Tripitaka - The New Continental

On the day after the gig Jonathan asked the band, "So how does everyone feel today?" and there were a number of replies indicating simultaneous deflation and elation.  The deflation wasn't disappointment though, the night before they had been elevated above the beautiful admiring crowds, illuminated in lights and had become the Kings and Queen of Jazz Funk in the eyes of many.

This was the explosive return of Tripitaka.  6 months of practice after a 14 year absence and here they were, the New Continental, Preston.  I bet the Conty couldn't believe their luck.  Sure, it's very near to "Bummers Bridge" on Miller Park, and even with this top Preston attraction on it's doorstep I have never seen it as full.

Sure, I love all the people in the band, I've spoken about that before, but tonight the crowd were special too.  Lots of faces from the olden days and all buzzing with excitement.  Even some of the Mums and Dads came, and although not 'Rock and Roll', 4 seats were sweetly provided and positioned by the 3KW speakers.  The hard of hearing were well catered for tonight!

The band kicked off with an old Tripitaka original, Transference.  It's a tune that separates Tripitaka from any other band, it shows off their energy, talent and tightness, as well as their originality.  It makes people say, "whoa, that bass is f*ckin mental" (mental in a good way obv!), "Wow", when the brass kicks in, "Hmmm" to the sleazy keyboard sounds and it makes people wide eyed and open mouthed when they listen to the drums.

I know I left the guitar out of that.  A dark part of me would like to say that the new guitarist really let the band down, that he was no where near as good as the old player, he has a real tiny penis, had a wee into the saxophone and punched one of the other band members mum in the back, but I can't say that.  Mik sounded great, a much more courageous and accomplished guitarist than me and just what Tripitaka deserve.

Sandy then took to the stage to sing "Shack Up" and the dynamic changed.  That girl can sing.  How can I explain this?  Previous to this song the band on stage were like 7 very funky "Honey Badgers".  The Honey Badger is not an animal to be messed with, it can bite you with it's anus!  But now a Wolverine (even without the ability to bite with its anus, it could still take a Honey Badger!) had stepped on stage.  The Honey Badgers stood back and the Wolverine took the lead, biting the victim (in this story a metaphor for the 'Funk') whilst the Honey Badgers tore the flesh away from its body and devoured it.  (I know this review would be considered too contemporary for Jazz Weekly but I bet David Attenborough would appreciate it).

The crowd went mental from start to finish and everyone loved it.

Within 3 hours of Jonathans question being asked the band were talking about their next gig.

"Phil"

"Sandy"

"Mik"

"Chris"

"Jonathan"

"Shaun"

"Ray"

"and Aaron"

"The Crowd"