The Unofficials, Zumpa and The Douldie Men

The 16th edition of Valley Heat Records' Live At The Lodge brings together the genre-confused The Unofficials (playing a jazz fusion set) together with the cheeky Zumpa and their Italian folk songs with tinges of gypsy and world music. The evening is kick-started by the 'guess that time signature' jazz swing rearrangements of The Douldie Men.

The Unofficials started as a two piece in James Brown's garage in 2005, over time they became a power trio, then adopted keys, then eventually adopted other members. the lineup looks to be continually changing, not unlike their sound. Their sound is diverse and covers many genres including Blues/Jazz/Prog/Psych/Pop and elements of Latin. (If this isn’t enough let me know. All of this is just from our page too.)

Be transported by Zumpa to forgotten fishing villages, moonlit olive groves, and a hard life under a hot sun where peasants play music to celebrate life with a fierce sense of humour. They provide the sounds and energy of folk, gypsy and Italian world music woven expertly together to provide a truly spaghetti and meatballs experience.

Introducing The Douldie Men: an awkward troupe of five who can’t quite dress themselves and can’t quite swing. With a complete repertoire of ole’ fashioned jazz standards and originals, all played in odd time signatures, The Douldie Men really are the scientists of swing, the explorers of extemporisation, the innovators of improvisation, their mother says it’s very good. Come along and leave your dancing shoes at home.