New band promises something different

A wave of interest in performing arts across the region has spurred a group of experienced Wimmera musicians to form a new and diverse band.

The group, called Sans Nom, which translates to ‘no name’ in French, has been rehearsing for about nine months and is set to take its act across the region and beyond.

It features former Rift front man and busy solo performer Dave Mcmaster, singer and former Horsham teacher Brandi Galpin and other experienced musicians in Karen Gebert, keyboards, Chris Leskie, bass, violinist Akeyo Matsumoto and drummer Felix Cunningham.

Mcmaster said the band performed an eclectic mix of music that he described as a ‘bit of gypsy jazz and folk into fiddle country’.

“It’s all very different and we’re really keen,” he said.

“It basically came out as an offshoot of Horsham Art Council’s production of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

“We play everything from mellow harmonious pieces to up-tempo driving gypsy songs.”

Mcmaster, who has been either a solo performer or part of a Squashed Frogs duo for the past 15 years, said his motivation was to get back to regularly playing with other musicians.

“We also wanted to challenge ourselves in playing unfamiliar genres,” he said.

“Some of our songs, for example, are in French.

“We’ve done a couple of gigs and dipped our toe in the water at Horsham German Fest and New Year’s Eve events.

“We’re going to be at Horsham’s Exchange Hotel on Saturday night and people can expect a real mix.

“Because of the niche music we will be playing and such a big band with six members, we’re not sure about how often we’ll be playing and even what sort of shows we’ll be suited to.

“But we’re having a dip at practice and setting and meeting challenges.”

Mcmaster said people keen to find out more and get in touch could visit the Sans Nom Facebook page.