Phillip Johnston and the Greasy Chicken Orchestra
Phillip Johnston & the Greasy Chicken Orchestra is a Sydney-based 8-piece ensemble performing vibrant interpretations of New Orleans and early swing-era jazz. Featuring a four-saxophone front line and some of Sydney’s leading soloists, the group presents innovative arrangements of 1920s and 1930s repertoire alongside original compositions in the same style. Blending tight ensemble playing with expressive improvisation, the band delivers energetic, rhythm-driven performances inspired by the spirit of early jazz.
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Contact / Booking
Email: phillip@phillipjohnston.com
Phone: (+61) 424 655 317
The ensemble has performed at major festivals and venues including Manly Jazz Festival, Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Park (Balmain), Bondi Pavilion, Illawarra Jazz Festival, Foundry 616, Miss Celie’s, and Lazybones Lounge.
Phillip Johnston and the Greasy Chicken Orchestra is an 8-piece miniature repertory orchestra with a four-saxophone front line which performs innovative arrangements of jazz of the 1920s and 1930s, as well as new original music from that reflecting that musical language.
Featuring some of Sydney’s finest soloists, the band aims to express a combination of freedom and discipline, a love of jazz history and creativity, and the infectious rhythm, mystery and sheer joy of the jazz of this era.
"Johnston has always understood that jazz's history is a rich resource rather than a liability, and with this band he immerses himself almost completely in this era of energised and good-humoured dance music. . . a nuanced and blended sonority, combined with an emphasis on pinpoint arrangements and concise solos."
–John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald