GIG: CRUSTY SUITCASE BAND

BY LACHLAN JOBBINS

Percussionist Ben Walsh and the Crusty Suitcase Band play Places+Spaces at The Factory on November 5.

Everyone who experienced Sandy Evans’ Citizens of Earth gig last month will have been blown away by the incredible energy of Walsh’s drumming. This time he teams up with Sydney jazz legend Matt Ottington to bring the trademark ‘gyp hop’ sounds of the Crusty Suitcase Band to the feet and ears of local groovers.

Formed in 2007, Crusty Suitcase Band is making a name for their big band arrangements of DJ Shadow, Cyprus Hill, James Brown and Grand Master Flash, as well as celebrations of classic swing era tunes and original compositions. It’s a ‘back to basics’ approach to music – pure horns and drums – with a funkified hip hop style. Walsh provides the beats, and Ottington leads the horn section as well as playing clarinet, flute, tenor and soprano saxophone. Expect funky fat sounds and enough good-time grooves to keep the smile on your face all night.

They’ll be playing a mix of original material from their album Old Hat as well as plenty of old school surprises. The question is: when are they going on Spicks and Specks‘ Anyone’

The Crusty Suitcase Band
November 5
The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Road, Enmore
Tickets: $15-$30, 9550 3666 or www.factorytheatre.com.au