Way Out West

“Down under” is on top when it comes to making exciting cross-cultural music. Way Out West, probably Australia’s most impressive musical export, is a unique combination of Vietnamese, African and jazz influences. The group was formed by trumpet player Peter Knight, an eclectic performer/composer who has collaborated with everyone from Hugh Fraser to the Violent Femmes, and Vietnamese traditional instrument virtuoso Dung Nguyen (who is also a brilliant jazz guitarist). To that core Knight and Nguyen added four of Australia’s most proficient musicians: Paul Williamson saxophones, Ray Pereira percussion, Howard Cairns bass and Dave Beck drums. The resulting music is fresh, funky, compelling and evocatively atmospheric.
“Asian and African influences are unmistakable, but it’s as if old grooves – tunes and rhythms with a sense of history – are mapping new territory. And it works.” – Herald Sun