Langtoun Jazz presents The Red Hot Rhythm Makers at Kirkcaldy Old Kirk

This all female band, from Central Scotland, has been assembled as a response to Ali Afflecks pioneering and critically acclaimed Preaching Divas project; which focuses on the ground-breaking (and mostly forgotten) women of jazz and blues. Since The Red Hot Rhythm Makers went public in summer 2018 they have received rave reviews from very happy audiences.
The line up consists of Ali Affleck on washboard and vocals, Ali Tod on guitar and vocals, Danielle Price on tuba and vocals, Kassandra ESilva on reeds and vocals, Sarah Findlay on trumpet and vocals and Alex Stewart on trombone and vocals. ...

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This all female band, from Central Scotland, has been assembled as a response to Ali Afflecks pioneering and critically acclaimed Preaching Divas project; which focuses on the ground-breaking (and mostly forgotten) women of jazz and blues. Since The Red Hot Rhythm Makers went public in summer 2018 they have received rave reviews from very happy audiences.
The line up consists of Ali Affleck on washboard and vocals, Ali Tod on guitar and vocals, Danielle Price on tuba and vocals, Kassandra ESilva on reeds and vocals, Sarah Findlay on trumpet and vocals and Alex Stewart on trombone and vocals.
The band provide fun, accessible New Orleans and Mississippi jazz and blues. Their repertoire consists of old American prohibition era folk, hot roots jazz, pre-electric blues, hokum and rather large nods to their Scottish heritage. They also perform some more modern numbers (circa 1940s) and have many original songs being developed as we speak.
Swing dancers will love the mixed tempos and brass heavy line up. They are uniquely placed to provide music for swing dance events as they have a swing dancer in their lineup (and rumour has it that some of the other girls are going to be taking lessons!).
There is a united focus in the band to draw light on the many trailblazing female musicians during the birth of jazz and blues; many of whom have been forgotten by history, and there are many projects in the pipelines to bring them and their music back to life. "Six Gals Named Smith" is one such project which seeks to raise the profile of the queens of early roots, blues and jazz; and female musicians in general. Bessie Smith is the only recognisable name left among the group we are focusing on, also including Laura, Ruby, Clara, Mamie and Trixie Smith.
The Red Hot Rhythm Makers presentation of Street Jazz speaks to all ages, all walks of life and can be enjoyed by both jazz and non-jazz fans alike. This is exactly the way this cheeky music was born and this is the message they wish to share to one and all. The music doesnt take itself too seriously and neither do the girls. Inspiration has been drawn from many great groups from New Orleans including our friends in The Shake Em Up Jazz Band and the excellent Tuba Skinny.

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