The tradition continues -
Start your Wangaratta Festival of Jazz with a literary launch at the Wangaratta Library. We'll be launching a collection of jazz poetry by much-loved poet Geoff Page from 6:00 pm on Friday 28 October. Hear Geoff read from A Sudden Sentence in the Air, his new collection of pieces inspired by his love for jazz and improvised music and raise a glass to help us send it out into the world.
We'll also be announcing the winners of the 2011 National Jazz Writing Competition. So put it in your diary and please join us for some refreshments and celebration. Check www.extempore.com.au from September for more details!
INTERNATIONAL JAZZ
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JOSH ROSEMAN UNIT (USA)
Photo by Michael Wientrob
New York-based trombonist-composer Josh Roseman is regarded as one of the most original and articulate voices on his instrument in jazz today. He has worked with artists like Dave Douglas, The Groove Collective, Steve Coleman, Dave Holland and John Zorn, and leads several ensembles, ranging in size from quartet to big band.
For this tour, Josh will perform with frequent collaborators Barney McAll (piano, keyboards), Peter Apfelbaum (keyboards, saxophone) and Ted Poor (drums). On the Friday night, they will collaborate with the Australian Art Orchestra, to present Josh's compositions for large ensemble.
"Jazz players with great chops and a personal sound are a dime-a-dozen these days. What Roseman brings to the table is rarer by far : vision. (His music is) overflowing with it." - 'Boston Herald'
LINDA OH QUARTET (USA / AUSTRALIA)
Bassist-composer Linda Oh began her career in Perth, but has been based in New York since 2008. She won a lot of fans when she performed at Wangaratta in 2009 with her Trio, performing music from her debut cd Entry, and it was easy to see why she has been hailed by Down Beat as one of the young artists to watch in jazz today.
In the last year, Linda has won the 2010 Bell Award as Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year, and won second prize at the BASS 2010 competition in Berlin, and has toured with artists like Dave Douglas, Vijay Iyer and Ravi Coltrane.
Linda's second album, Stories From the Source, has just been released. She will perform music from this album with Sam Sadigursky (Darcy James Argue, Mingus Orchestra ) on tenor saxophone, Fabian Almazan (Terence Blanchard Quintet) on piano and Kendrick Scott (Terence Blanchard Quintet, Kendrick Scott's Oracle) on drums, all outstanding young talents on the New York jazz scene.
Linda will also perform in the Fabian Almazan Trio, and in a duo with vocalist Gian Slater.
"The jolts in Linda Oh's music arrive early............(her) pieces rely on vamps, interactive energy and strong melody. They are dry and lean and insistent music, with no hiding places.....the music's fearless energy seems self-generated. It's not airlessly virtuosic, it's smart and informed and hard-working, full of real improvisation, the committed, hard-won, lumpy, non-mechanical, go-for-broke kind.............This was not jazz trying to be rock. But, often, it rocked. There is a difference." - The New York Times'
FABIAN ALMAZAN TRIO (CUBA/USA)
Cuban-born pianist Fabian Almazan has been attracting a lot of attention since he began touring with trumpeter Terence Blanchard's band in 2010. He has also worked with Gretchen Parlato, Paquito D'Rivera and Ambrose Akinmusire. Fabian will perform his Trio music (from his current CD, Personalities, on Biophilia Records) at Wangaratta with Linda Oh (bass) and Kendrick Scott (drums), and will also perform in the Linda Oh Quartet.
"Fabian Almazan is the latest pianistic prodigy... a Cuban-born dazzler with a melodic instinct to match his technique." - New York Times
BARNEY McALL (USA/AUSTRALIA)
Pianist-composer Barney McAll began his career in Australia in promising fashion, working with artists like Vince Jones and Allan Browne, and winning the inaugural National Jazz Awards at Wangaratta in 1990. Since moving to New York in 1998, he has worked with artists like Gary Bartz, Dewey Redman, Billy Harper, Josh Roseman and Fred Wesley, and has developed his own projects in jazz, film and other contexts. On his last visit to Wangaratta, in 2009, Barney led the band Sylent Running, featuring vocalist Gian Slater.
For this concert, Barney will premiere new music in the company of a 16-voice choir led by Gian Slater, along with Andrea Keller (piano) and Dale Gorfinkel (vibraphone).
•· Assisted by the Melbourne Jazz Co-operative.
"McAll is partial to unleashing surprises himself, whether they be radical dynamic shifts - such as suddenly reducing a solo to the merest trickle of notes against thrumming bass and whispered cymbal chatter - or just finding bewitchingly unexpected turns to take in developing a melody. Masterful." - 'Sydney Morning Herald'
BARRE PHILLIPS (FRANCE)
American-born bassist Barre Phillips has lived in France since 1972. He is a formidable virtuoso (responsible for developing many 'extended techniques' on his instrument) and a fearless improviser. Among the many highlights on his CV are his stint in The Trio (with John Surman and Stu Martin) from 1969- 71, and recordings/concerts with artists like Dave Holland, Ornette Coleman, Paul Bley, Derek Bailey, Archie Shepp, Joe Maneri and the London Jazz Composers Orchestra. His recordings include Mountainscapes and Three Day Moon on ECM. At Wangaratta, Barre will perform two solo concerts ; and will re-establish a connection from many years ago with pianist Mike Nock, with whom he used to play back when they both lived in New York.
