The Zen Hussies at Komedia
Published 9th Feb 2007 by Chris Challis

Since their formation in 2001, The Zen Hussies have established themselves as one of the foremost live acts in the burgeoning British retro scene, and are arguably part responsible for the recent resurgence of interest in music pre-1950. Playing a mix of original and standard songs, this is a band whose gutsy and extremely catchy hybrid of styles might be described as ?earthy goodtime roots? or ?swing-ska boogaloo?.

Having performed around 500 gigs, and with an extended repertoire that has seen them rocking late night festival tents for over four hours until the dawn chorus takes over? many a weary, jived out happy punter has gone to bed with their searing melodies the soundtrack to their dreams. The quality of songwriting harks back to the Golden Age of the twenties and thirties, their own compositions sitting comfortably aside interpretations of standards given the inimitable Zen Hussies twist. The lyrics are at once thoughtful, comic, soul drenched and memorable, somehow of a time long ago, yet curiously of the here and now, it might almost be as if this band of charming young ?jazzers? were in possession of a time machine.

Whereas other bands employing such a diversity of genres often sound contrived and even a little hackneyed, somehow this troupe of sharply dressed and passionately talented musicians concoct a soup that tastes like the best homemade fayre, cooked slowly with love and served up hot and steamy in the finest bone china. Their live shows have been described as effervescent, and with such a large repertoire, value for your money is guaranteed, as is one helluva lot of dancing, singing along and all out whooping and hollering - their infamous sets at the Shambala festival in 2003 and 2004 saw them playing for five hours straight!

Lead singer, wordsmith and multi-instrumentalist Jules Landau (AKA Jonah Flatfoot Esq.) is a highly energetic, natural born front man with a genuinely soulful voice, natty moves and huge stage presence. He guides his Hussies through a rip roaring musical extravaganza engaging the audience with subject matter ranging from True Crime fit-ups, Home-baked flans, licentious clergymen, jet-set giro gigolos and even, when the lights are low ? sweet, sweet love.

Their debut LP, Flatfoot Sharpsuit, met with critical acclaim, and with a second simmering away in the Zenden as we speak (due for release this year), there promises to be an exciting future ahead for these brazen hussies?without the bra!

THE BRAZEN HUSSIES visits Komedia on Friday 9 March at 9pm. Tickets are ?8/?7 conc. Available from the Box Office on 01273 647100 (booking fees apply).

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