Musically exquisite, lyrically explicit, artistically evocative, and socially provocative… Think the social commentary of Spearhead and Midnight Oil, meets Brand New Heavies, with maybe even a touch of the original 1953 Casino Royale soundtrack and you’ll get an idea of what the Beatnik Preachers are about. The Beatnik Preachers are a unique Australian Jazz/Hip-Hop ensemble led by Anthony ‘ToK’ Norris. With horn-infused grooves, wry spoken word musings; cool keys, hypnotic drum and bass; together with sublime vocals from Katrina B (reminiscent of Angela Ricci and Carleen Anderson). The husband and wife team truly capture the Australian zeitgeist of 2025. On Indigenous issues – not since Midnight Oil’s 1987 Beds are Burning has there been such a callout in song as the Preachers’ Great Australian Silence. Current dilemmas that impact us as a nation and as a people are central to the Preachers’ repertoire – although they are not exclusive to Australia. Environmental concerns (Red Sun, Black Rain), sexual equality (Nasty Man) and global politics (Insane in the Ukraine), are all constructs that are investigated by the Beatnik Preachers. As well as the good old funky fun of Fad House and He No Scoot. With Norris’ modern beat poetry and Katrina B’s consummate vocal prowess, supported by deep grooves, hip-hop drumming, funky horns and soul piano, the sextet creates a highly danceable listening experience that simultaneously presents an inspiring message of hope. Anthony "ToK" Norris (trumpet and spoken word) joined by Rob Burke (sax) gather the funky drumming of Miles Henry and the groove of bassist Nick Haywood to drive a quintet allowing the sublime piano of Joel Lewis to evoke and provoke both melody and harmony. Norris and Burke are melodically divine yet technically elaborate, thereby adding a unique interplay of risk and trust within the ensemble that is joyous and raucous. Firmly in the spirit of jazz whilst celebrating the human condition and investigating issues that currently face each and every one of us. The second album sees the addition of KatrinaB to complement the quintet, thereby allowing a richer palette of textures and an incredible voice. the Beatnik Preachers Anthony ‘ToK’ Norris - trumpet and spoken word Rob Burke - tenor sax Nick Haywood - double bass Miles Henry - drums Joel Lewis - piano and keys Katrina B - vocals
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the Beatnik Preachers
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Version 1activeSep 30, 2026, 3:57 AM
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