Kurt Elling

Having introduced Kurt Elling to Australia back in 1998, Wangaratta Jazz is delighted to host a return visit by today's foremost male jazz singer. Chicago-based Kurt Elling is renowned for his peerless musicianship, his artistic vision and originality, and his ability to take his audience with him as he embarks on his musical adventures. With Laurence Hobgood (piano, musical director), Bob Sheppard (saxophones, flute), Harish Raghavan (bass) and Ulysses Owens (drums).   

"Since the mid 1990s, no singer in jazz has been as daring, dynamic or interesting as Kurt Elling. With his soaring vocal flights, his edgy lyrics and his sense of being on a musical mission, he has come to embody the creative spirit in jazz." - The Washington Post. 

"The standout male jazz vocalist of our time" - The New York Times.

Artists:  Kurt Elling, Laurence Hobgood, Bob Sheppard, Harish Raghavan, Ulysses Owens,

www.kurtelling.com

Sara Serpa

As a native of Lisbon, Portugal, New York-based vocalist and composer Sara Serpa has been hailed as one of the most gifted young vocalists on the US jazz scene. Sara moved to the USA to study at Berklee College of Music and later the New England Conservatory. She is currently a member of Greg Osby's band, and has worked with such other artists as Esperanza Spalding, Danilo Perez, Ben Monder, Noah Preminger, Andre Matos and Tyshawn Sorey. Sara's ability to navigate through demanding, instrumental music and improvise over complex chord progressions is amazingly natural. She sings mostly wordless music, going beyond traditional scat technique. Sara will be accompanied by another young Portugese star, Andre Matos (guitar), along with Aaron Choulai (piano), Sugawa Takashi (bass) and Tanaka Noritaka (drums).
"She's the freshest vocalist on the scene at the moment.......she raises profound questions regarding the previous role of the vocalist in jazz. What's radical, is that it's not about the ridiculous chops or inhuman gymnastic training or trickery. She sings as an instrumentalist, as a member of an ensemble with a bold conception, moving seamlessly as would a saxophonist from melodist to soloist, or from a front line horn to an ensemble voice." - All About Jazz

Artists:  Sara Serpa, Andre Matos, Aaron Choulai, Sugawa Takashi, Tanaka Noritaka,

www.saraserpa.com

Oliver Lake Organ Quartet

A highly respected figure on the US music scene, alto/soprano saxophonist Oliver Lake is often described as an 'avant-garde' musician, but his music has strong roots in the jazz tradition, and his open-minded approach has seen him collaborate with artists as diverse as the Brooklyn Philharmonic, the Arditti String Quartet, Bjork, A Tribe Called Quest and Me'shell Ndegeocello. Oliver is also a founding member of the World Saxophone Quartet and Trio 3, as well as leading his own ensembles. Oliver formed his Organ Quartet in 2005. It features Jared Gold on the Hammond B3 organ, Oliver Lake on alto sax, Chris Beck on drums, and Russell Gunn on trumpet. The group recently released its second album, Plan. Oliver will also perform a solo concert, incorporating poetry and saxophone improvisations.  

"Building on a basic blues language, Mr Lake adds influences from around the world : his music is a flow of images and colors that change rapidly but beguilingly, like an elegantly edited film." - New York Times

This engagement is supported by Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation through USArtists International in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Artists:  Oliver Lake, Russell Gunn, Jared Gold, Chris Beck,

www.oliverlake.net

James Morrison

James Morrison is Australia’s favorite jazz performer, and best-known jazz export. He is a remarkably talented musician (excelling on trumpet, trombone, flugelhorn, bass trumpet, piano, and various other instruments) who was identified as a teenage prodigy by Don Burrows, and has since gone on to play alongside such jazz greats as Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, George Benson, Lalo Schiffrin and Wynton Marsalis.  He performs regularly at clubs, festivals and concert halls in Europe and the USA. His latest album is a trio project, with the outstanding guitarist James Muller and bassist Phil Stack (both winners of the National Jazz Awards), which will be officially launched at Wangaratta.

