When Came a Weird Way was released in 1997, it shook the trad NZ jazz scene by its turtleneck sweater and launched a new era of jazz innovation for the 21st century. Inspired by electronic dance, hip hop and world music, The New Loungehead were the first band in New Zealand to create live drum’n’bass beats and percussion, melding with melodic horns, keys and electric guitar. Their legendary live shows were jam-packed affairs, cross-pollinating the genres of jazz, dance and dub in a club setting. Came a Weird Way won the 1998 New Zealand Jazz Album of the Year.
The recording still packs a punch 25 years on and The New Loungehead are excited to perform reunion shows in 2022 celebrating the album, plus new material and new collaborations. Their first confirmed return to the stage is Splore Festival, 25-27 February 2022, and they are planning some warm-up gigs before then. For press and bookings, please contact thenewloungehead@gmail.com.
@thenewloungehead