Tour Supported by
"Phillips can arguably be called the father of the solo bass. His 'Journal Violone' (Opus One, 1968) set the standard for unaccompanied bass albums.....(he remains an) inimitable linguist." - All About Jazz
"There is a dancer's grace and concentration in Phillips' playing, an internal balance and rhythm that....makes it virtually impossible to separate man and instrument." - 'The Penguin Guide To Jazz On CD'
www.allmusic.com/artist/barre-phillips-p9413/biography
LA SOCIETE DES ANTIPODES (FRANCE / AUSTRALIA)
This band provides an opportunity for one of France's most accomplished jazz improvisers, Denis Colin (bass clarinet), to collaborate with exciting Australian saxophonist Adam Simmons. Denis has worked with such names as Alan Silva and Archie Shepp, and has led his band, La Societe des Arpenteurs, since 1995. Adam has worked with various bands, including Bucketrider and the Adam Simmons Toy Band. Joining Denis and Adam for this tour will be Benjamin Moussay (keyboards) and Chander Sardjoe (drums).
Tour supported by
"Music that was both moody and propulsive, with velvety textures punctured by explosive sparks from Colin's horn." - 'Chicago Reader'
PETER APFELBAUM (USA)
Photo by Michael Wientrob
A gifted multi-instrumentalist (primarily on saxophones, keyboards and drums), Peter Apfelbaum formed his band The Hieroglyphics Ensemble in 1977, and has worked with such major artists as Don Cherry, Cecil Taylor and Carla Bley. While in Wangaratta to perform with Josh Roseman, Peter will present a solo concert of piano improvisations.
"A young yet vibrant innovator". - 'Down Beat'
WALTER LAMPE TRIO (NETHERLANDS / AUSTRALIA)
Having begun his career in Sydney, pianist-composer Walter Lampe has been living in Amsterdam since the early 1990s. On his first visit to Wangaratta, Walter will perform with Jonathan Zwartz (bass) and James Hauptmann (drums).
"Lampe's own playing was often quite demure, especially early on. He shone on the haunting 'Enchantress', building a shimmering, percussive solo against the hypnotic bass figure of Zwartz." - John Shand, 'Sydney Morning Herald'
AUSTRALIAN JAZZ
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AUSTRALIAN ART ORCHESTRA
Photo by Tobias Titz
Australia's premier large ensemble for improvising musicians, the Australian Art Orchestra was founded by Paul Grabowsky and made its official debut at Wangaratta in 1994. Since then, the AAO has performed a staggeringly rich array of original compositions and arrangements by composers from within and outside the band, has recorded a series of acclaimed albums, and has featured many of Australia's most gifted improvisers. Key collaborators with the AAO have included Karaikudi R. Mani from India, the Young Wagilak Group from Arnhem Land, I Wayan Gde Yudane from Bali, Paul Kelly, Ruby Hunter and Gunther Schuller. For the AAO's collaboration with Josh Roseman at Wangaratta, the personnel will be Paul Williamson, Eugene Ball (trumpets), Jordan Murray, James Greening (trombones), Tim Wilson, Jamie Oehlers (saxophones), Paul Grabowsky (keyboards), Geoff Hughes (guitar) and Philip Rex (bass), alongside Josh Roseman (trombone), Barney McAll (keyboards), Peter Apfelbaum (saxophone, keyboards, percussion) and Ted Poor (drums).
"a versatile, innovative ensemble of improvising musicians that has been bending genres since 1994." - Ashleigh Wilson, 'The Australian'
BOB featuring BEN HAUPTMANN
Guitarist-composer Ben Hauptmann is best-known for his work with The Alcohotlicks, and was runner-up in the National Jazz Awards in 2007. He won the Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2010, and used the prizemoney to record his ensemble Bob (cd due out in August). Joining Ben will be Julian Banks (saxophone), Damien Slingsby (keyboards), Zoe Hauptmann (bass), Chris Hale (bass guitar), James Hauptmann (drums), Evan Mannell (drums).
"the two drummers....beefed up the rocky grooves, over which Hauptmann's guitar howled in easily the night's most visceral music." - John Shand, 'Sydney Morning Herald'
BRIANA COWLISHAW
A rising star on the Sydney scene, jazz singer and songwriter Briana Cowlishaw likes to keep good company. In New York last year, she recorded her debut cd, When Fiction Comes To Life (BC/Planet) with established players like Aaron Goldberg, Gregory Hutchinson and Ambrose Akinmusire. At Wangaratta, she will perform original songs, and some standards, with Matt McMahon (piano), James Muller (guitar), Brendan Clarke (bass) and Nic Cecire (drums).
"Her originals are advanced in structure and harmonic content but Cowlishaw's potent expression gives the songs an accessibility, partly because they recount experiences of everyday life and partly because of her clarity, pitch and phrasing." - John McBeath, 'The Australian' Australian
CHRISTOPHER YOUNG QUARTET
Christopher Young (bass clarinet, clarinet, flute) first played at Wangaratta with the Lewis and Young Quartet in 1993. His current cd, Brood Groove (Move), creates an ECM-like mood, as Chris explores the sonic/textural possibilities of the bass clarinet in particular, with sympathetic accompaniment Tom Fryer (acoustic guitar), Nick Haywood (bass) and Ted Vining (drums).
