Music / Features
Sunset Sounds -
The Bamboos
The Bamboos
This Sunday, Central Park in Malvern East will host the second instalment of this years Sunset Sounds series for a pretty massive evening of soul, jazz and horns, headlined by national treasures, The Bamboos.
Pretty close to ten years ago now, I was coming to the end of one of my first ever festival experiences when Betty Harris, a touring New Orleans soul legend I didn’t know began her set. She was backed by a local, sharply dressed soul band I also knew nothing of named The Bamboos. I remember thinking they must have been playing together forever to get that tight.
Anyways, it’s ten years later and The Bamboos are still releasing some of the suavest grooves you'll ever hear. Fresh off a pretty great collaboration with Montaigne for the Easybeats tribute EP, Re-beat, and with a new album on the horizon, we got in touch with the band to talk Sunset Sounds, what’s planned for 2018 and what they like doing on Sundays.
Anyways, it’s ten years later and The Bamboos are still releasing some of the suavest grooves you'll ever hear. Fresh off a pretty great collaboration with Montaigne for the Easybeats tribute EP, Re-beat, and with a new album on the horizon, we got in touch with the band to talk Sunset Sounds, what’s planned for 2018 and what they like doing on Sundays.
TJ: A free show on a Sunday evening in Central Park, Malvern East sounds like a great way to spend a Sunday. Looking forward to it?
TB: Yes indeed, it’s been too long since we played on the Southside.
For those who don’t know your music, what can people expect from The Bamboos’ live show?
Nine people on stage giving it 1000%... Our modus operandi is always to get everyone up off their seats.
In November, you released a real good cover of The Easybeats’ “I’ll Make You Happy” with Montaigne for the Easybeats tribute EP Re-beat. How was that experience?
The Easybeats helped define Rock ‘n’ Roll in Australia from the very beginning, so it was a real honour to be asked to be a part of the Re-beat tribute project.
As well as releasing a bunch of your own music, The Bamboos have collaborated with a ton of big names. Have there been any stand outs?
Our album with Tim Rogers ‘The Rules Of Attraction’ from 2015 was a highlight. Also performing as the backing band for U.S Soul/R&B legends Eddie Bo, Syl Johnson and Eddie Floyd.
Is there anyone you’ve been dreaming of working with who you’ve yet to lock down?
Q-Tip.
The Bamboos are touring as special guests for Robbie Williams’ Australian Tour pretty soon. Excited?
It is going to be our first real stadium tour and we’re like a bull at the gate!
What else does 2018 have in store for The Bamboos?
We have a brand-new album coming out this year and will be touring through Europe, U.K and Australia to promote it.
What’s your perfect Sunday?
House party/BBQ with friends, drinks and loads of records.
Catch The Bamboos with Jazz Party on Janurary 14th at Central Park in Malvern East and keep an eye out for more Sunset Sounds chats coming real soon.
