ARIA award winning world/jazz ensemble Mara! have been carving a new direction in contemporary music in Australia since the 1980s, and for over 30 years they have been touring their “fresh, arresting, joyous, accessible” sound across the Globe, challenging stereotypes and giving audiences abroad a new perspective on Australian music.

What the critics have been saying all along…

“….different sound-worlds kept opening up like fresh vistas on a maritime journey…ultimately it is the collective imaginative responses to its influences that makes Mara! such a bright jewel in Australia’s world-music crown.” Sydney 2016

“…magical performance…” WOMADelaide 2013

“It was a treat and a privilege to hear this band in such intimate confines….an equally profound and giddy cycle of catharsis and celebration”Sydney 2003

“The music was intense…charismatic Mara Kiek … caught the attention of the audience, playing percussion and singing in several languages… infectious” Laos 2001

“All elements faultlessly fall into their place … their fusion is a wonderful experience.” Belgium 1999

“…an extraordinary, fascinating performance.” Germany 1997

“… a coup de charme which goes right to the heart.” France 1994

“… a brilliant simplicity that reminds us … of the communicative urgency of Violent Femmes or certain strongly lyrical pages of the Cocteau Twins…” Italy 1991

“… many tongues, one heart… you’ll be cheating yourself if you miss them…” London 1991

“…Beautiful, better than new… the music is more than the sum of its components…” Bremen 1990

“… sensational…the connection that spans the traditional melodies and modern jazz expressionism creates a unique mixture which stands alone…is pure and has been elevated to an art form…” Stuttgart 1987

“… MARA! predate the current vogue for jazz and roots music. What they offered was a glorious melange of traditional and contemporary…”Glasgow 1986

“… their virtuosity and unexpected instrumental manoeuvres are breathtaking…” London 1985

Sandy Evans – saxophones
Paul Cutlan – clarinets and saxophone
Lloyd Swanton – double bass
Llew Kiek – bouzouki, bağlama, guitar
Mara Kiek – voice, percussion