DALE BARLOW and WALTER LAMPE
Dale Barlow is one of Australia's most accomplished jazz saxophonists. Having begun his career in Sydney in the late 1970s, Dale travelled abroad, where he worked with such renowned artists as Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Cedar Walton and Gil Evans. Since returning home, Dale has maintained his high standards in a variety of playing situations. For this concert, he will be reunited with a good friend and closely-attuned musical colleague, pianist Walter Lampe. Their rapport is evident on their 1999 duo recording, Windmills On Mars (Hipnotation),where they deconstruct standards and explore original themes.
"(Barlow displayed) overwhelming invention and ideas" - 'New York Times'.
DANIEL GASSIN SEXTET
Making his first appearance at Wangaratta as a bandleader this year, Melbourne pianist-composer Daniel Gassin has led his own Trio for several years, reached the finals of the Bosendorfer Jazz Solo Piano Competition at Montreux in 2007, and has performed in Dubai and New Zealand. Last year, he formed this stellar band to record Daniel Gassin Sextet (Which Way Music). Joining Daniel will be Pat Thiele (trumpet), Tim Wilson (alto saxophone), Anton Delecca (tenor saxophone), Ben Robertson (bass) and Craig Simon (drums).
DAVID REX QUARTET
Alto saxophonist David Rex has been known as an exceptionally exciting jazz player since his teens, when he began playing with such established artists as Allan Browne and Barney McAll ; he has since recorded acclaimed albums of original music for Jazzhead and ABC Jazz. David continues to play with remarkable intensity and expressive fire, as he will display in the elite company of Paul Grabowsky (piano), Philip Rex (bass) and Craig Simon (drums).
"There were times when Rex achieved his effects with a combination of ingenuity and passion that was quite astonishing. He really is a great player". - John Clare, www.sima.org.au
ELIXIR featuring KATIE NOONAN
Elixir combines the rare vocal artistry of Katie Noonan with the imaginative and sensitive musicianship of Zac Hurren (saxophone) and Stephen Magnusson (guitar), both winners of the National Jazz Awards. Katie has enjoyed acclaim for her work in a variety of settings, from pop (George, The Captains) to opera to her collaborations with Paul Grabowsky on Before Time Could Change Us, and with Ron Carter and John Scofield on Blackbird. She and Zac formed Elixir in 1997. Elixir recently recorded First Seed Ripening (ABC Jazz), which includes original songs (some employing words by poet Thomas Shapcott) and interpretations of songs by Tim Finn and Joni Mitchell, in an intimately-crafted blend of jazz, folk and poetry.
"Justly celebrated as the owner of one of the best voices in the country..... That's a lot of ideas on one record, which is as admirable as Noonan's refusal to play safe." - Bernard Zuel, 'Sydney Morning Herald'
ELLIOTT DALGLEISH and ALLAN BROWNE
Photo by Natasha Blankfield
Brisbane saxophonist Elliott Dalgleish, winner of the National Jazz Awards in 1995, is an improviser who relishes the challenge of a new creative situation (as witnessed in his duo concert with Dutch pianist Misha Mengelberg at Wangaratta a few years back). He and Melbourne drummer Allan Browne are equally excited by the possibilities of this, their first duo collaboration.
GENERATIONS IN JAZZ BIG BAND
Under the tutelage of renowned saxophonist-arranger Graeme Lyall, the Generations In Jazz Big Band (based at Tenison Woods College in Mount Gambier) is an outstanding 17-piece student ensemble, combining late-secondary and tertiary-level music students. When Graeme Lyall says he is confident that this is the premier student big band in Australia, it's worth paying attention.
GIAN SLATER and LINDA OH
Melbourne vocalist Gian Slater and New York-based bassist Linda Oh performed together in Melbourne earlier this year, as part of a quintet, and for just one song in each set performed as a duo. The results were quite special, and they have agreed to perform an entire concert at Wangaratta as a duo : a must for those who appreciate vocal and bass artistry.
HETTY KATE SEXTET
Having grown up in England, and now based in Melbourne, Hetty Kate is an internationally-experienced performer, an engaging and unerringly tasteful vocal stylist. She will present a program of swinging jazz standards, with a stellar band featuring Gianni Marinucci (trumpet, flugelhorn), John McAll (piano), Sam Lemann (guitar),Nick Haywood (bass) and Craig Simon (drums).
"Hetty Kate's voice overflows with a natural musicality. Hetty can do no wrong, whether she is singing a familiar standard, infused with relaxed charm and style, or trying her hand at something new and filled with innocent bravado..." - Richard Fields, 3CR
HOWARD CAIRNS QUINTET
For many years now, Melbourne bassist Howard Cairns has been a dependable sideman for everyone from Allan Browne and the Red Onions to Michelle Nicolle, James Sherlock and Ross Hannaford. Last year, Howard stepped forward as a bandleader, recording a program of original compositions, Newell Waltz (Jazzhead). He will present this music with Eugene Ball (trumpet), Don Jordan (trombone), Adam Simmons (saxophones) and Mike Jordan (drums).
"..luxuriant harmonies mingle with melodies and timbres to create moods variously dark, spirited and humorous." - Roger Mitchell, ausjazz.net
JACKSON HARRISON TRIO
Pianist Jackson Harrison studied at the Sydney Conservatorium, and went on to win first place at the National Jazz Awards in 2006. He released his debut cd, Land Tides (Hat Hut) the following year. He has played with the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra and Jacam Manricks, in addition to leading his own Trio. He will be joined at Wangaratta by Ben Waples (bass) and James Waples (drums).
