ANDREA MARR
Dynamic vocalist Andrea Marr is a contender for the ‘Queen of the Blues’ crown. Her last two albums have won rave reviews, and she has performed in the USA as well as around Australia. With Greg Dodd (guitar), Clint Healy (bass), Dean Matters (drums) Sean Vagg (saxophone), Dave Palmer (trombone), Sean Rankin (trumpet), Cam Scott (keys/hammond).
Blues Marquee Sat 31 Oct 7:15pm
AUSTRALIAN ART ORCHESTRA
Daring trumpeter Scott Tinkler leads a special edition of the Australian Art Orchestra, in a premiere performance of an extended composition for improvisers, which will contrast through-composed sections with passages of free improvisation.
With Phil Slater (trumpet), Carl Dewhurst and Steve Magnusson (guitars), Marc Hannaford (piano), Philip Rex (bass), Ken Edie and Simon Barker (drums, percussion).
www.aao.com.au
PAC Theatre Fri 30 Oct 11:00pm
ALLAN BROWNE'S AUSTRALIAN JAZZ BAND
Drummer Allan Browne leads a stellar lineup - with Jo Stevenson and Michael McQuaid (clarinet saxophone), Stephen Grant (cornet), Margie Lour Dyer (piano, vocals), John Scurry (banjo, guitar) and Howard Cairns (bass) - on a program featuring pieces written by Australian jazz greats Graeme Bell, Ade Monsbourgh, John Sanster and Warwick Dyer.
In 2000 Allan was the second Jazz musician to receive the Don Banks music award from the Australia Council, and he won 3 Bell awards one for his lifetime achievement in Jazz. His Jazzhead cds:” the Drunken Boat “and “Homage “while “East St. Kilda Toodle oo “was nominated for two ARIA and an APRA award.
“Bound together by his lithe drumming insouciance and that unmistakeable magnitude of heart.”
John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald.
http://allanbrowne.alphalink.com.au
BAND OF FIVE NAMES
This acclaimed sydney ensemble features the daring, highly empathetic imprvisational skills of Phil Slater (trumpet, laptop), Matt McMahon (piano, keyboards) Carl Dewhurst (guitar) and Simon Barker (drums). The group continues to develop from its spacious acoustic jazz origins into an ensemble, which employs electronics, ambient grooves and layered textures. Band Of Five Names has been a prominently featured group in Australia and abroad, including tours throughout Asia, performances at major music festivals and their music appears on Australian radio and television.
BLUE HEAT
A welcome return for this exciting 7-piece band from Warrnambool, led by guitarist, singer and songwriter Marco Goldsmith. They were one of the hottest blues bands on the Australian scene in the mid ‘90s, with a big strong sound and an all-original repertoire. After a few years on the backburner, Blue Heat is back in action.
Marco Goldsmith (vocals, guitar), Brad Harrison (tenor sax), Paul Lemke (trombone), Matthew Trenery (trumpet), Richard Tankard (keyboards), Graeme Galbraith (bass), Barry Galbraith (drums).
www.blueheat.biz and www.myspace.com\blueheatblues
BOB BARNARD
Bob Barnard has been presented by jazz festivals and clubs all over the world and the response is seldom less than enthusiastic. Reviews are seldom less than rave, from The Age (Melbourne) to El Mercurio (Santiago, Chile) from the Sydney Morning Herald to the Jaz Journal International or Rapport (Los Angeles).
His awards include, The Queen Elisabeth Jubilee Medal, Australian Jazz Critics Awards, “MO” Award on two occasions (1993 and 1997) for Jazz performance of the year, Awarded the ‘Order of Australia’ 1990 and the Advance Australia Award.
www.members.westnet.com.au/bobbarnard
BOB SEDERGREEN and TONY GOULD
Two of the most accomplished, instantly-recognisable pianists in Australian jazz (and both winners of the prestigious Don Banks Fellowship), Bob Sedergreen and Tony Gould have been playing occasional duo concerts for many years now, revelling in the chance to support and surprise each other while playing a varied program of standard and obscure material.
www.bobsedergreen.com / www.tonygould.com
Photo: Natasha Blankfield
BRIAN ABRAHAMS' DISTRICT SIX
South African drummer Brian Abrahams was based in London for many years, and recently moved to Australia. District Six is a five piece improvising ensemble dedicated to playing challenging original compositions rich with sounds from the southern tip of Africa with Cam McAllister (trumpet), Tony Hicks (saxaphones), John McAll (piano, keyboards), Zvi Belling (bass) and Brian Abrahams (drums, vocals).
