Album Notes

'a spiralling Brazilian-tinged dance'
Doug Spencer - the Weekend Planet - ABC Radio National

Moonlight Drive @ the Famous Blue Raincoat is the result of informal jazz sessions by the musicians at the Famous Blue Raincoat; a cafe in the western suburbs of Melbourne, Australia. This part of Melbourne has seen an explosion of new music in the past 5 years with the emergence of a new sound - dreamy spacious landscapes that still stick close to the groove.

Moonlight Drive play grooving jazz that's made for the heart and not for the head. Beautifully played Latin Swing , Bossa Nova and Samba focusing on the warm sound of classic jazz albums with a smattering of cool grooves from expensive car ads. Peaceful grooves for a moonlight drive. Jazz that speaks of joy and not PHDs, The perfect combo of smooth rhythm and melody for the 21st Century.

The core group is Leo Dale - baritone, alto and soprano saxes, alto flute and vocal, Tim Nikolsky - Guitar and electric bass, James Wakeling - guitar and vocal and Margot Leighton - vocal. They are supported on this CD by some of the very finest jazz musicians in Australia, special guests - Ray Pereira on Percussion, Philip Rex on double bass, Peter Knight on Trumpet, Mal Webb and Gavin Gray on backing vocals and Shannon Barnett on trombone.

This CD also contains enhanced content. Put it in a computer for a full set of charts of these 10 original tunes plus extended liner notes, additional photos and more.

Recorded at the Shed in West Footscray and produced by the same team that brought you Zebra Crossing’s acclaimed album, Moonlight Drive @ the Famous Blue Raincoat is the 26th release on the Qreleases label and is available from www.qreleases.com