"What's striking is how concentrated Harrison's playing is...seeming to come from an almost mystical understanding that transcends technique." - 'The Wire' (UK)
JAMES MULLER TRIO
With his exceptional technical fluidity and flair for improvisation, guitarist James Muller has been winning plaudits from fans, critics and fellow musicians ever since he moved from Adelaide to Sydney in 1996. John Scofield declared "James Muller is one of my favourite guitar players, anywhere", before joining him on stage at Wangaratta in 2008. James has worked with many leading artists, including Chad Wackerman, Maria Schneider, Sean Wayland, Dale Barlow, Mark Isaacs, Mike Nock, James Morrison and Vince Jones, in addition to leading his own bands. James won the National Jazz Awards in 2000, and the Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2004. Joining James at Wangaratta this year will be Alex Boneham (bass) and Ben Vanderwal (drums) and National Jazz Awards finalist Tim Firth (drums) .
"Muller routinely unleashed melodic cluster bombs over the rhythm section, in solos so captivating I periodically found myself having to remember to breathe." - John Shand, 'Sydney Morning Herald'
JOHN MORRISON'S ALL-STARS featuring JACKI COOPER
Drummer John Morrison has played an important role in brother James' career, but is also established as a bandleader in his own right, notably with his Swing City big band. John has also worked with other leading artists, including Erroll Buddle, James Moody, Bobby Gebert, Don Burrows and Bob Barnard, and is a prominent jazz educator. At Wangaratta this year, John will pilot an all-star session, featuring Jacki Cooper (vocals), Bob Sedergreen (piano), Eamon McNelis (trumpet) and Alex Boneham (bass).
JOHN SCURRY'S REVERSE SWING
Guitarist John Scurry is best-known for his time with The Red Onions back in the 1960s-70s. More recently he has worked with Allan Browne's New Rascals and Chris Tanner's Virus, as well as numerous other leading jazz players, including Bob Barnard, Blue Drag, Frank Traynor, Peter Gaudion, Alan Lee, Fred Parkes, Judy Carmichael and Barry Wratten. Not known as a grandstanding soloist, his is valued by fellow musicians for his unerring taste and unfailing sense of swing. John formed Reverse Swing last year to explore the possibilities of a swinging combo in a drum-less context ; joining him will be Eugene Ball (trumpet), Mike McQuaid (saxophone, clarinet) and Leigh Barker (bass), plus special guest Heather Stewart (vocals).
LEIGH BARKER'S NEW SHEIKS
Led by bassist Leigh Barker, the New Sheiks are a Melbourne combo who play standards and in-the-idiom originals, with an emphasis on melodic invention and joyous swing. Their cd, The New Sheiks, won the 2011 Bell Award for Best Traditional Jazz Album. Joining Leigh are Eamon McNelis (trumpet), Don Stewart (trombone), Matt Boden (piano) and Alastair McGrath-Kerr (drums), plus guest vocalist Heather Stewart.
LOGIC
Logic is one of Australia's premier jazz-rock fusion ensembles. The band was formed by guitarist Glenn Cannon and saxophonist Tim Wilson back in 1999. Their music incorporates rock, funk, drum'n'bass, latin and other influences, while maintaining the spontaneity and interactive approach of jazz. Joining Glenn and Tim are Perth-based Dane Alderson (bass guitar) and Ben Vanderwal (drums). Logic have released 4 cds, and have toured in Asia, including festival appearances in Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines.
"Logic continue their uniquely talented explorations of highly original material and interpretations in an advanced approach to jazz-rock." - John McBeath, 'The Australian'
LOST AND FOUND
Formed in 2008, Lost And Found is a co-operative trio, comprising Jamie Oehlers (tenor saxophone), Paul Grabowsky (piano) and Dave Beck (drums). Their music is wholly improvised, and as previous performances (and their Jazzhead cd, Lost And Found) have demonstrated, they have the rare ability to take their listeners on a thrilling ride, constructing a sense of form and avoiding the clichés often associated with 'free' improvisation. They last played at Wangaratta in 2008.
"a spontaneous and unpredictable journey.... pastoral, melancholic, crescendoed, joyful and introspective, ending with an almost classical solo piano. Some of the music is rhythmic with wonderful interplay.....and elsewhere we are floating in tempo-less territory. The trio's integration is extraordinary.... Oehlers' tenor sax rockets, ruminates, and reactivates. Grabowsky's comprehensive piano is supremely supportive and inventive, while drums arrive and depart with perfect placing and phrasing" - John McBeath, 'The Australian'.
MARK ISAACS RESURGENCE BAND
Sydney-based pianist-composer Mark Isaacs has achieved international recognition in both the jazz and classical worlds. He has studied and performed throughout Australia, Europe and Asia ; has composed for or performed with ensembles like the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Sydney String Quartet ; and has performed with such prominent jazz artists as Kenny Wheeler, Roy Haynes, Dave Holland, James Morrison, Adam Nussbaum and Vinnie Colaiuta. Since 2006, Mark has led his Resurgence band, playing original music from his CDs Resurgence, Tell It Like It Is and Aurora, music that is definitely jazz in spirit and construction, although informed by jazz-rock in some of its structures and energy. Joining Mark (piano) are James Muller (guitar), Matt Keegan (saxophones), Brett Hirst (bass) and Tim Firth, National Jazz Awards finalist (drums).