www.brianabrahams.co.uk
BRIDIE KING & THE BOOGIE KINGS with THE HARMONY QUEENS
Sydney’s leading exponent of blues and boogie woogie piano, Bridie King returns to Wangaratta with her band The Boogie Kings, along with The Harmony Queens on vocals. Lorna Kaufusi, Narelle Evans, Karana Nepe (vocals), Bridie King (piano), Merv Sequeira (bass), Jacob Cook (drums)
Bridie King is one of Australia’s most convincing blues pianists. Bridie can really pound the keyboard, creating an air of excitement around her performances which usually have the crowd on their feet. Her music spotlights a taste for hard driving swing, rolling boogie woogie and Southern r’n’b, with soul-drenched harmonies. Bridie has always adopted a philosophy of playing the music she really loves, something that is whole heartedly reflected in her every performance.
Bridie has been a driving force on the Sydney blues scene for 3 decades – as a performer, band leader and tutor. She has produced two CDs under her name, My Blues (1999) and Way Back Home (2008), which both received outstanding reviews.
With her will be and The Harmony Queens Karana Nepe, Lorna Tonga and Narelle Evans and The Boogie Kings Jacob Cook on drums, and bassist Merv Sequiera.
CARLO BARBARO / EAMON McNELIS QUARTET
Saxophonist Carlo Barbaro and trumpeter Eamon McNelis first played together in Vada. They formed this band last year, primarily to play the music of Mark Simmonds’ Freeboppers. They have been playing together since their early high school days. Complementing this music will be the robust rhythm section team of Tom Lee (acoustic bass) and Sam Bates (drums).
COOL'S COOL
Saxophonists Julien Wilson and Phil Noy trade solos (and share unison and contrapuntal lines) in this band, whose sound and repertoire are inspired by the work of Lennie Tristano, Lee Konitz and Warne Marsh ; with Sam Anning (bass) and Allan Browne (drums).
EMBERS
This is an uncompromising, high-energy improvising ensemble, combining the voices of Kris Wanders (saxophone), Adam Simmons (saxophones), Dave Brown (bass guitar) and Sean Baxter (drums).
Embers is a high-octane free jazz quartet featuring four of Australia's most adventurous and energetic improvisors. Comprising Adam Simmons, Dave Brown and Sean Baxter (who all began their collaborative partnership in the renowned jazz-punk group, bucketrider), with Globe Unity Orchestra alumni, Kris Wanders (a veteran of the European Free Improv movement), Embers were formed in Melbourne, in 2006. Fusing the ecstatic free jazz traditions of Europe and America from the late 60s with the maximalist densities of contemporary grindcore and noise, Embers have become a cause celibre in the underground rock and metal scenes throughout Australia due to their blistering and uncompromising, freely improvised performances. The group has performed at various festivals, including Melbourne Fringe, the NOWNow and Static Age. Their debut CD, Slag Welter, was released on Heathen Skulls in 2008.
FALLINGWATER TRIO
This Melbourne trio features Phil Bywater (saxophones), Elliot Folvig (guitar) and Dale Lindrea (bass guitar). They play original music, with an emphasis on melodic contemplation and development.
"Fallingwater Trio...have created a stunning jazz album. Bywater's lyrical sensuous sax is the standout, but the lovely gentle backing of Folvig and Lindrea make a perfect backdrop. At times this is very Zen, if you like your jazz soothing...this is your thing."
Sid Grane, Readings Monthly May 2009
http://people.aapt.net.au/~anitaandphil/philbywater/fallingwatertrio.html
GLEN TERRY
Based in Canberra, singer-guitarist-songwriter Glen Terry leads a stellar band, with Andy Thompson (saxophone), Christian Marsh (harmonica), Parris McLeod (keyboards), Richard Armstrong (bass), Calvin Welch (drums).
www.myspace.com/glenianterry
GLENN JACOBI'S HOT LICKS JAZZ BAND
After spending a few years in Europe (where he worked with Spanish trad outfit, Los Krokodillos), young trombonist Glenn Jacobi is back in Melbourne, and has formed his own band. Bringing fresh faces to old jazz, the Hot Licks Jazz Band sound is new-wave traditional jazz and combines the talents of some of Melbourne’s hottest jazz musicians with the licks to produce a sound that is lively, raw and sure to get your toes tapping.
Glenn Jacobi (trombone, vocals), Eamon McNelis (trumpet, vocals), Assaf Shevach (clarinet, vocals), Dan Gordon (tuba), Peter Hooper (banjo), Andrew Keegan (drums).
www.hotlicksjazzband.com http://www.jacobimusic.com/
HAT FITZ & CARA ROBINSON
Queensland’s wild man of down-home blues, Hat Fitz, is known for his full-on renditions of both traditional and original songs. This year, he is touring with Irish vocalist/percussionist, Cara Robinson.
