James Chance & the Contortions

Best known for his work in such bands as Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, James Chance & the Contortions and James White & the Blacks as well as collaborations with Lydia Lunch and Blondie, James Chance was a key figure in the quick-flash but potent No Wave movement of the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.

The Contortions were one of 4 acts featured on Brian Eno’s seminal No Wave compilation, “No New York” while their debut album, “Buy” is still considered one of the most important in the movement featuring the classic and impossible not to dance to, “Contort Yourself”. Soon after James recorded his “Off White” album which leaned more towards disco before reverting back to his love of bent jazz/punk.

Described as combining the freeform playing of Ornette Coleman with the solid funk rhythm of James Brown, filtered through a punk rock lens, James Chance has only ever toured Australia once performing sell out shows at Mona Foma, NGV and clubs across Australia.