The HLQ set out to explore the intricate, rhythmic and fiery songs by the classic, great Gospel Quartet groups like the Dixie Hummingbirds, the Swan Silvertones, the Spirit of Memphis Quartet, the Soul Stirrers and the Golden Gate Quartet.

The group was formed in 1996 by Tony Backhouse, who studied and performed with Black Gospel quartets and choirs in the US for many years, as well as starting the (now legendary) Cafe of The Gate of Salvation back in 1986.

The Heavenly Light Quartet have performed at many major Arts, Music, Jazz, Blues, Folk, World Music, Sacred Music and Acappella events in Australia, Spain and France. The group has also conducted many workshops and masterclasses, recorded with Renee Geyer, Tim Finn and Harry Manx, and performed on TV and radio.

Festival appearances :

WOMADelaide World Music Festival Bluesfest, Byron Bay
Port Fairy & Apollo Bay Folk Festivals Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin, Fremantle Arts Festivals Brisbane Biennial Music Fesival
Brisbane Sacred Music Festival
Goulburn Blues Festival
Wangaratta & Manly Jazz Festivals
Sydney & Melbourne Acappella Festivals
Jazz a Roses (Spain)
Souillac Jazz Festival (France)
Escaray Jazz Festival (Spain)

“glorious harmonies, passionate leads and bring-down-the-house rhythms”
Rhythms Magazine

"brilliantly and passionately executed ... tenors who can blast like trumpets and float up into a heavenly falsetto” Sydney Morning Herald