From Albuquerque, N.M., Le Chat Lunatique is coming to Truckee, bringing their ‘filthy, mangy jazz’ to Moody’s Bistro & Lounge where the group will perform a free show at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 13. The group’s unpredictable show will navigate through a wide range of genres, blending Western swing, classical, reggae, doowop, and ‘anything else we damn well please’ into original compositions and reworked standards alike.
Le Chat Lunatique features Muni Kulasinghe’s theatrical vocals, guitarist John Sandlin, Jared Putnam on bass and vocals, and drummer Fernando Garavito. The group began prowling the nightspots of Albuquerque – the secret haven of hot jazz – back in 2005, spontaneously entertaining audience members who found themselves unable to stop listening or dancing. From their earliest gigs, Le Chat Lunatique has offered swinging originals with ear-snagging hooks and stories to tell. The band’s repertoire also features original arrangements of tunes that stretch from kindergarten favorites such as ‘Frere Jacques’ to pop hits, swing anthems, and Reinhardt classics. The group makes sure to put their stamp on each cover and then ‘play the hell out of it.’
Riding the popularity of their acclaimed first CD, ‘Demonic Lovely,’ which featured all original tracks and their follow-up collection of covers, ‘Under the Covers (Vol. 1),’ Le Chat Lunatique has been gaining popularity across the globe from Texas to England. In their home state of New Mexico, the group has won several awards for best band, best jazz act, and best song.
The group, with their irreverent humor, intensity, and expert musicianship, is sure to take Truckee’s nightlife by storm at their show at Moody’s.
Info: Moody’s Bistro & Lounge, 10007 Bridge Street, Truckee, (530) 587-8688, moodysbistro.com
