Given my history of going to jazz nights at the iconic Jazz Bar on Chalmer’s Street, I know well enough to expect that I’ll always leave with a renewed capacity of wonder. Most of the charm for me comes from seeing the musicians in their immersed state of flow. But to be honest, I don’t think I’ve ever come so close to touching said flow state until I sat in Feli y Los Malos’ gig, which evoked layers of ecstasy I will yearn for until the end of time. I’m sure I left the bar more free-spirited than I entered.
Their blending of funk, boogaloo, and blues creates something of a fiery and hazy fusion of storytelling, which prominently shines through the originality of their songs. The songs, written by lead singer and guitarist, Felipe Schrieberg, certainly do not shy away from the personal and the political.
My favourite is undoubtedly ‘Veo Veo’, an enchanting song that grips on your heartstrings, written about the time he found out he would be having a baby daughter with his long-time partner. Whilst honouring the band’s exuberant, tangy personality, the song generously splays with warmth and sincerity, ending deliciously on a tender drumming sequence to reminisce the heartbeats Felipe watched on the ultrasound.
A close second would be ‘Chancho Chanchito’, or ‘Pig Little Pig’ in English, which berates the people who think being sexist is acceptable in this day and age. I may not understand a word of Spanish, but the song’s abrasive rhythm fluently articulated the distaste, the mockery, and the rolling eyes. This made me feel a real connection with their music, as it transcends the language barrier to invite me on their journey of contemplation.
I could hardly believe it was their last show this Fringe season from their genuinely grounded performance. This is truly a group of jazz musicians who embrace the art of play, as their instruments seem to banter with one another, confidently highlighting their individual personalities. There was a vivid part where the saxophonist, Jonny White, engaged in a back and forth jesting with Rob Harrison on bass and keys, which created an alluring overlay of ebbs and flows that were not mechanical, but spontaneous and alive.
The drummer, Paul Archibald, effortlessly conjures up what I can describe as a smooth canoe of beats. He shrugs while playing as every hit to the drum simply floats with the stream, in a manner both laid-back and pristine. His eyes were almost always closed in delight as he plays like he’s snugly wrapped in a wonderful dream. At one point, I somewhat envied him.
“The only way to get ahold of our music is to buy a very specific bottle of rum – Rhythm and Booze Records #2: Feli y Los Malos.” Felipe explains, as he admits that they are barely on social media. There is a QR code on the back label that takes you to an exclusive playlist of their music to be enjoyed with the rum. But, as a die-hard live music fan, fear not! When asked if they would be coming back for the Fringe next year, Felipe assured me that they “wouldn’t miss it for the world.” And I for one sincerely hope they get the recognition they deserve.
Image courtesy of Rhythm & Booze, provided to The Student as press material.