The Rachael Thoms Band
Smith's Alternative , 76 Alinga Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
The Original Hipsters - a jazz concert
Featuring:
Rachael Thoms (vox) Lachlan Coventry (guitar) James Luke (double bass) Chris Thwaite (drums)
The original hipster was 'born' in America in the 1940’s. He was a lover of jazz, adopting the lifestyle of the jazz musician. These cats talked the talk and walked the walk. They were laid-back, sarcastic, sexually open and partial to the old ‘Green Badger’. They were ‘hot stuff’, ‘mad mellow, and ‘out of this world’. Their shoes were ‘kicks; and their teeth were ‘crumb crunchers’. Boys were ‘groovy’ and girls were ‘fly’…
This Thursday night jazz session at Smith’s celebrates the music and the artists of that pivotal time in jazz history. The pioneers, the nerds, the weirdos, the trailblazers, the vanguards, the masters…
Band leader Rachael Thoms is one of a new breed of truly versatile singers. Accomplished in jazz and classical performance, she holds degrees, awards and accolades across genres. She’s a bonafide voice-science nerd and a sought-after voice trainer and performer. Performance highlights include sharing the stage with George Benson, Vince Jones, Lior, Miroslav Bukovsky, and Matt Baker to name a few. Rachael and her band of real ‘hepcats’ features much-loved stalwarts of the Canberra jazz scene, long-time friends and musical collaborators; Lachlan Coventry (guitar), James Luke (double bass) and Chris Thwaite (drums).
“When I first heard Rachael I was struck by an ethereal quality in her voice. She’s at the age now where her tone is rich, her skills highly polished, and now with a delicate touch of soulfulness…” - Vince Jones, jazz trumpeter/vocalist/songwriter
“Rachael loves music and music loves Rachael. She is fearless, generous, fun to be around and makes a beautiful sound…” - Miroslav Bukovsky, composer, arranger, jazz trumpeter (Wunderlust, Ten Part Invention)
“…these guys exude musical maturity through depth of perception and communicative ability… it’s sweet, unassuming and just plain right.” - canberrajazz.net