Duck Musique
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Duck Musique

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Regarded as one of Australia’s more eclectic gypsy swing bands, Duck Musique’s contribution of original music to the style of gypsy jazz has been prolific. Forming in 2004 as a duo, their mutual love and appreciation has led them onto a decade-long bond, which Groves says, “I totally recommend playing music with your dad.” Making the move to England to continue playing music has been something which Groves has definitely wanted to do for a while, making frequent trips to Europe since 2006. “I’ve always planned to do it. Every year I’ll go over and get inspirations and then things get in the way, like a new lease on a place, but this one is I’m currently on is up in March.”

Whilst contributing to Australia’s gypsy-jazz scene, Groves plans to continue into the genre in full swing, to the land where the genre was born. “There’s a great history there as well and generations after generations of players and there’s a big festival in France that I’ve been going to every European summer. People gather from around the world for the Django Reinhardt Festival”.

Playing some amazing shows over the last few years including Maldon Folk Festival and Brisbane’s premiere gypsy jazz festival OZmanouche and Groves personal highlight, the Port Fairy Folk Fest, why the move now? “Duck Musique has been winding down, with a few residencies here and there so it’s like ‘ better do it now’, and it’s not for a lack of work, it just felt like it’s a good time. The population, the scene is bigger and having been there I’ve made lots of friends. It seems like the right idea.”

Whilst making the move over to the other side of the world, Groves insists, “Australia’s (gypsy-jazz) scene is flourishing. There’s some great bands, all popping up over the last 10 years. It’s always been happening here. In Melbourne in particular, there’s a lot of gigs where people are playing gypsy jazz. Look out for The Furbelows, they’re a great band that do three-part harmony. Also Ultra Fox.”

Putting on one last hurrah, Duck Musique are definitely pulling out all the big stops, going back to their roots as a band for their final show. “We’ve got our original vocalist doing our set with us. It’s great ‘cause it’s a reunion for us. It’s going to be an emotional one. There’s so many originals we’ve played and it’s going to be a great night to celebrate what we’ve done together.”

BY MIMI VELEVSKA