"Isaacs's compositions flood the senses and the pianist is playing with a passion that stands out in Australia today." - Peter Wockner,'Limelight'
"Seamless in conception, flawless in execution, exuberant in creativity . . . makes extremely complex music natural and accessible." - All About Jazz (USA)
MEMORY OF ELEMENTS
Memory Of Elements is a co-operative band featuring some of Perth's leading talents : Jamie Oehlers (tenor saxophone), Carl Mackey (alto saxophone), Tom O'Halloran (piano), Simon Jeans (guitar), Pete Jeavons (bass) and Ben Vanderwal (drums).
MICHAEL McQUAID'S LATE HOUR BOYS
Over the last decade or so, Michael McQuaid has earned a reputation as one of Australia's finest exponents of the classic or traditional jazz style. He has worked with other bands (including the Creole Bells, and with Allan Browne and Barry Wratten), but for the most part he has worked with his own bands, including the Red Hot Rhythmakers, and the Late Hour Boys (a nod to the late Ade Monsbourgh, one of the greats of Australian jazz who was an early mentor to Michael). Joining Michael (trumpet, clarinet, saxophone) will be Jason Downes (clarinet), Bob Franklin (piano), Liam O'Connell (banjo, guitar), Richard Mander (bass, tuba) and Ian Smith (drums, washboard, vocals).
"McQuaid is one of the exciting bunch of young and supremely talented musicians who have made Melbourne their home and revivalist jazz a special interest in their musical progression." - 'Jazz Scene'
MIKE NOCK
One of Australia's most accomplished and internationally-respected jazz artists, pianist Mike Nock began his career in his native New Zealand, before spending time in Sydney, then in Boston, San Francisco and New York, where he worked with a host of major artists from Coleman Hawkins and Art Blakey to Sam Rivers and Tony Williams. Since moving to Sydney in 1985, Mike has been a major influence on Australian jazz, both as a teacher and bandleader. At Wangaratta this year, he will be reunited with a kindred spirit from his New York days, bassist Barre Phillips, for a set of improvised duets.
"Nock plunged head-first into the white waters of free improvisation....(then) maintained that freedom, beauty and playfulness on the composed material." - John Shand, 'Sydney Morning Herald'
NATIONAL JAZZ AWARDS : DRUMS
Ten outstanding young drummers will perform in the semi-finals, with a stellar band featuring Dale Barlow (saxophone, flute), Matt McMahon (piano) and Ben Waples (bass). Each will perform three pieces, chosen from : a ballad, a blues, an original composition, a composition by Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, Dale Barlow or Paul Grabowsky.
NICK HAYWOOD'S QUARTET
An in-demand bassist on the Melbourne jazz scene for many years, bassist Nick Haywood is now based in Hobart, where he is head of the jazz studies course at the Hobart Conservatorium. Nick has worked with such leading local artists as Tony Gould, Rob Burke, Allan Browne, Tim Stevens and the Bennetts Lane Big Band, and visiting artists like Kenny Kirkland, Billy Harper and Mark Murphy. Nick formed this band last year to present his own compositions, in the illustrious company of Stephen Magnusson (guitar), Colin Hopkins (piano) and Allan Browne (drums).
PAUL GRABOWSKY and SANDY EVANS
Two of the major voices in Australian jazz today will perform for the first time as a duo at Wangaratta. Pianist Paul Grabowsky has been celebrated as a pianist, bandleader and composer, has won several ARIA and Bell Awards, and has worked with leading artists like Johnny Griffin, Dewey Redman, Bernie McGann and Han Bennink. Tenor/soprano saxophonist Sandy Evans has been a major soloist in several leading bands, and has worked with artists like Horace Tapscott, Odean Pope, Han Bennink, Bruce Cale and Judy Bailey. Paul and Sandy have often played together (notably in the Australian Art Orchestra) and have often talked about playing as a duo, and now their chance has arrived.
PAUL WILLIAMSON'S HAMMOND COMBO
Paul Williamson (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone, vocals) formed his Hammond Combo with Tim Neal (Hammond organ) and Mike Jordan (drums, vocals) over 20 years ago. In that time, they have developed a rare understanding of how best to support and inspire each other, while delivering an accessible, grooving and soulful blend of old-school jazz and R&B. They have been a fixture at the Rainbow Hotel for most of that time, and have often performed at the Wangaratta and Stonnington Jazz festivals.
PAUL WILLIAMSON'S INSIDE OUT
Melbourne trumpeter-composer Paul Williamson announced his arrival in the early 2000s with a series of impressive albums of original music, played by such outstanding musicians as Anton Delecca, Andrea Keller, Jordan Murray, Paul Grabowsky, Jamie Oehlers and Danny Fischer. He spent 2006-8 in Ireland. Since returning home in 2009, he has worked with Charlie Haden and with the Australian Art Orchestra, and has continued to develop his own bands. Inside Out features Paul with Marc Hannaford (piano), Sam Zerna (bass) and James McLean (drums). They released In Cahoots (Jazzhead) earlier this year.
