Jazz is a genre that’s been watered down a lot over the years. Jazz festivals have become playgrounds for artists who could more accurately be described as blues or soul acts. You rarely hear musicians scatting any more. True jazz might not be popular anymore, but Melbourne’s Jazz Party don’t seem to care about that. On their debut album Monday Night, it sounds like they’re having far too much fun to consider the opinion of the masses.
This album will transport you to a retro New Orleans speakeasy. It’s got a fantastic, infectious energy about it. The band manages to play with an unbridled frenetic sound which seems spontaneous, yet they’re the tightest bunch of musicians you’re likely to hear. From the heavy-handed honky-tonky piano to the brassy horns section, everything is just where it should be. Songwriter and leader of the band of eight Darcy McNulty says recording Monday Night was the most fun he’s ever had in a studio, and that shows. From opening track “Want a Baby,” this album leads you to the dancefloor and twirls you around until your feet are sore. I love Darcy’s Harry Connick Jnr-esque vocals, but the tracks featuring the sassy, soulful Loretta Miller on lead are probably my favourites. She’s a revelation on numbers like “Sleep” and “Magic Man.”
Monday Night is released on November 3. Jazz Party will launch it with shows around the country. If the album’s any indication, anyone attending these shows are in for one hell of a time.
11 November 2017 – The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
16 November 2017 – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane
16-19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
24-26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
16-18 February 2018 – Riverboats Music Festival, Echuca-Moama