Earth Festival in Karratha and at the Ellington Jazz Club in Perth with guitar luminary Hank Marvin as their special guest. Along with supporting performances for international stars including Portuguese Fadista Ana Moura at the Enmore Theatre (Sydney), Spyglass have established themselves as one of the leading ensembles in Australasian Gypsy Jazz. The group are currently writing and recording their third album, due out in late 2023.
Visit their web site.
Reviews
"Technically excellent, the performers were tight and expressive" - The West Australian
"‘Joie de vivre’ – literally ‘joy of living’ – is all over this music, infectious and grin-inducing" - The Orange Press
"Spyglass Gypsies are at the forefront of taking Gypsy swing into the 21st Century" - Peter Winkler, Music Trust
"The Spyglass Gypsies set was outstanding, refreshingly different, great playing" - Hank Marvin
"The music here is swinging, infectious, spirited and uplifting" - Eric Myers, The Australian
