Sally Ford and the Idiomatics deliver a groove-driven electro-acoustic adventure, with irresistible original tunes from musicians with a distinguished pedigree in latin, ska, folk and funk with bands including Texicali Rose,The Xylouris Ensemble, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, The Pachuco Playboys, Yothu Yindi, The Black Sorrows and Sunshine Tip.
Patrick Cronin, Michael Havir and Alice Garner provide a lush underscore to Sally Ford’s wryly-observed lyrics, as synths, cello, keys, trombone, sax and flute coalesce to create a richly-imagined sonic experience.
"There’s a special kind of intimacy here. A superbly focused and talented band … with the unique combination of traditional and modern instruments (and musical styles) cradling each piece and giving it different shapes and textures.”
Stage Whispers 2023
Since forming in 2022 the Idiomatics have been gigging at eclectic venues around Melbourne at The Brunswick Ballroom, Post Office Hotel, Open Studio, Paris Cat, The Lomond Hotel, Kindred Bandroom, Athenaeum Library and the Archies Creek Hotel; with feature shows at Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Malthouse Outdoor Stage, Federation Square Silent Cinema, Clunes Booktown and Cresfest 2025.
The Idiomatics are
Sally Ford vocals, flutes, alto sax
Patrick Cronin programming, synths, trombone,
Michael Havir keyboards, electronic-fx
Alice Garner cello
"Sally Ford & The Idiomatics bring a strong and enduring – and ultimately eclectic – musicianship to the stage … these musicians certainly don’t play it safe. Genre-blending and genre-bending, there is both moodiness and familiarity in their songs …
Glam Adelaide, June 2023
