BJX mesmerise audiences with their blend of traditional Ethiopian song with Jazz, Funk and Hip Hop. Its members bring 5 continents of culture to the mix.
ENUSHU TAYE (vocals)
Hailing from Ethiopia, Enushu was only a child when she began singing for her local community. In 1992 she was forced to take refuge in Cairo. In 1996 Enushu migrated to Australia bringing to Melbourne her hauntingly beautiful compositions inspired by her remarkable life story and the unique vocal raditions of Ethiopia. Enushu co-led the group GOJAM producing two acclaimed albums ‘World In A Jam’ and ‘Back On Earth’.
MR MONK (mc/vocal)
Of Zimbabwean/Australian heritage and known by his peers as the “lyrical miracle”, Mr Monk represents with solid flows and conscious word play. Whether with pen and paper or on the fly, he delivers his love message for Mama Africa loud and clear.
PETER HARPER (alto saxophone, composer)
Harper has been a torch-bearer for the avant-garde on four continents, as an instrumentalist and as an inspirational composer, since the early 1980’s. His searingly powerful sound manifests his longtime dedication to the practice of overtone’s and musical studies under Ratu Pandji, and the great Evan Parker. He has performed and recorded worldwide with Musiikki Oy, Steve Lacy, House Arrest (Paul Grabowsky), The Australian Art Orchestra, Night Z, Something Else, Where’s Henry, The Big One, GOJAM and BLOW.
IAN DIXON (trumpet, flugelhorn, composer)
Extensive travel and study of birdsong informs Ian Dixon’s unique approach to improvisation and composition. Best known for his work as a trumpet player and composer on the global electronica scene, crossdiscipline collaborations have led to work in film and television, with visual artists, choreographers and in digital media. Recently returned to Australia after 15 years based in London, Ian has performed and recorded in diverse musical settings with performers including TE, Guru, Kenny Garrett, Irmin Schmidt (CAN), Kumo, Max Romeo, Corker Conboy, Ape, No-Man, Night Z, Ramjac, DJ Blame, Dub Pistols, Musiikki Oy and with Bobby Singh as West Park.
CASS HORSFALL (bass & vocals)
Music runs deep in the blood of the whanau (family) of Cassawarrior, fed by their rich Maori heritage. After showing exceptional talent as a child he pursued studies in bass and guitar before going on to tour in Europe, Africa, Asia, Central America and the Middle East as a bandleader/vocalist. Since arriving in Melbourne Cassawarrior has established himself a reputation as a selector and mic-man, with a burning passion for Reggae Soundsystem Culture...and the blessed wax.
PATRICK KEARNEY (drums)
Pat Kearney is a fresh voice on the Melbourne scene. He has been playing professionally for the last 6 years and studying with some of Australia’s finest drummers. He has created a unique rhythmic perspective, which he brings to all the styles of music he blends for The Black Jesus Experience.
ZHONU ‘NUI’ MOON aka FUTURE ROOTS (percussion)
The music played by Future Roots reflects a rich life journey that allows him to draw directly on his experiences and connections with diverse cultures and ways of life. From his upbringing in India by his Moroccan father and Australian mother to traveling across Asia, Africa the Middle East and Europe, from time spent in his ancestral homeland of North and West Africa to connecting with traditional and emerging cultures closer to home in the Australasian/Pacific region. His mentors include Rama Chrishna (Pondycherri School of Karnatic music), Pape Faye (National Ballet of Senegal), Cecil Carter (Nyabingi and Afro-Cuban rhythms, USA), Irie Ingram (Papua new Guinea and Cook Island rhythms). Performance highlights include appearances at festivals including Glastonbury, WOMADelaide, Garma Festival and Vancouver Folk Festival with artists such as Yothu Yindi, Horace Andy, Ganga Giri, Future Rootsand Afro Public Opinion Orchestra.
DAMIAN SLINGSBY (keyboards)
Damien Slingsby has been playing keys in Melbourne for the last 4 years. He has been fortunate to be able to play with some of Australia’s best musicians in a variety of bands and projects. Whether singing contemporary jazz, or playing New Orleans inspired funk, raucous country fusion or fresh hip hop beats, Damien is a groove pig with a big appetite. A beat junkie from a young age means a life of stealing licks and giving up food for funk and an endless search for the 1. Damien will one day be transported back to his home planet, but until that day he continues the fight for good music.
Releases
