Cha Cha Cohen

Cha Cha Cohen were formed in Leeds, UK, 1995 by The Wedding Present's former bassist Keith Gregory and guitarist Paul Dorrington.

Led by Australian Jaqi Dulaney, DUSTdevils singer/guitarist, Cha Cha Cohen’s debut single Sparky's Note was made a Priority Tune on Radio One’s Evening Session leading to the band signing to Chemikal Underground. and releasing two singles in as many years: 1996’s 538ep and, following their first recorded Peel Session, Spook on the High Lawn in May ’97.

It was not until early ’98 that the band came together to perform some shows around the UK while Jaqi simultaneously ducked and dodged UK immigration officials.

Following on the heels of these shows, came Cha Cha Cohen’s eponymously titled debut. Developing on the earlier singles, the album was a bold, thunderous gallop through gonzo-tingedAmericana: swamp-blues slide guitars careered off hip-hop breakbeats while Jaqi’s knowing, lyrical swipes recalled the heady days of Blondie.

Despite the musical plaudits showering down on Cha Cha Cohen’s efforts, UK Customs took a somewhat dimmer view of Jaqi’s residence in Britain and promptly ordered her back to her hometown of Sydney, Australia.

Hope glimmered throughout 2000 and early 2001 when Jaqi Dulaney became Jaqi Gregory and with that, an official UK resident: Cha Cha Cohen reconvened to put together their sophomore effort All Artists Are Criminals featuring The Wedding Present's drummer, Simon Smith.

Regardless of their achievements, Jaqi and Keith were growing increasingly disillusioned with the UK lifestyle and, catalysed by a particularly depressing and vacuous edition of Top Of The Pops in 2002, decided to turn their backs on the UK and permanently relocate to Australia.

The band has been quiet since...


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