Papa Chango

Whether you're lulled into a trance by the dark, visceral melodies or energized by the afro-inspired rhythms you will be moved, one way or another, by Papa Chango. With a line-up comprising horns, percussion, guitars and the mighty Farfisa organ, the Melbourne based 9-piece provide a modern take on sounds from the 1970's Ethio-jazz and afro-funk movements. Papa Chango have held down long term gigs at venues all over Melbourne including Bar Open, The Northcote Social Club and The Espy, playing along side some of Melbourne's finest funk-merchants: The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra and The Cactus Channel, amongst others. Papa Chango have also made a solid mark on the festival scene, being return visitors to Folk Rhythm and Life, The Renaissance Music Festival and more. In early 2012 the band completed a successful tour of Tasmania, playing 8 shows over 10 days to hundreds of festival punters, pub goers, and via a live-to-air performance and interview on Hobart's ABC radio. 2012 also saw the release of their album The Matador. Taking the listener on a sonic journey over barren plains and rugged terrain, The Matador is a "soundtrack to the film yet to be filmed." Fusing their trademark afro rhythms with spaghetti western-inspired atmospheres, Papa Chango presents the listener with a "Morricone meets Mulatu" type experience. Within a month of its release The Matador has garnered praise globally, with tracks being included on a number of compilations (Paris DJs: Bag of Goodies Vol 8; Paris DJs: 21st Century Afro Spectacular), regular local radio play, and was PBS feature album in the week of it's release, (The Matador: PBS Feature Album.) Plans are already underway for a follow up release by Christmas 2012.