Theatrical soundscapes: The Uptown Rhythm Dogs Reunion

With numerous rock bands from the 70s and 80s reforming for reunion shows in which they play old songs for even older fans, one could easily be forgiven for thinking the Uptown Rhythm Dogs reunion at the Theatre on the Square in Sandton is set to be a similar event. According to band member Greg Georgiades, nothing could be further from the truth.

“We have always been a very different group of musicians, and when we went our separate ways it wasn’t because we had run out of ideas and weren’t making any new music,” he explained.

In fact, Georgiades and his fellow bandmates Dan Chiorboli and Neill Solomon have spent the past thirty years deeply engaged in their own solo careers creating albums and recording film scores, and this latest reunion was just a natural part of their progression as musicians.

“We never stopped making music. Every time I was in town Neill would call me up and say, I have had some ideas, come over, let’s record them,” said Georgiades.

The new show at the Theatre on the square in Sandton, rather than being a throwback to a forgotten time, will be a new step forward for the group, who have a new album and a dozen new elements they have added in.

“If anything, Dan’s percussion system on stage has grown even bigger, and I have learnt to play a lot of instruments I didn’t play back then,” said Georgiades, who explained the band’s approach was somewhat theatrical.

“We create these soundscapes. It’s not just a performance, it’s a show that adapts to the audience,” he said.

“It’s rock, and world music, jazz, and a little bit of blues,” interjected Solomon.

“You know when you walk into the theatre and you see all these instruments arrayed out on the stage, you already know you are in for something a little different,” said Chiorboli.

Despite all the new offerings from the “Different Places” album, the reunion show is still the first time the group will be performing live in almost 30 years and will therefore also feature a broad spectrum of music comprising old songs from The Occupant and Magic Man period such as Roxy Lady, The Stranger, Junk Foods and Disposable Ladies, as well as acoustic renditions from The Liberation Project’s recently released album “Songs That Made Us Free”.

“We are very lucky. Our fans have always been a creative and intelligent group of people, so we think they will appreciate the growth and direction the band has taken,” said Georgiades.

“But at the same time, we genuinely believe that if you listen to the old stuff, it’s music that stands the test of time, music that could easily have been released last week. We are very excited.

Uptown Rhythm Dogs will also be joined on stage by new act ZACAS, who have just released their debut album “Corner House”.

The shows take place on March 23 and 24, 2019, at the Auto & General Theatre on the Square and tickets can be booked on Computicket by either calling 0861 915 800 or online at www.computicket.com. You can also call the theatre at 011 883 8606. For extra information head to the event page on Facebook.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.