"Hannaford's variations, mastery and elegance perfectly match the moods of the horn - its mellow musings, larrikin playfulness and shimmying, soaring and blazing sinuosity.." - Roger Mitchell, ausjazz.net
www.myspace.com/paulwilliamsontrumpet
PETER PETRUCCI
Melbourne guitarist-composer Peter Petrucci is renowned for his fluency and technique, and for his taste and imagination as an improviser. He has recorded two albums of duets with pianist Tony Gould, and as leader of his own Trio or Quartet. His latest release, This Way Out (Which Way Music), features Jamie Oehlers (tenor saxophone) as a guest, and Jamie will be featured with Peter's Trio at Wangaratta, alongside Ben Robertson (bass) and Ben Vanderwal (drums).
"Petrucci's crisp but urgent lines demonstrate his unique lyricism and virtuosity. These often intensely improvised tracks are cunningly interleaved with beguilingly gentle ballads that have been crafted by Petrucci but sound as if they could have come from the great American songbook." -Derek Leather,'The Sunday Age'
PHIL STACK TRIO
Sydney bassist Phil Stack has won the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship and the National Jazz Awards (2008), and has worked with artists like James Morrison, Joe Chindamo, Mark Isaacs, Dale Barlow and Theaktet, to name just a few. He will take a break from touring with Thirsty Merc to display his exceptional facility, big tone and powerful sense of swing, at the helm of a trio with James Muller (guitar) and Tim Firth (drums).
RAI THISTLETHWAYTE SOLO
Rai may be best-known as the singer (and guitarist-keyboardist) with popular rock band Thirsty Merc, but he began his career in music as a jazz pianist, working in Sydney with Errol Buddle, James Muller and Dale Barlow, among others. He played a memorable concert at Stonnington Jazz in 2010.
"It's a well-kept secret that Rai is an outstanding jazz pianist... I consider Rai the most exciting young jazz pianist to emerge in this country in recent years." - Mark Isaacs
SANDY EVANS SEXTET
One of the major figures in Australian jazz today, saxophonist-composer Sandy Evans has brought her distinctive sound and creativity to such ensembles as Women And Children First, Clarion Fracture Zone, Ten Part Invention, The catholics and the Australian Art Orchestra. Sandy won the Bell Award for Australian Jazz Musician of the Year in 2003. She formed the Sandy Evans Trio in 2001 with Brett Hirst (bass) and Toby Hall (drums), and expanded to a Sextet formation last year with the addition of Phil Slater (trumpet), James Greening (trombone) and Alister Spence (piano) to perform her suite, 'When The Sky Cries Rainbows'.
"...in a few seconds Sandy Evans has established she's fully in command, with a galaxy of musical ideas, both for her numerous compositions and to drive her inspired solos, either on tenor or soprano saxophone." - John McBeath, 'Adelaide Advertiser'
TED VINING'S IMPRESSIONS
One of the elder statesmen of Australian jazz, drummer Ted Vining has been leadings bands for over four decades now. He is now based in Hobart, but continues to catch up regularly with his closest musical colleague, the equally hard-swinging pianist Bob Sedergreen. Young bassist Gareth Hill joins them to make up the Impressions trio.
"Ted Vining and pianist Bob Sedergreen have never left you in any doubt that their music has heart. Vining has often literally shouted it at you, with rambunctious cymbal crashes and reckless punctuations. These two Melbourne stalwarts continue to galvanise other players with their energy and sheer joy in making music."- John Shand, 'Sydney Morning Herald'
THE MUTE CANARY PROJECT
Brisbane saxophonist Elliott Dalgleish is a truly exceptional virtuoso, a commanding improviser on almost every member of the saxophone family, from the baritone to the sopranino. He has played jazz, contemporary, classical and improvised music in a wide range of settings, from Artisans Workshop to the Australian Art Orchestra, from AustraLYSIS to the Australian Chamber Orchestra. His current focus is on The Mute Canary Project, which involves an evolving lineup of musicians from Brisbane and elsewhere, exploring original music and works by iconic jazz composers like Monk, Dolphy, Coleman, Lacy and Taylor. For this concert, Elliott will be joined by Melbourne bassist Philip Rex and Brisbane drummer Chris Vale.
"Dalgleish repeatedly proved what a bold, confident improviser he is. There was an insistency to his alto sound; a not-to-be-denied quality, like a hungry eaglet, which both commanded attention and directly charged the central nervous system." - John Shand, 'Sydney Morning Herald'
www.myspace.com/themutecanaryproject
THE SHUFFLE CLUB
This popular Melbourne combo delivers an irresistibly enjoyable blend of jazz, blues, boogie, jumping jive and R&B, embracing influences as diverse as Louis Jordan, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darrin and Louis Prima, and delivered with great musicianship, energy and a sense of fun. The Shuffle Club is Ash Gaudion (alto saxophone, vocals), Dannie Bourne (piano, vocals), Paul Griska (bass, vocals) and Rod Gilbert (drums, vocals); at Wangaratta, they will be joined by special guest Don Stewart (trombone).
THE SWINGING BLADES
One of the best ongoing gigs in Sydney is the weekly session (Sunday afternoons) at the Marrickville Golf Club, where you can hear The Swinging Blades, featuring vocalist Jane Irving, who released her debut album, Beams, in 2007. Joining her in The Swinging Blades are Aaron Flower (winner of the 2007 National Jazz Awards) on guitar, Kim Lawson on tenor saxophone, Zoe Hauptmann on bass and Evan Mannell on drums.
