The Greasy Chicken Orchestra at Foundry 616

Those who have enjoyed the spirited live shows before will know they perform in the “Territory Band” tradition of Kansas City, Chicago and New Orleans jazz of the ’20s and ’30s. The band is led by Phillip Johnston, an American saxophonist/composer who lives in Sydney, while still maintaining a musical life in his hometown of New York City.

Leading his own bands as well as performing with others, his work as a composer and musician extends across theatre, dance, film and music. The Greasy Chicken Orchestra is his high-energy ensemble with some of Sydney’s leading jazz musicians, playing blues, ragtime and the earliest incarnations of jazz. Think of the 1930s — when jazz was danceable, unpredictable and fun. From New Orleans ‘Dixieland’ to the ‘jungle music’ period of Duke Ellington, from unusual tunes by 1930s artists like Bix Biederbecke, the John Kirby Sextet, and the Raymond Quintette, The Greasy Chicken Orchestra is like a musical history book come to life – or a sneak-peak at the backing musicians of an old cartoon....

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Those who have enjoyed the spirited live shows before will know they perform in the “Territory Band” tradition of Kansas City, Chicago and New Orleans jazz of the ’20s and ’30s. The band is led by Phillip Johnston, an American saxophonist/composer who lives in Sydney, while still maintaining a musical life in his hometown of New York City.

Leading his own bands as well as performing with others, his work as a composer and musician extends across theatre, dance, film and music. The Greasy Chicken Orchestra is his high-energy ensemble with some of Sydney’s leading jazz musicians, playing blues, ragtime and the earliest incarnations of jazz. Think of the 1930s — when jazz was danceable, unpredictable and fun. From New Orleans ‘Dixieland’ to the ‘jungle music’ period of Duke Ellington, from unusual tunes by 1930s artists like Bix Biederbecke, the John Kirby Sextet, and the Raymond Quintette, The Greasy Chicken Orchestra is like a musical history book come to life – or a sneak-peak at the backing musicians of an old cartoon.

The Greasy Chickens Orchestra repertoire includes classic New Orleans jazz, mixed with early Duke Ellington and Jelly Roll Morton. Tunes will include South Rampart Street Parade, Muskrat Ramble, and Grandpa’s Spells.

Join us for an unforgettable night of music as we welcome this unique band back to the Foundry616 stage.

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