The Tommee Balukea Quintet
'Follow the Wind' Tour
Friday November 29, 9:30pm - 11:30pm
(Doors 9:00pm)
An album inspired by Keroncong music brought to Indonesia by Portuguese traders 450 years ago. With support from George Bishop and Tanya RansomTommee Balukea (Tommee and the Neighbourhood) is touring nationally for the first time in several years to celebrate the release of his new album, Follow the Wind. The album is inspired by Keroncong music which was introduced to Tommee’s homeland, Indonesia by Portuguese traders around 450 years ago. There is no percussion as the Keroncong rhythm is crafted by the unity and energy of the string players blending into oneness.
Tommee and the Neighbourhood were awarded the inaugural John Butler seed grant and became features of the Australian Festival circuit for many years before Tommee relocated to South East Asia in 2013. This included stand-out performances at the Woodford Folk Festival, WOMADelaide and the Byron Bay Bluesfest. Since that time Tommee has toured extensively throughout, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and Europe including festival highlights such as Live At Heart Festival in Orebro, Sweden (2016), Electric Picnic Festival, Ireland (2018), Sundown Gathering Festival, Ireland (2016), Festival of Lights, Japan (2017), Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival, Malaysia (2017).
The Tommee Balukea Quintet includes the many talents of; Rory Brown (The Strides) - Double Bass; Guy Anderton (The Lisa Hunt Band) - Cello (especially made for this music); Dodot Sumantry (Bali) – Piano and Nanang Kristanto - Ukulele, T’lele (five string ukulele, invented especially for this project).
This is a unique, traditional and intimate show evoking island life and sail boats, free to follow wherever the wind chooses to take you.
I hope this music will bring something new to the soul, and something fresh to the spirit.
Captivating, moving and truly salt of the earth. Tanya Ransom’s powerful vocals and brooding guitar rumbles throughout her latest single ‘Armour’, in her authentic folk blues roots fusion. Ransom has cleverly taken what could be deemed negatives by the spin doctor new-age coaches of the world and transformed the experience into one hell of a positive in this beautifully crafted song.