Late Night Orchestra to pay tribute to trip-hop pioneers Portishead

During the early-to-mid 1990s when trip-hop was at its popularity peak, two bands stood tall as pioneers and guardians of the genre: Massive Attack and Portishead. The latter formed in 1991 in Bristol, England, comprising of vocalist Beth Gibbons, instrumentalist Geoff Barrow and guitarist Adrian Utley. Together, the trio created a brand of cross-pollinated music drawing from elements of hip-hop, film noir, acid jazz and blues, the end result appealing to street hipsters and appreciators of classic music alike.

Now, Australia’s Late Night Orchestra is paying tribute to Portishead in The Portishead Legacy: fine musicians backed by acclaimed vocalists in tribute to Portishead’s perennial debut album ‘Dummy’.

Performers Clea, Jaguar Jonze, Ngaiire and Ben Woolner (Safia) will be joined by a 12-piece ensemble – including strings, brass and turntables – to celebrate the legacy of Portishead, reimagining songs from the band’s iconic catalogue as well as giving a nod to some of the acts that were inspired by them.

The playlist is set to include such awe-inspiring gems as Sour Times, Mysterons, Wandering Star, Numb and Glory Box, amongst others.

The tour kicks off at Freo Social in Fremantle, WA on June 28, then to Sydney, Brisbane, and wrapping up at Melbourne’s Recital Theatre on July 6. See the full dates and venues are below.

Lisa Andrews

Late Night Orchestra – The Portishead Legacy Tour Dates:

June 28 Freo Social, Perth

June 29 Metro Theatre, Sydney

July 5 Princess Theatre, Brisbane

July 6 Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne

Tickets are available through latenightorchestra.com.

THE POP SHOP