The 1920s were a time of great social and cultural upheaval: jazz and flappers, socialism and feminism, revolutions in Russia, Ireland and China, and rapid shifts in art, literature, music and fashion. It was a glorious golden age in America, the UK and across Europe. The magic of film and the glory of Hollywood had been introduced to the world, it was the age of the automobile and the aeroplane, and the relaxing of once dark and repressive social mores, in a spirited and hopeful post-war period of progress – change was in the air.
Date: Saturday, February 17th, 2018
Location: The Boiler House @ The Hydro Majestic
Doors Open: 7:30 pm
First Set: 8:00-8:45 pm
Second Set: 9:00-9:45 pm
Tickets: $35 - Book online or call Chris on 0411 954 826
The hunger for change was reflected in music, and nowhere more so than in jazz. The first jazz record was released in 1917 and the 20s was to see some of the greatest jazz music ever made as virtuoso performers like Louis Armstrong, Jabbo Smith and Johnny Dodds were playing with wonderful abandon. Across the States and over in Europe, dance bands were playing to packed houses, playing all the latest hits, copying their heroes, and picking up on new trends. New dance crazes like the Charleston and the Shimmy sprang up overnight, and the music and the dancing was fast and furious – it was young peoples music.
Celebrate this larger-than-life period in our cultural history as Susan Gai Dowling, Evan Loaning & Bob Bertles take you through the music that changed the world. So ‘Button Up Your Overcoat’ and ‘Walk right in’ to The Boilerhouse @ The Hydro Majestic – but make sure you ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’, and before you know it, you’ll be ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ as you ‘Charleston’ your way into the fabulous Roaring Twenties!
"Singer Susan Gai Dowling astutely called this show The Songs That Made Us because these tunes defined song-writing right through until the rock’n’roll explosion. To contemporary ears, the interesting thing is that while some sound very much of their time (Puttin’ On the Ritz, St Louis Blues, Sweet Georgia Brown), others such as Blue Skies and What Is This Thing Called Love? appear improbably modern. And then there are those songs that seem to exist outside of chronology at all, like Stardust, Body and Soul and Someone to Watch Over Me.
Dowling gave us a wide-angled snapshot of the era without being slavish stylistically, which suited her more bop-oriented collaborators in alto saxophonist Bob Bertles and pianist Evan Lohning. On Stardust she milked a particular sepia seam of nostalgia that was like a childhood memory of autumn, compounded by her perfect diction. It Had to Be You was one of many where her phrasing was such that she was no longer just singing the words, but bouncing them against Lohning’s chords and catching them on the rebound.
- John Shand at 2017's The Songs That Made Us; Hotel Blue.
The 'Live @ The Boiler House' series is proudly presented by 'Music in the Mountains' and 'The Hydro Majestic Hotel'. This will be an intimate night of world-class music, with stunning views of the Megalong Valley as a backdrop. The casual atmosphere and intimate venue provide you with the opportunity to get up and close with some of the finest working musicians around. The bar will be open and a light tapas-style menu will be available on the night.
Terms & Conditions
Ticket purchases are non-refundable however tickets may be transferred to another person. If you wish to transfer your ticket to another person, please contact live@musicinthemountains.com.au to advise the name of the person who will be using your ticket.