So, who are Flying Tongue Kiss?

Impossible to pigeonhole, Flying Tongue Kiss are a band who can flit from lilting lyrical to swampy vamps and gallop into country blues occasionally to keep their audience on their (tapping) toes. And what’s more, they get away with it. This intriguing four piece band play Jug band music from the 20’s Speakeasy era, Boogie, Country Blues, a skillet of frenetic Bluegrass and contemporary. Many of their original songs have philosophical lyrics and others are comical or tongue in cheek. They play all with feeling and masterly musicianship while their humour and rapport on stage spills over into the crowd. They are a favourite dance band with their swampy rhythms, vocal harmonies and hip swivellin' goodtime music.

The line up:
Rex Watts – guitar, mandolin, banjo mandolin, vocals and backing vocals (Bushfire, Neverrilly Bros., Midlife Chrysler)
John Fenelon – guitar, ukulele, keyboards, banjo ukulele, kazoo, vocals and backing vocals (The Sundowners, Electric Triangle, Random Order)
Barry Martin – harmonica, tea chest bass, jug (Warrick Harwood Band, Skip Sail Blues Band, Monogamous Dog, Jack O’Diamonds)
Teana Amor – percussion, washboard, vocals and backing vocals (Gutbucket Jug Band, Jack O’Diamonds, Kaloobafak)

This central Victoria band formed in 2001, the name deriving from an unhappy incident when a slavering dog leaped from a couch to its owner in greeting!! Past members of the band include such notables as Marni Sheehan (The Escalators, Lola’s Lost Weekend, Gringo Stars) http://www.sheehanmusic.com, Stacy Kilpatrick (Jack O’Diamonds, Honey Rice Childe, Family Farm), Chris Ryan (Jack O’Diamonds, Hoot ‘n’ Holler, Family Farm).

The present line up have been together for approximately two years and have just released their first CD. Entitled the Swamp Album it contains 13 of their original songs and two Jug band classics. Their CD can be purchased from The Last Record Store, 304 Smith Street, Collingwood, (further outlets will be posted as they become available) or by contacting the band direct on (03)5474.2397 or email: flyingtonguekiss@hotmail.com

Flying Tongue Kiss have played at major venues and festivals in Victoria such as The Palais at Hepburn Springs, Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal, Maldon Folk Festival, Chewton Folk Festival, Castlemaine Fringe Festivals and numerous Hotels, Theatre Restaurants and private functions.