Acclaimed Australian acid-jazz / groove / funk band Directions In Groove (DIG) are gearing up for their first run of shows in 8 years, and will play three special intimate shows at Lizottes this week, Cronulla’s Brass Monkey next week, and will head back to the scene of some of their most memorable gigs, legendary Sydney venue The Basement, in May to celebrate the band’s 20th Anniversary.
These five shows will showcase the original DIG lineup – featuring keyboardist and vocalist Scott Saunders, saxophonist Rick Robertson, guitarist Tim Rollinson, bassist Alex Hewetson and drummer Terepai Richmond, alongside new guest vocalist Laura Stitt.
Speaking on behalf of his band mates, Scott Saunders said today, “DIG are back! We’ve been in the studio writing and recording our new album and we are very excited about the new direction – and we can’t wait to get back on the live stage. It’s going to be a big year for DIG.”
The band, which hailed from the suburbs of Sydney, honed their live set with a residency at Kinselas back in the early 90’s. They self-financed their first EP, which at the time was the highest selling release of it’s kind, and with an ever growing audience, set out to tour nationally. They released several distinctive acid-jazz / groove / funk albums through the 1990s, including the much lauded “Speakeasy” and “Deeper” which both went on to achieve double platinum status. Tracks such as “The Favourite”, “Reinvent Yourself”, and “Hip Replacement” were radio and television staples, the band garnering widespread critical acclaim, including this from Rolling Stone magazine: “DIG are the future of Australian music. They know what to do and how to do it.”
With extensive JJJ airplay, great press support and consistent touring, DIG crossed over into the mainstream with their mix of jazz/dance/old school funk and electronica, and evolved to incorporate new grooves, melding drum’n’bass and trip hop into the mix. They took their unique style across the globe, touring Asia, North America and Europe including the Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Festival, and Phoenix Festival on the same stage as Herbie Hancock, Bootsy Collins and The Roots. DIG also played in the Acid Jazz scene supporting Us3, Galliano, The Groove Collective, Corduroy, The Young Disciples, appearing at club and festival shows with Norman Jay and Giles Peterson.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience this ground-breaking Aussie outfit live …
Directions In Groove (DIG) Live Dates:
Thursday 7th April 2011: Lizottes – Newcastle (NSW)
Ph: (02) 4956 2066 – Tickets: www.lizottes.com.au
Friday 8th April 2011: Lizottes – Dee Why (NSW)
Ph: (02) 9984 9933 – Tickets: www.lizottes.com.au
Sunday 10th April 2011: Lizottes – Central Coast (NSW)
Ph: (02) 4368 2017 – Tickets: www.lizottes.com.au
Saturday 16th April 2011: The Brass Monkey – Cronulla (NSW)
Tickets: Ph: (02) 9544 3844 www.brassmonkey.com.au
Friday 20th May 2011: The Basement – Circular Quay (NSW)
(Directions in Groove – 20th Anniversary Show)
Tickets: Ph: (02) 9251 2797 www.thebasement.com.au