“ This is a loud feral stomp down a Queensland dirt road.............the sort of unpretentious music that doesn’t care whether your pissed as a maggot or sober as a judge..........the players sound like their beating their instruments to within an inch of their lives” - Jeff Lang.
www.hatfitz.net
THE HOODANGERS
Melbourne’s popular ‘punk trad’ band, The Hoodangers return with their high-energy take on the classic jazz repertoire (and areas beyond). Ben Gillespie (trombone, vocals), Eugene Ball (trumpet), Phil Noy (saxophone), Mal Williams (banjo), Mark Elton (bass) Ollie Browne (drums).
The Hoodangers will be be joined in Wangaratta by special guest Phil ‘Feel Noice’ Noy.
www.eugeneball.com/projects/hoodangers
THE LOUISIANA SHAKERS
This long-running band plays authentic jazz in the vintage New Orleans style: with Derek Reynolds (trumpet), Charlie Powell (trombone), Nick Polites (clarinet), Ashley Keating (banjo), Nathaniel Garbutt (bass) and Kevin Bolton (drums).
‘The Louisiana Shakers play great jazz with mud on its boots, bruises on its knuckles and a flair for capturing the feel of the real thing.’
Review, Weymouth Jazz Festival (UK)
www.louisianashakers.com
ISH ISH
IshIsh was one of the most exciting bands on the Melbourne scene in the late ‘90s, and went on to perform at the Umbria and Pori Jazz Festivals in 2001. After a dormant period, they are back, sounding as fresh and vibrant as ever.
The members are Eugene Ball (trumpet), Jordan Murray (trombone), Julien Wilson (saxophones), Mark Shepherd (bass), Ronny Ferella (drums).
“the telepathy and cohesion between the players is extraordinary.” Canberra Times
www.downstreammusic.com.au
JOHN MCALL'S BLACK MONEY
Pianist John McAll, long a respected performer on the Melbourne jazz scene (he has worked with artists as diverse as Renee Geyer, Ross Wilson, Nichaud Fitzgibbon and the David Chesworth Ensemble) released an overdue debut album this year. Playing music from Black Money will be David Rex (alto), Jordan Murray (trombone), Adam Simmons (saxophones), Philip Rex (bass) and David Jones (drums).
“McAll has tapped significant talent for a balanced, captivating ensemble. Highlights are Glitter and Dust and the one standard I Should Care. Black Money is on the money.” Roger Mitchell - Sunday Herald Sun
www.myspace.com/johnmcall
KRISTIN BERARDI SEXTET
Originally from Brisbane, now based in Sydney, vocalist Kristin Berardi made headlines when she won the Montreux Jazz Festival’s International Vocal Competition in 2006; she also won the Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2007. She will perform a program of mainly-original songs, with Mike Nock (piano), David Theak (saxophone), James Sherlock (guitar), Alex Boneham (bass) and Tim Firth (drums).
This group has performed at the 2007 JazzNOW Festival held at the beautiful Sydney Opera House, 2006 Wangaratta Jazz Festival, 2007 Darling Harbour Jazz Festival, at SIMA's Sound Lounge and Jazzgroove at the Excelsior Hotel. They have an album, featuring Berardi's original material, on the JazzHead Label (“The Kristin Berardi Band”) which was a finalist in the National Bell Jazz Awards as Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2008.
LIL' FI & THE GALLERY OF ENLIGHTENED ROGUES
Originally from Queensland, blues singer Lil’ Fi is now based in Victoria, and fans always welcome the chance to hear her powerful, witty performances. Joining her in her latest band are Big Boy Lemonade (keyboards), Rory McKibbin (guitar), Chris Rogers (bass) and Peter Robinson (drums).
“One of the perennial stars of music festivals around the country, Lil’ Fi has an uncanny ability to capture an audience with her dynamic performances, humour and a collection of songs that invariably hit the mark...” Brian Wise – Rhythms Magazine, Australia, March 2002
www.lilfi.com
MIKE NOCK & NIKO SCHAUBLE
One of Australia’s most internationally-experienced jazz artists, pianist-composer Mike Nock has performed at Wangaratta in settings from solo to big band. Here, he renews an occasional association with Melbourne drummer Niko Schauble (who began his career in Germany) for a set of improvisations that will be absorbing and unpredictable.
www.mikenock.com / www.niko-music.com
PATERAS-BAXTER-BROWN
PAUL GRABOWSKY
One of Australia’s leading jazz composers and pianists, Paul Grabowsky leads an all-star band, revisiting and expanding on music that he composed for his Sextet in the 1990s. With Jamie Oehlers (tenor), Carl Mackey (alto), Jordan Murray (trombone), Philip Rex (bass) and Niko Schauble (drums).
