Gypsy jazz meets western swing

Doors 6pm, Band at 7pm

Duke of George presents

Sassafras Quartet plus Lucky Oceans & Emily Gelineau

Sassafras Quartet returns to the stage at The Duke of George on Saturday September 25th with their favourite special guests; Lucky Oceans and Emily Gelineau.

Formed in mid 2015, Sassafras has now established a reputation as one of Perth’s premier gypsy jazz groups. Perhaps best known for their work with the quintet version of the group ("Sassafras" - featuring vocalist Jessie Gordon), the four instrumentalists have also been steadily developing their sound as a tight-knit and energetic instrumental group: Sassafras Quartet.

Joining Sassafras Quartet for this special occasion, is none other than Grammy-award-winning, world renown pedal steel player Lucky Oceans. Lucky’s pedal steel, and voice, brings western swing & country sounds to the party which are the perfect foil for the gypsy jazz of Sassafras Quartet. 

As if that weren’t enough, talented violinist Emily Gelineau will join in the fun. Back home in Perth after living and studying at the Berklee College of Music in Boston for over 3 years, Emily is an accomplished Violinist, Pianist and Composer for TV, Film and Documentary. She encompasses a wide variety of styles from jazz to classical and many different world styles as a performing violinist, recording artist, and in her composition. She has played with and for artists such as Thomas Newman, Harry Gregson-Williams, Tigran Hamasyan, the 8-Bit Big Band, and at venues such as the Newport Folk Festival, Sydney Opera House, Castro Theatre in San Francisco, Agganis Arena, LaureLive Festival, City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain, and many more.

Expect repertoire from Django Reinhardt, Hank Williams, George Benson, Jimmy Bryant and many more. Throw in a few original compositions from the band and some South American flavours as well, and you have all the ingredients for a great night of engaging and eclectic music.

Lucky Oceans - pedal steel & vocals

Lachlan Gear - acoustic guitar

Aaron Deacon - acoustic guitar

Adrian Galante - clarinet

Pete Jeavons - double bass

PLUS SPECIAL GUEST: Emily Gelineau - violin

REVIEWS

" Acoustic gypsy jazz band Sassafras presented a world-class musical performance to the capacity audience that filled (the) Ellington Jazz Club..."

Steve Baitz, Seesaw Mag, Jan 26th 2019

" What a truly extraordinary group of talented performers... 4 of the most enigmatic musicians you'll ever see."

Amanda Lancaster, Fourth Wall Media, Jan 31st 2018

" A clear French theme with familiar swing classics and gypsy jazz radiating with attitude"

Jess Ammon, Fringfeed, Jan 30th 2018

" Sassafras, the gypsy jazz band won a heap of local fans at Juniper Studio... A full house relished performances from consummate musicians..." 

Darlington Review, July 2017

" The (Perth) International Jazz Festival is a serious affair... there was, however, a moment of joyous gypsy-style jazz from Sassafras, a local group who took the audience on a pleasure-filled journey, aided by brilliant gypsy guitarists..."

Ron Banks, The West Australian Newspaper, June 2017

" The Sassafras instrumentalists excelled throughout the evening, with virtuosic solos and seamless transitions. The acoustic guitar playing from Lachlan Gear and Aaron Deacon was perfect and lovely. Adrian Galante on clarinet (played) some swinging rhythms taking us back to the 1930's Paris and Pete Jeavons reliable double bass playing shows his great experience."

Mariyon Slany, Artshub, Feb 1st 2016

" Lead soloist Galante is routinely given a run for his money by Jeavons's bass solos, Deacon's strumming and Gear's fantastically fast and accurate picking. Altogether, it makes for a first-rate performance."

Brandon Taylor, The Australia Times,  Jan 31st 2016