SWIRLING LOTUS BLOSSOM BANDITS BAND

This group primarily celebrates playing the Mbaqanga (or Kwela) music from South Africa. Strictly speaking, Kwela (‘get moving’, in Xhosa) applied to the penny whistle bands (combined with a particular dance style) of the 1950s, like that of Spokes Mashiyane. Key to its influence is the 1960’s album: Kwela by Gwigwi’s Band (they cover quite a few tunes from this lp), which features the musicians Gwigwi Mrwebi and Dudu Pukwana on alto saxophones. Ronnie Beer on tenor saxophone, Chris McGregor on piano, Coleridge Goode on double bass, and Laurie Allan on drums. These are wonderfully danceable tunes. Harmonically, there is a C-F-C-G7 chord sequence that shows up a lot.

In addition, they play a special diverse songbook of tunes consisting of Dollar Brand, Johnny Dyani, Dudu Pukwana, Stan Kenton, Howlin’ Wolf, Sun Ra., etc.  With strong improvisational skills, this group possesses the uncanny ability to create new musical constructions in continuum through the interpretation of their written music.

Featuring:
Michael Evans – leader/conspirator, drums and percussion, Adam Lane – contrabass, Evan Gallagher – co-conspirator, keyboards and arrangements, Jeff Hudgins – alto and baritone saxophones, Michael Attias – alto and baritone saxophones and Peter Zummo – trombone and percussion

PHOTO BY Fabio Roberti
Pictured L – R :
Adam Lane, Peter Zummo, Catherine Sikora (not officially in the band, just stepping in for Michael Attias for this picture), M. E., Jeff Hudgins and Evan Gallagher
VIDEO

Hayini Bo (from Kwela By Gwigwi’s band)

MRA (from Kwela By Gwigwi’s band)

Howlin Wolf Blues (Lightin’ Hopkins)
 

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AUDIO

Kweeltonga – Gwi’s Gwi’s Band / early SLBB band demo

Wish You Sunshine – Johnny Dyani / early SLBB band demo

Blue Set – Sun Ra / early SLBB band demo

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GIGS

 

2010

October

The Swirling Lotus Blossom Bandits Band
Issue Project Room
232 3rd Street
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 330-0313
8pm
$10

Featuring:
M. E. – drums, percussion + leader
Evan Gallagher – keyboards + arrangements
Brian Groder – trumpet + flugelhorn
Jeff Hudgins – alto saxophone
Charles Waters – alto + baritone saxophones
Lorne Watson – percussion + drums
Peter Zummo – trombone + percussion
(with the Zach Layton, Ryan Sawyer & Alex Waterman Trio opening!)

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2008

August

The Swirling Lotus Blossom Bandits Band
P. S. 1 Contemporary Art Center
22-25 Jackson Avenue (at the intersection of 46th Avenue)
Long Island City, NY
(718) 784-2084

Featuring:
Michael Attias (reeds)
Matt Bauder (reeds)
Evan Gallagher (keyboard + arrangements)
Reuben Radding (upright bass)
Danny Tunick (drums + percussion)
Peter Zummo (trombone)
Eric Mingus (vocal)

D. J. Poodle Canon DJ’ed in between sets.
1st performance is the Op : Bastards

2nd : the SLBB band

3rd : Jimi Tenor and Kabu Kabu.
3pm
$15

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2004

October

Swirling Lotus Blossom Bandits Band

Zebulon
258 Whythe Avenue
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
9pm
$ by donation

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2003

March

Swirling Lotus Blossom Bandits Band

Sine
North 6th Street
Williamsburg, Brooklyn

8pm

$ by donation

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January

Swirling Lotus Blossom Bandits Band

Pourhouse
790 Metropolitan Avenue
Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY
8pm
$8

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2002

Monday Night Residencies in July, May & April
Swirling Lotus Blossom Bandits Band
Knitting Factory Tap Bar
Leonard Street
NYC
10pm
$ by donation