Black Jesus Experience (BJE) fuse an irresistible blend of traditional Ethiopian song and 21st Century groove.
The eight-piece band from Melbourne will play four shows next month with Mulatu Astatke, the Father of Ethiopian jazz.
You'll be playing a series of shows in Australia in June with Mulatu Astatke, who you've performed with previously. How did the connection originally come about?
While touring Ethiopia in 2009 we were performing at Mulatu's jazz club in Addis Ababa, ironically at the same time Mulatu was looking for us through his manager in London who had advised him we would be a perfect fit for a band to accompany him on his upcoming tour to Australia. Unaware of this, his nephew asked if we would like to meet him. We meet that afternoon and that was the start a wonderful relationship.
Your current project with Mulatu is a meditation on the evolution of humanity and music that recognises the primacy of Africa in the birth of both'. Can you expand on that?
There is a tangible sense of returning whenever we are in Africa. Being in the home of Dinknesh (Lucy) Ardi etc. makes one aware of the primacy of Africa to us all; the presence, continuity and depth of humanity and culture is profound and impossible not to respond to as artists. On a specifically music level, rhythm is incredibly strong and sophisticated in Africa, and rhythm binds musical languages from around the world.
What does it mean to the band to be able to perform with the Father of Ethiopian jazz?
It has been a great education, privilege and an honour. We have been blessed. Mulatu is a terrifically positive mentor.
BJX are part of the Brisbane International Jazz Festival line-up in June with Mulatu. Looking forward to the trip north?
Indeed, pity it's such a short visit. It's also been an absolute pleasure working with Lynette Irwin.
Plans to see any other acts at BIJF?
As many as possible.
You've toured with Mulatu extensively on a global scale; along with three collaborative albums. What were those experiences like?
Making music with musicians of high quality is a wonderful experience, it demands excellence on one's own part and is a great way to up your game.
The band have also toured the 'motherland', Ethiopia, twice. They must've been memorable trips? Highlights?
We have toured Ethiopia three times. Yes, very memorable, well worth the immense effort to make it possible. How else could one gain an insight into the culture and nurture artistic inspiration.
The Horn is a culture hub (in Melbourne) where BJX curate a weekly session of improvised music. How vibrant/ organic/ creative is it?
The band has been drawn and held together through The Horn; the residence is in its ninth year. It is impossible to create a tight, creative unit without regular gig/ workshop experience. Vibrant, defiant, live dancing audience with many very talented, colourful guests. Organic? I'm not sure, we occasionally use fertiliser.
The level of talent you witness at The Horn. It must be inspiring?
Creative, skilled artists are an inspiration, we have been very lucky.
Melbourne's cultural richness and the band's own diverse backgrounds; how does that bleed into BJX's sound?
Each member brings their own sound, which in turn is allowed to become part of the mix.
BJX have played across the world including Glastonbury, Europe, Africa. Life on the road: does it foster, nourish the band exploring the world, playing music to new audiences?
International travel nourishes the band in many ways, primarily it holds us together and gives us inspiration to create. A band needs to have dates in the book otherwise the members can loose interest.
Is the band working on another studio album?
Yes. Writing has begun.
The rest of 2016. What other projects do you have on the simmer in the BJX soul kitchen?
Darwin Festival in August. Plus jamming, writing and recording. Black Jesus Experience play every Sunday at The Horn (Melbourne) unless they're on tour.
Black Jesus Experience Tour Dates
Sat 4 Jun - Brisbane International Jazz Festival (with Mulatu Astatke)Sun 5 Jun - Vivid Sydney (with Mulatu Astatke)
Wed 8 Jun - Coopers Malthouse (Adelaide, with Mulatu Astatke: 7pm , 9pm shows)
Mon 13 Jun - Capital Jazz Project (Canberra with Mulatu Astake)
