Presented by Mark Simeon Ferguson
@ The Promethean
THURSDAY 1 March (until March 4)

If you don’t like high-energy, ingenious, magnetic jazz then you best just skip over to the next article (bet you hate puppies too…)

However, if you do then you should take a trip down Chinatown way and catch Marmalade Circus at the Prom (or The Promethean for those of you playing at home).

Comprising of Mark Simeon Ferguson (vocals, rocking pianist), Jonathan Hunt (reed), Thomas Pulford (reed), Warren Heading (trumpet), Shireen Khemlani (female bassist represent!) and recent addition Jarrad Payne (drums), Marmalade Circus is an eclectic hotbed of funk, jazz and world music. Originally forming in 1998 as the Mark Ferguson Quintet, the band as undergone several incarnations since, played numerous interstate jazz festivals, cabaret shows and children’s shows, eventually culminating in the hybrid 6-piece band you see before you.

Although Ferguson undoubtedly steals the show as the engaging ringleader of the troupe (complete with top hat and winged coat!), I can’t help but give a particular mention to Heading who boasts some big, crazy-good talent on the trumpet. Keep an eye out for him. The music is unashamedly out-there, sometimes silly funk-jazz and spiced with flavours of the Middle East, Africa and the Caribbean (including song titles referring to Brazilian cheese puffs?) Some, however, are fuelled by Ferguson’s experience as a dad. One particular sing-a-long drawing on apples and bananas, in a Ben Folds meets Peter Combe kind of way,  is creative, snazzy but does requires some audience participation to really fly – I’ll expand on that down yonder.

The quietly gorgeous Growing Apart (which, Ferguson stresses, isn’t about him and his wife) had couples leaning in close, singles looking wistful and was a definite highlight of the second set for all. Finishing with the title track of their 2009 album, Yup and other words of affirmation, Yup was a no-holds-bar, all out big tune that demonstrated, despite their new addition, the tightness of the band. A personal favorite of mine for the night.

Chatting to fellow audience members in the line to the ladies, it was obvious that Marmalade Circus has a solid following on the festival scene. Some who had come along for the first time, were definitely going to come back for more. They’re so clever, my new found friends cooed, with all those instruments, so talented!

And they’re not wrong.

Changing instruments several times each, including a cute solo on Ferguson’s thumb piano (new word alert: mbira!), these boys, and girl, show they’ve got some serious multi-instrument skills.

Unfortunately for the Circus, one thing that did detract from the evening was a reluctant, frosty even, opening night audience. While there wasn’t overwhelming requisite for audience participation, when it was called upon the band didn’t really get anything back, which was disappointing for them and me.

However, in fairness, audience grumpiness started at the beginning of the night with seating issues. The venue is set up cabaret style, which is very suited to the ‘vibe’ of the troupe, but when filled with what looked like a sold-out crowd, quickly become cramped. Many Marmaladites had no choice but to stand against the bar and a number were up the back, unable to see much, sitting on the steps behind the sound dude.

It’s also understandable, especially with the Circus playing only two gigs this Fringe season, that you want to fit as many as possible. Though perhaps theatre style seating might be a better option if that’s the road you want to venture.

So! If seating is important to you, you have to be super early to have your pick. If personal space is important to you, this might not be your scene. But all in all, Marmalade Circus at the Prom is a great gig. The band is tight, enchanting and ridiculously talented. It will be 110 minutes of your life very well spent, whether you’re an ultra-cool jazz music student or just another Fringe goer looking for something a little different and at times silly.

As my muso Dad said, when I told him I was going to see Mark Ferguson, “Chuck, he’s just fucking awesome”.

That pretty much sums it up.