Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen

After more than 35 years at the forefront of the ever-evolving musical landscape of New Orleans, two-time Grammy Award winner Jon Cleary will return to Sydney in March 2027 with his band The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, bringing the good time funk, soul and joy of the Crescent City to City Recital Hall.

Born in London and on a plane to New Orleans at 19, he grew up absorbed by the sounds and rhythms of the city. His mastery of its music landed him gigs as a session musician in the bands of local legends Earl King, Johnny Adams, Walter 'Wolfman' Washington, Snooks Eaglin, Ernie K-Doe, Jessie Hill– and as a guitarist for Dr. John.

At the heart of Cleary's New Orleans sound are The Absolute Monster Gentlemen –a powerhouse of groove, soul and exciting musicianship. Drawn from the deep musical community of New Orleans, the band brings together musicians who understand the language of funk, R&B and second-line rhythm from the inside out. Together with Cleary on the keys, guitar and vocals, they create the loose and infectious deep pocket grooves that have made the Gentlemen a fixture on stages and dancefloors around the world.