"Every so often an album appears without a marketing campaign.....and when heard with neutral expectations, suddenly springs to life with lavish talent and striking originality. Such an album is this release from Sydney vocalist Jane Irving....Irving's apogee of swinging expression and vocal range on Horace Silver's Doodlin' alone makes this album worth having.....Her style is very reminiscent of Anita O'Day: the same expressive phrasing and the facility to slide almost unnoticed into sophisticated scat." - John McBeath, 'The Australian'
TIM WILSON and ANDREA KELLER
Two leading bandleaders and soloists on the Melbourne jazz scene, alto saxophonist Tim Wilson and pianist Andrea Keller, first performed as a duo in 2008. In 2009, they released a live album, Life That Lingers (Downstream Music), where they explored original themes in an absorbing conversation.
www.myspace.com/downstreamaustralia
WANGARATTA HIGH SCHOOL BIG BAND
Over the last two decades, jazz has become established as a key interest for music students in the area around Wangaratta ; many local school bands perform on the Reid Street Community Stage, and students participate in the Youth Jazz Workshops. In addition to performing regularly at Reid Street, the Wangaratta High School Big Band has a regular spot at the Pinsent Hotel on Cup Eve. The band is now under the direction of WHS music teacher Scott Solimo.
WHITESPLOITATION
Whitesploitation are a young Melbourne band, jazz- educated, rock- motivated and bound together by a penchant for experimentation. The five members met while studying at the Monash School of Music in 2005, discovering a shared desire to fuse the raw energy of their favourite teenhood rock bands with the freedom and sophistication of modern jazz. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Frank Zappa, 12 Tone Diamonds, The Bad Plus, Jagga Jazzist, Kneebody, Miles Davis, Tortoise and Wayne Krantz, Whitesploitation have developed an original sound that combines tightly-structured composition with extensive improvisation and jamming, allowing their music to grow and evolve with each performance. Whitesploitation are Simon Mavin (keyboards), Phil Day (trumpet, samples), Nic Lam (guitar), Alex Yeap (bass), Nick Martyn (drums, percussion).
www.myspace.com/whitesploitation
INTERNATIONAL BLUES
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JIMMY D. LANE (USA)
Guitarist, singer and songwriter Jimmy D. Lane is a keeper of the blues flame passed to him by his father, the great Jimmy Rogers (think '50s Chess classics like 'Walking By Myself', 'You're The One' and 'That's All Right'). Born in 1965, Jimmy grew up in a house where regular visitors included Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and Little Walter. He has worked with many legendary bluesmen, including Jimmy Rogers, B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Dave Myers, Honeyboy Edwards, Henry Gray, Snooky Pryor and Carey Bell. Who else has he played with? Try names like Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Van Morrison, Stephen Stills, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. Having grown up listening to Cream, Jimi Hendrix and The Rolling Stones as well as the greats of Chicago blues, Jimmy has incorporated blues and rock influences into an exciting sound of his own. Jimmy will be joined by Russell 'Rusty' Cochrane (bass guitar) and Ben Cant (drums).
"'Long Gone' should move Jimmy D. Lane directly to the front ranks of those who will take the blues into the next century." - 'Living Blues'
http://www.jimmydlane.yolasite.com
AUSTRALIAN BLUES
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ANDY BAYLOR'S BLUES IS POETRY
A stalwart of the Melbourne 'roots music' scene, Andy Baylor is a respected guitarist, fiddler, singer and songwriter, at home with everything from jazz and blues to Cajun music and western swing. As heard on his Blues Is Poetry cd, this band presents original songs and instrumentals, along with convincing interpretations of songs by John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed and J.B. Lenoir. Joining Andy (guitar, vocals) are Rick Dempster (steel guitar, harmonica), Peter Beulke (bass) and Sharky Ramos (drums).
"Andy Baylor is one of Melbourne's greatest musical treasures." - Keith Glass, 'The Herald Sun'
BLUE HEAT
This powerhouse 7-piece band came out of Warrnambool in the early '90s, playing a soulful yet subtle, finely-crafted yet hard-hitting brand of blues. They produced two excellent albums of original songs (Irresistible Behaviour and Marooned), and did a fair bit of touring (including appearances at Wangaratta), and won awards for Blues Album of the Year and Blues Artist of the Year, before disbanding in 1997. Happily, they decided to get back together a few years ago for special events, and released a live album from 'back then', Live At The Continental. Featuring Marco Goldsmith (guitar, vocals) alongside Richard Tankard (keyboards), Barry Galbraith (bass) and Graeme Galbraith (drums), plus Brad Harrison (tenor saxophone), Matt Hewson (saxaphone) and Paul Lemke (trombone).
"Blue Heat were in a class of their own. Marco Goldsmith's soul-drenched vocals and wrenching blues guitar were accompanied by punchy rhythms from their three-piece horn line-up." - Andra Jackson, 'The Age'
http://www.myspace.com/blueheatblues
COLLARD GREENS and GRAVY
Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Band of the Year at the VIC - TAS Blues Music Awards (August 2011)
Male Artist of the Year - Ian Collard
Ian Collard (harmonica, vocals) formed this down-home blues trio with James Bridges (guitar) and Anthony Shortte (drums, percussion) back in 1995. Over the course of five albums (the latest is Juke Joint Boogie), and appearances at leading Australian festivals, and in the USA, they have earned a reputation for forging an original sound, while staying true to their chosen genre : the gritty, foot-stomping blues associated with the juke joints of Mississippi.