Paul Grabowsky is one of Australia’s most distinguished artists. He is currently the Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival. He is founder and director of the Australian Art Orchestra, which he established in 1994.The AAO is regarded as one of Australia's truly unique and important contemporary ensembles, and is renowned for its collaborations with musicians from India, Bali, and, most recently, traditional songmen from Arnhem Land. He has recorded in London, New York and Munich.
He has received numerous awards, including 4 ARIA awards, an AFI award, two Helpmann awards and a Deadly. He was Sydney Myer Performing Artist of the Year in 2000. He has released numerous recordings, from his debut in 1985 until the critically acclaimed 'Always' in 2006. His trio is considered one of Australia's most influential contemporary jazz groups. He has within the last few year collaborated on various projects with artists as diverse as Branford Marsalis, William Barton, Paul Kelly, Archie Roach, The Golden String Quartet and Diana Doherty. www.paulgrabowsky.com
www.paulgrabowsky.com
SCOTT TINKLER & SIMON BARKER
Expect some adventurous and surprising sounds and ideas in this set of improvised duets from Scott Tinkler (trumpet) and Simon Barker (drums).
www.stinkler.com / www.jazz-planet.com/simonbarker
THE SNAPPERS
The Snappers present an entertaining, energetic blend of jazz and r&b, with Ben Gillespie (trombone, vocals), Richard Burns (trumpet), Carlo Barbaro (saxophones), Craig Fermanis (guitar), Mark Elton (bass), Sam Bates (drums).
The group has toured extensively throughout Europe, Scandinavia and Iceland and continue a busy schedule playing clubs throughout their home town of Melbourne.
www.thesnappers.com.au
THE SWEET LOWDOWNS
A popular combo of younger-generation traditional jazz/swing stylists, The Sweet Lowdowns feature Sandra Talty (vocals, drums) with Michael McQuaid (trumpet, clarinet, saxophones), Liam O’Connell (guitar) and Richard Mander (bass).
In 2004 they released their first album ‘Happy Feet' independently; then in late 2007, they finally released their long awaited second CD Cuttin' Capers, which was named Winner of the 2008 Australian Jazz Bell Award for the Best Australian Classic Jazz Album!
ANDY FIDDES' LIVEWIRE
Sydney trumpeter-composer Andy Fiddes leads this fresh and vibrant band, with Matt McMahon (electric piano), Alex Boneham (bass) and Evan Mannell (drums).
'Fiddes has a bell-like sound that sometimes calls to mind Dave Douglas, sometimes Miles, sometimes even Don Cherry. I suppose this range means that he has what most musicians want: his own sound...'
Greg Levine - Jazz Australia
THE SYNCOPATORS
One of Australia’s longest-running bands, and winner of the 2009 Bell Award for Classic Jazz Album of the Year, The Syncopators present a polished, entertaining, and always-swinging combination of traditional jazz, swing and r&b. Peter Gaudion (trumpet, vocals), Chris Ludowyk (trombone), Richard Miller (clarinet, saxophone), Stephen Grant (piano), Jeff Arthur (guitar, banjo), James Clark (bass, tuba), Andrew Swann (drums).
TIM STEVENS TRIO
Melbourne pianist and composer Tim Stevens has recorded two albums of original compositions, and one of free improvisations, with bassist Ben Robertson and drummer Dave Beck. Together, they form one of the most well-matched, finely balanced piano trios in Australian jazz today.
www.myspace.com/timothystevens
THE VAMPIRES
Alto saxophonist Jeremy Rose (winner of the 2009 Bell Awards for Young Australian Jazz Musician of the Year) leads this superb ensemble, with Nick Garbett (trumpet), Alex Boneham (bass) and Alex Masso (drums); for one concert, they will be joined by Fabian Hevia (percussion).
"Much of the summer we've missed is on this brilliant disc. The Vampires play with wit, soulful melody and invention… Inspiration is another word for this combination.” Sydney Morning Herald
www.myspace.com/jeremyrosemusic / www.myspace.com/theevampires
THE VANGUARDS
Dale Lindrea (bass, tenor guitar, vocals) leads a gritty, hard-working band, along with Dean Hilson (tenor saxophone), Dai Jones (vocals, guitar) and Andy Fitzgibbon (drums).
Muddy Waters Meets Kraftwerk
www.thevanguards.com.au
WILSON MAGNUSSON QUINTET
An exceptionally potent and imaginative saxophonist, Julien Wilson performs original music with Stephen Magnusson (guitar), Barney McAll (piano), Sam Anning (bass) and James McLean (drums).