The Boswell Project. Photographer: Chloe Gehrke
After 2013’s sold out Fringe shows, 2014’s capacity Cabaret Festival shows and a trip to America perform in New Orleans, Adelaide’s The Boswell Project is back with a hot new show for this year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival.
The critically acclaimed jazz divas – Kylie Ferreira, Louise Messenger and Valeska Laity – unveil their new show Boswell and Beyond from March 6 to 8, while also launching their debut EP.
So who were the Boswell sisters? Connie, Martha and Vet, were a sister act who performed exhilarating jazz arrangements, and in the 1930s took the world by storm, recording number one hits, hosting high rating radio shows and touring Europe. At the height of their career they mysteriously stopped touring and that was that – their star faded into obscurity. What is less well known is that out in Minnesota there was a Boswell Sisters cover band who took over the touring dates and later became rather famous – The Andrews Sisters.
This is the story of Boswell and Beyond, telling the lost Boswell story and reviving their genius, then swingin’ right along to the much-loved Andrews Sisters tunes.
Since forming little more than two years ago, The Boswell Project have enjoyed rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, but the achievement they hold in highest regard is their recent performance in New Orleans.
Louise Messenger explains that the grand-daughter of Vet Boswell discovered The Boswell Project on YouTube.
“Kyla emailed us and told us that she loved our work,” Louise said.
“She told us there was something of a Boswell revival happening in the U.S., including a museum exhibition in New Orleans,”
“She asked us to send over some footage of our performances to feature in the exhibition. We couldn’t believe it!”
This lead to an invitation to perform at the closing of the exhibition in New Orleans, an incredible privilege and testament to the impeccable quality of the group.
“It’s a dream come true – to be a jazz singer from Adelaide asked to sing in the birthplace of Jazz. It doesn’t get any better than that!” Louise said.
“And the shows were such a hit we’ve already been asked to come back! We’re currently working with our contacts and if all goes to plan, we’ll tour the show next year”
In Boswell and Beyond, fans can expect absolutely cracking vocals, a high energy swing band and all the thrilling, toe-tapping fun of the swing era – with a new addition! The crowd pleasing, much loved songs of the Andrews Sisters.
But if you want to hear the best jazz vocal outfit in town nail “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, we suggest you buy your tickets early as it’s bound to be yet another sold out affair.
Who: The Boswell Project
What: Boswell and Beyond and Boswell Project EP launch
When: March 6, 7 and 8
Where: Nexus Multicultural Arts Centre
Tickets: Fringetix
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