Pandeiro, Cahon, Hand Percussion: Decio Cesarini Junior
Trumpet & Flugal Horn: Darren Skaar
Congas and Surdos: Erin Byrne
BROTHERS WITNEY
Guitar, Bass and Vocals: Matthew Witney
Guitar, Cavaquinho and Vocals: Jesse Witney
Influences
Sting, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Joyce, Sergio Mendes, Jim Kelly, Bob Marley, Marcio Faraco, James Taylor, Eric Clapton, A Bossa Electrica, The Cat Empire, Luie Shelton, Paul Simon, Manu Chao, Kafka, Doug de Vries, Djavan, Dois de Ouro, Marisa Monte, Paulinho Da Viola, Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Chico Cesar, Astrid Gilberto, Azymuth, Baden Powell, Ben Harper, Buena Vista, Chico Buarque, Cartola, Cut Collective (G.B), Dire Straits, Farofa Carioca, Flook (U.K), George Benson, Jair Oliveira, Jamiroquai, Hendrix, João Bosco, João Gilberto, Jorge Ben, Kelly Joe Phelps, Kooii, Lior, Marco Pereira e Hamilton de Holanda, Michael Jackson, Milton Nascimento, Os Tribalistas, Stevie Wonder, Vinicius De Moraes, The Waifs (Josh Cunningham).....
Sounds Like
Gringos rocking Brazilian grooves, and mixing a whole lot of styles...
Jesse Witney’s ‘Urukum’ ensemble has been developing a unique sound to Australian ears. A skilful blend of Brazilian roots music combined with Jesse’s own folk/funk style, defines a rich palette of sounds that can be if not wholly understood, appreciated by even the simplest of listeners.
At the fresh age of 22, Jesse has an incredible amount of skill, not just musically with his distinctively rhythmical guitar ‘tweaking’ style (both with traditional nylon acoustic and electric), and insightful and poetic song writing; but also for his impressive grasp on the Brazilian Portuguese language and many of it’s intricacies– not an easy feat by any means.
Along with a careful selection of accompanying musicians including trumpet, bass and drums and the distinctive Brazilian percussion elements such as pandeiro and surdo, the group is able to traverse a rhythmical and melodic blend of brazilian styles such as bossanova, mpb, pagode, samba rock, and samba reggae as well as sister sounds such as jazz, funk and folk.
These musicians also bring their own uniquely eclectic backgrounds - big band jazz, reggae, soul, gospel, funk, drum n bass, the big ‘locomotive express’ sounds of Brazil’s samba schools – to the mix to make for a delightful and nutritional recipe!
The ensemble is still in it’s early stages as a band, and are currently laying down work for a debut EP, showcasing Jesse’s original songs including a samba penned in Portuguese, plus a cover version of one of Brazil’s biggest musical heroes Gilberto Gil………
So far the band has hit stages at The Powerhouse 2 High Music Festival, Queen st Mall, QPAC Green, The Press Club and the Step Inn, supporting DJ Russ Jones (Future World Funk/Womad UK)
****Urukum is the name of a deep orange pigment generated from squeezing the seeds from inside the pods of a bushy Brazilian plant native to the Western edge of Brazil's Amazon rainforest. Squeeze the seeds in your hands and your fingers become paintbrushes, giving brilliant colour to whatever you touch.
For bookings contact
Jesse Witney
jessewitney@gmail.com
http://www.myspace.com/jessewitney
Jesse Witney é cantor, violonista, arranjador e compositor natural de Gympie, Austrália. Ele nasceu dentro uma família musical, e começou aprendendo instrumentos desde cedo. Interessou-se pelo violão com a idade de 15 anos. Depois do segundo grau, se mudou para a cidade de Lismore no estado de New South Wales, para estudar violão na Universidade de Southern Cross. Após um ano na universidade ele decidiu que seria bom explorar outras culturas e estilos musicais. Começou viajando por vários lugares pela Europa. Ficou no Brasil para absorver os vários ritmos e estilos de música que são apenas disponivies la.
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cheers bro, diggin your tunes too! I believe i had a jam with you at the witness the fitness party, unless that was some other gringo who was rockin' flamenco styles and busting natiruts covers with the brazillian kids! after visiting Salvadore i pretty much want to move there. one love, al.
Hey Amigo!! I'm coming up your way on the 8th of April for a few solo gigs. Are you gonna be around!? Any gig suggestions around Brisb? Would be awesome to catch up or even better if we could do a gig together. Let me know! Abraco, Fernando.
Hey Jesse, Fantastic show the other day, we really enjoyed it!!! You guys were great!!! We'll come and see you again soon. Take care. Lots of love, Anita & Eddie Beijos xxx
Hey Jessé! Cheers for the big ups... Yep, I guess I've know the Dubbly guys for a few years now. When I was living in Sydney around 5 years ago I use to carry their guitar cases and be the first to clap after their songs... good boys they are.
I have to say mate, I really enjoy your music and think it's such a great combo you've got going with the Brazilian and Aussie vibe.
I'm not too worded up on much Brazilan music but I really enjoy a cat called Lenine... and I tried to find traces of him in your music?
Anyways mate, if you ever find yourself in France give me a holler... happy to help you out.
yeah all finished now, I'm busy recording bands, making music and gigging these days... Good that yu're moving to Byron, that'll be nice and sunny. I'll come see you during Bluesfest. hehe. Might go to good vibes if I can find tickets... hopefully see you there.
Hi Jesse! Thank you for the myspace friendship and compliment. We appreciate it very much. We enjoy your great voice, guitar playing and music! God Bless, Mark "G" Miller & Clarke Nattress(Webmaster & Consultant)
