Damo Suzuki, vocalist from legendary German rock group Can returns to New Zealand for one show only at Wellingtons’ Bar Bodega on Friday 24 February. Audiences marvel at Damo's own peculiar art, which can dart from a child's cooing to lunatic's jabber to warlock's incantation to Louis Armstrong's rasp in a matter of seconds.
After a memorable show in December 2004 with The Flower Orphans, Suzuki was keen to perform again with Anthony Donaldson and is performing this time with Donaldsons’ Village of the Idiots. Led by renowned drummer, Anthony Donaldson, Village of the Idiots are the culmination of many years’ musical work and experience in both avant-garde and popular music fields.
Inspired by the likes of jazz luminaries Sun Ra and the Art Ensemble of Chicago as well as German legends, Can, Village of the Idiots bring together rock, jazz, improvised music and experimental music to create a driving mix of song form and improvisation unlike anything else in the country.
“Highly rhythmic . . . the musicians were all really versatile and listened intently to each other . . . Jonny Marks’ vocals were amazing.
He sang, growled, yodeled, shouted through a harmonica . . . a highlight was Alphabethead’s melodic turntable solo.” The Dominion Post - Wellington International Jazz Festival, October 2004 Damo Suzuki with Village of the Idiots: Anthony Donaldson (Drums, Percussion), Craig Taylor (Electric Bass), Dave Donaldson (Banjo, Double Bass), DJ Alphabethead (Turntables), Jonny Marks (Vocals, Percussion), Nigel Patterson (Organ) and Steve Roche (Vibes, Trumpet). Door sales: $15. Bar Bodega, 101 Ghuznee Street.
