The Strides

The Strides

The Strides are an Australian ten-piece group from Sydney, drawing on afrobeat, reggae, jazz, hip-hop, funk, fusion and dub. Their line-up brings together some of Sydney’s newer players and includes horn-led arrangements, bass, drums, guitar, keyboards and percussion. The group features guest vocalists Ras Roni, a reggae singer from Barbados via London, and Fijian MC LTL Gzeus, also known as Little Jesus.

Their sound is described through references to artists such as Bob Marley, Damien Marley, Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Barrington Levy and Mos Def, reflecting the mix of reggae, Afrobeat and hip-hop influences in their work. Their self-titled debut album appears in 2009, followed by Reclamation. The group develops a reputation for live performance, with appearances at the Bellingen Global Carnival, the Darling Harbour Jazz & Blues Festival and Peats Ridge, and with sold-out shows across New South Wales. The group includes Nick Garbett on trumpet, Jeremy Rose on tenor saxophone and flute, Al Hicks on drums, Matt Smith on guitar, Danny Pliner on keyboards, Nick Weaver or Rory Brown on bass, Matt Ottignon on tenor and baritone saxophone, and Carlos Adura or Fabian Hevia on percussion.