"An element of swampiness is achieved through Collard's reverb-drenched harp coupled with Bridge's eerie effects on guitar as Shortte lays down bulletproof, ironclad rhythms. The result? A rich, dark tone of a style that blues aficionados crave - primitive yet precise." - 'Blues Review' (USA)
HEATHER STEWART TRIO
Female Artist of the Year & Debut Album of the Year at the VIC - TAS Blues Music Awards (August 2011)
Singer and violinist Heather Stewart has studied and performed jazz and classical music, but has found her niche in the classic blues sound of the 1920s and '30s. As shown on her debut cd, Get Your Fingers Off It! (Blackmarket), the trio blends old-timey fiddle and traditional guitar fingerpicking with blues, swamp, country and cajun grooves, while Heather's powerful voice recalls the great blues divas like Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. Joining Heather are Dan Dinnen (guitar, harmonica, vocals) and Hugh Harvey (drums, percussion).
"It is great to see Heather helping reintroduce some important and often neglected early blues styles to a modern audience." - Fiona Boyes
www.heatherstewart.com.au
JIM CONWAY'S BIG WHEEL
Harmonica wizard Jim Conway is a legend of Australian music, going back to his early days with the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, his masterful work for almost two decades with The Backsliders, and in recent years, his recordings and performances with Jim Conway’s Big Wheel. Big Wheel delivers an irresistible blend of original and classic songs, embracing a wide range of blues and related styles (jump, boogie, swing, R&B and more). Joining Jim (harmonica, vocals) are Don Hopkins (piano, vocals), Jess Green (guitar, vocals), R.P. White (saxophone, vocals), Stan Valacos (bass) and Andrew Byrnes (drums).
"This second album from Jim Conway's exuberant five-piece outfit …is a wonderful reminder of the sheer joy and vitality of old-style swing, jumpin' jive, R&B and that loping style of New Orleans piano playing…..superb musicianship combined with beautifully crafted songs." - Bruce Elder, 'Sydney Morning Herald'
www.bigwheel.com.au
JULES BOULT
A fresh star on the Melbourne blues scene, guitarist-singer Jules Boult plays and sings with an assurance and strength that belie his youth. He has already released two CDs, Mark My Words and Live Carnivale, and won the Chain Award for Best New Blues Artist of 2011. Performing with Jules (vocals, guitar, piano) at Wangaratta will be Jimmie Sloggett (tenor saxophone), Aaron Richard (sousaphone) and Win Galea (drums).
"The unforced ease of the material can raise a smile to put one in mind of the first couple of Taj Mahal albums….and that's no light compliment. A good humour percolates through the music, the playing is tight but loose and vocally, Boult doesn't strain for effect." – Ken Williams, 'The Age'
MBAS UNEARTHED: Blues Mountain
The Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society has been running the Youth In Blues program for several years now, aimed at helping young musicians get a start on the local blues scene. The latest band to emerge from the 'Unearthed' program is Blues Mountain, featuring Jesse Valach (guitar, vocals) with Roger Nelson (harmonica), Linden Lester (bass) and Peter Hodges (drums)
www.myspace.com/bluesmountaintrio
www.mbas.org.au
PAUL WILLIAMSON'S HAMMOND BLUES REVUE
Saxophonist-singer Paul Williamson has been leading his Hammond Combo around Melbourne for over 20 years, with Tim Neal (Hammond organ) and Mike Jordan (drums, vocals), playing a soulful blend of jazz and r&b. For this show, the Hammond Combo will present a blues-oriented program, with a lineup of very special guests : the soulful Ella Thompson (vocals), the masterful James Black (piano, guitar) and the explosive Shannon Bourne (guitar, vocals).
SHANNON BOURNE
Melbourne-based guitarist-singer Shannon Bourne first began attracting attention for his work with local blues boss Chris Wilson, and went on to work with Checkerboard, Matt Walker, Andy Cowan and Broderick Smith. Shannon showed what he could do as a leader and songwriter with Burn It Down in 2006 and Dark Things in 2009. Joining Shannon at Wangaratta will be Richard Tankard (keyboards), Karl Willebrant (bass) and Dean Matters (drums).
"One of the best electric blues guitarists in this country, hands down..."- Sam Fell, 'Rhythms'
SWEET FELICIA and THE HONEYTONES
Bassist-vocalist Sweet Felicia has worked with such top Australian blues artists as Lil' Fi, Chris Wilson, Jeff Lang and Phil Manning, and has gone from strength to strength since stepping out as a bandleader with The Honeytones. They won the MBAS Blues Performer of the Year title in 2010, which enabled them to compete in the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Joining Felicia are Paul Bignell (guitar) and Scott Bennett (drums).
www.myspace.com/sweetfeliciamusic
The tradition continues -
Start your Wangaratta Jazz Festival with a literary launch at the Wangaratta Library. We'll be launching a
collection of jazz poetry by much-loved poet Geoff Page from 6:00 pm on Friday 28 October. Hear Geoff
read from A Sudden Sentence in the Air, his new collection of pieces inspired by his love for jazz and improvised
music and raise a glass to help us send it out into the world. We'll also be announcing the winners of the 2011
National Jazz Writing Competition. So put it in your diary and please join us for some refreshments and celebration.
Check www.extempore.com.au from September for more details!