The group was formed by Scottish-born drummer John Rae in 2010 during his tenure as the first-ever Jazz Composer-in-Residence at Victoria University. They honed their sound over a year-long Sunday night residency at Wellington's Happy Bar, which became a local cultural staple. Initially starting as a trio with Rae, Lucien Johnson (saxophone), and Patrick Bleakley (bass), the group expanded into a larger ensemble by adding strings (violin, viola, cello) and woodwinds. Their music is described as a blend of "meticulously composed" sections and "spontaneous improvisation," drawing influences from traditional blues, swing, and global traditions including Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Celtic music.  The ensemble includes Tristan Carter (violin), Hannah Fraser (violin), Megan Ward (viola), and Charles Davenport (cello) along with Daniel Yeabsley (saxophone/clarinet), Bridget Kelly (sax) and Rachelle Eastman (flute).