A gypsy-jazz ensemble from Brisbane, Cigány Weaver create rich and vibrant atmospheres that lean into bohemian, avant-garde stylings which wouldn't be out of place on a cobblestone laneway in Europe, or a sweaty, heaving club in New Orleans' Treme.
Formed out of a love for the legendary partnership between Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli, the sextet's compositions and arrangements sway from subtle toe-tapping to exuberant dance floor foot-stomping.Originally slated to perform at last year's River Folk Festival in regional Victoria (which was forced to cancel due to COVID just as the band arrived in town), Cigány Weaver are set to return to the Yarra Valley when the festival returns in October.
For those new to Cigany Weaver, how would you describe the band's sound/ style?
Rory Dollard (guitarist): Think fiery gypsy sounds mixed with the spontaneity of jazz and the precision of classical.
Basically, we come from a gypsy-jazz background and still love to play the classics, but we also compose with inspiration from heaps of different places.
It's been two years since the group's debut album; where is work at re: the sophomore album?
Rory: We are currently in the process of refining our compositions for our sophomore album. There will definitely be a number of new songs in the mix for our sets at River Folk.
Creation of new material, songwriting – how does the band function when it comes to introducing new songs and ideas into the mix?
Rory: We largely write collectively as a whole band. Little musical ideas or concepts are brought into the group by different members and then together we spend time workshopping and expanding upon the ideas – it's a very democratic process. Everyone has their own area of expertise too, so different songs will feature more or less of each of us.
When it comes to the labels of 'folk music', 'old-times music' and 'gyspy music', often mainstream music fans will dismiss the genres based on preconceived stereotypes; how would you counter that viewpoint with the style of music Cigany Weaver makes?
Jo Davie (vocalist): Yeah, that's a super interesting one.
Folk music definitely does seem to get a bit pigeonholed, perhaps due to the fact that it's been around for so long; it can be viewed as not current or novel, unlike more mainstream genres.
In response, we would just say there are heaps of artists in Australia right now who work within those labels, but are doing totally innovative and exciting things. For us, while we started as a more traditional 'gypsy jazz' group, we've begun to branch out a lot more and take inspiration from heaps of different places, including pop, funk and metal.
By expanding the art form, and blurring the lines between the labels, we hope to help people discover that 'old-timey' music can still be extremely exciting and innovative.
Creative influences; who, what inspires the band?
Jo: We each come from a variety of musical backgrounds – some folk, classical, jazz and contemporary styles.
As we mentioned, first and foremost, we were really inspired by Django Reinhardt and gypsy jazz, which helped form the musical foundation of the group. But since then, we've added to that foundation through influences like Bjork, Radiohead, The Punch Brothers, Rodrigo y Gabriela and heaps more.
The band has a festival date on the horizon to look forward to; you'll be one of the co-headliners at River Folk Festival, an event you were supposed to play last year but was one of the first music events to be cancelled when COVID arrived – pumped to get back to the Yarra Valley?
Jo: Ugh, we are so relieved to finally have an amazing festival to look forward to!
We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to travel and share our music again, and specifically to get back to the River Folk Festival. It had to be cancelled within the hour we arrived last year, and it was so gutting to see everything get taken down, right when everyone was supposed to arrive.
We absolutely cannot wait to finally see the festival in its full glory, and get back to the utterly beautiful surrounds of Warburton and the Yarra Valley.
The entire live music industry is hurting massively; but is it extra special to be able to perform to regional audiences, like River Folk, who don't have access to the type of events that are commonplace in cities?
Jo: We've always loved any opportunity to play for regional audiences; we have had such positive experiences and the people are always so welcoming and kind.
Before COVID, travelling to areas we hadn't been to and playing to new regional audiences was something we really looked forward to, and tried to do as much as we could.
Given the live audience and tour life is such a big aspect for most folk and gypsy music artists, the distinct lack of that world 'cause of COVID; how have the band managed to deal with everything that has happened the past 12-18 months?
Jo: It's definitely been tough on us all. The barrage of cancellations that we, and everyone else in the arts, have dealt with is crazy.
And of course, each lockdown has lasting effects, since people are nervous to plan anything on a large scale for the days, weeks, months following (understandably). As you said, playing to live audiences at festivals was a really huge part of what we did as a band, and so to be without that has been really disheartening.
We have tried to make the most of all the extra time we've had, both solo and collectively, to work on different aspects of our musical practice – and hopefully once things open up, we'll be better than ever.
Some fun questions: So who is the Sigourney Weaver fan in the group? And what's your favourite film of hers?
Conor McDonald (guitarist): We are all big fans! I might be on my way to the top spot though. 'Alien' is the obvious choice but we love Sigourney no matter where she is <3
Which fictional character best describes your personality?
Gareth Mewes (violinist): This is probably the hardest question I've ever thought about! This is a very long shot, but I would say Zaphod Beeblebrox from 'The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy' TV show (1981).
Last show you binge-watched?
Gareth: 'The Midnight Gospel' by Duncan Trussell.
What's the one chore you dislike the most?
Gareth: Grant writing.
Do you have any phobias?
Gareth: I am afraid of people who don't like animals haha. I don't understand how anyone could prefer cleanliness or peace and quiet over the joys of cuddles with a fluffy thing.
Finish these sentences: To date, our most embarrassing moment was the time… Well, we really can't think of anything to write here but if you want to call snuggling on a bed and watching 'Ghost' featuring Whoopi Goldberg embarrassing, that could be an answer. We call it wholesome. - Conor
Life on the road can be… Just wonderful! One time we even played a gig in the snow, which is big when you're from Brisbane. Challenges pop up for sure, but we are all very supportive of each other which makes for comfy tour times. - Conor
River Folk Festival takes place at various venues in Warburton (Victoria) 22-24 October. Cigany Weaver have a home-town show supporting Opal Ocean at Black Bear Lodge (Brisbane) 19 September.
