Snarky Puppy is an innovative American jazz fusion band led by bassist Michael League, which combines a variety of jazz idioms, rock, world music, and funk and has won five Grammy Awards. They will be performing at The Forum in Melbourne on 25 March, and at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney on 27 March.
Snarky Puppy is a collective of sorts with as many as 20 members in regular rotation. At its core, the band represents the convergence of both black and white American music culture with various accents from around the world. Japan, Argentina, Canada and the United Kingdom all have representation in the group’s membership. But more than the cultural diversity of the individual players, the defining characteristic of Snarky Puppy’s music is the joy of performing together in the perpetual push to grow creatively.
Their latest Grammy® winning album – Empire Central – was released in September 2022. Its sound is big and bold, chill and laid back, rooted in its native culture while reaching outward, forward bound. With 16 new compositions, the group looks fondly at where it has come from, confident in the polished power from which its members continue to build the unique Snarky Puppy sound.
The sound now rises like a skyscraper from a 21st century orchestra comprising three guitarists, four keyboardists, two brass, two reeds, a violinist, multiple percussionists and drummers and the accomplished, yet modest, Michael League keeping it all together with his bass. “Our soundscape has expanded dramatically over the years” says League. “When the band started, we were jazzier, brainy and music oriented. Moving into the Dallas scene we became groovier, more emotional, deeper in a sense. We focused more on communicating a clear message, understandable to a listener without dumbing things down”.
Snarky Puppy has garnered widespread acclaim for their dynamic live shows, which often feature extended improvisations and a palpable sense of camaraderie among the musicians. Their music is a testament to the power of collaboration and the limitless possibilities of musical expression. So don’t miss out when they come to Sydney for one night only.
What: Snarky Puppy Australian Tour 2024
Where: Enmore Theatre, 118-132 Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
When: Wednesday 27 March 2024
To find out more and book tickets, click here