Tjintu Desert Band supported by Radical Son
Tjintu Desert Band (formerly Sunshine Reggae Band) formed in 2002 with members originally from Haasts Bluff/Ikunjti, 250km west of Alice Springs and is now one of the hottest bands currently playing in Central Australia.
With a sound that encompasses funk, rock and desert reggae, Tjintu Desert Band couples relentless grooves with guitarist Jeffrey Zimran’s phenomenal playing and Terry Marshall’s distinctive and enchanting vocals, sung in both the Luritja language and English.
Since their first performance together at The Battle of the Bands in Papunya, they’ve gone by the name Sunshine Reggae Band, only recently deciding to change their name to Tjintu Desert Band in the lead up to their new album released in October. The new name pays tribute to their former one by including the word “tjintu”, the word for sunshine in the Luritja language of their homeland, while allowing them greater freedom to expand their music.
The new album released in October will feature a new direction for this band into funk/rock, while still recognising their desert reggae roots.
In recent years they have completed a tri-state tour supporting Narbalek, played at high profile festivals such as Wide Open Space (2011-2013), Island Vibes, Green Fest, Sandtracks Tour, Dreaming Festival, Bush Bands Bash and toured with Gotye’s band The Basics. They are recording their new album with CAAMA’s sound producer Tim Cole, who has worked with many indigenous Australian artists such as Archie Roach, Frank Yamma, Iwantja, Warren H. Williams, Shelley Morris and the Song Peoples Sessions. Their new album will be called Tjamuku Ngura (Grandfather’s Country) and will be released this October.
"Tjintu Desert Band... were a stand-out band with the most amazing vocalist in Terry Marshall and highly proficient guitarist Jeffrey Zimran. I watched them rehearse and build to a performance at the major concert event with what seemed an effortless yet sharp showcase of their bush band reggae style. I believe once their debut album gets released they will be discovered and appreciated by many, their music deserves to be heard far and wide and I wish them much success with their future endeavours."
Paula 'Jonesy' Jones, Director & publicist, Jones PR
SEATING Allocated cabaret seating
Feedback/Comments
This band really rocks! Great tunes drawing on lots of cultural issues and stories and sung mainly in the local language of the people. I appreciated the explanations given about the songs. It would have been nice to hear a bit more of this. It was a great performance!
Radical Son sang with feeling and did a great job as MC for the band!
Had a great night!
Great night at lovely, intimate venue. Must say, went to see Radical Son, I am a big fan. Tjintu Desert Band sang in language but Radical Son MC'd the night with interviews and a bit of interpretation of songs. Thanks for evening guys, I also had a great night, wish I had taken some nibblies like everyone else. Radical Son, big man with a big heart.