Artists:  James Morrison, James Muller, Phil Stack,

www.jamesmorrison.com.au

Aaron Choulai's Sisia Natuna

Sisia Natuna is the latest band led by pianist-composer Aaron Choulai, featuring his favourite musicians on the Tokyo jazz scene. Born in Papua New Guinea, Aaron began his career in Melbourne, notably with the sextet Vada. In addition to leading his own bands, Aaron has worked as musical director for Kate Ceberano and for The Black Arm Band, as well as with jazz artists like Jim Black, Tim Ries, Ben Monder and Joel Frahm. Aaron won the Bell Award for Young Jazz Musician of the Year in 2006. He devised a suite for Vada and a 16-voice choir from Papua New Guinea called We Dont Dance For No Reason, which was commissioned by the Queensland Music Festival and was also performed for the Melbourne Arts Festival. Aaron has lived in Tokyo for the last two years, exploring Japanese aesthetics and their application to music. Joining him in Sisia Natuna are Yoshimoto Akihiro (tenor saxophone), Komano Itsumi (trombone), Sugawa Takashi (bass) and Tanaka Noritaka (drums).

Artists:  Aaron Choulai, Yoshimoto Akihiro, Komano Itsumi, Sugawa Takashi, Tanaka Noritaka,

www.aaronchoulai.com

Jef Neve Trio

"Belgian pianist Jef Neve first achieved international recognition as the pianist in the Pascal Schumacher Quartet. More recently, he has been hailed as one of the rising stars on the European jazz scene, thanks to the success of a series of albums by the Jef Neve Trio, including It's Gone, Nobody Is Illegal and Soul In A Picture. The Trio has played throughout Europe (including the Paris, Vienna, North Sea and London jazz festivals), and in Canada, Mexico and Japan. Joining Jef are Dutch bassist Reuben Samama and Belgian drummer Teun Verbruggen.

“His concerts are almost like a religious experience, riveting audiences by the sheer power and imagination of his playing."" The Observer (UK)."

Photo: Lieven Dirckx

Artists:  Jef Neve, Teun Verbruggen, Ruben Samama (bass),

www.jefneve.be

Yuri Honing Quartet

The leading saxophonist of his generation on the Dutch jazz scene, Yuri Honing first attracted attention in the early '90s with his Trio, who enjoyed reinterpreting pop songs (by The Police, Blondie and ABBA) as jazz vehicles. Since then, Yuri has worked with pop singers, orchestras, dance producers and musicians from the Middle East, as well as jazz heavyweights like Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Paul Bley, Gary Peacock, Paul Motian and Misha Mengelberg. He currently leads two ensembles, the electric guitar-fuelled Wired Paradise, and this Quartet, where the emphasis is more on freedom, spiritualism and space. Joining Yuri (tenor/soprano saxophone) are Wolfert Brederode (piano), Mats Eilertsen (bass) and Joost Lijbaart (drums).

"Honing has a fine improviser's mind and an early-Coltrane muscularity that makes the songs seem like familiar echoes you heard somewhere before, and the band works together with a taut, hard-edged vitality." - The Guardian (London)

"The playing is extraordinarily fluid.  There's also a typical Dutch playfulness involved."" - The Independent (London)

Artists:  Yuri Honing, Wolfert Brederode, Frans Van De Hoeven, Joost Lijbaart,

www.yurihoning.com

Diesel

Over the last two decades, Diesel has established a reputation as one of Australia's hottest performers, whether playing original rock or returning to his blues roots, as he did last year with his Suffering Saturday Fools album. His 1996 collaboration with Chris Wilson, Short Cool Ones, stands as one of the classics Australian blues records. An exceptional guitarist and charismatic singer, Diesel will focus on his love of the blues for this show, accompanied by Lee Moloney (drums) and Richie Vez (bass).

Artists:  Diesel, Lee Moloney (drums), Richie Vez (bass),

www.dieselmusic.com.au

Blue Empress Hot Licks Revue

The Blue Empress Hot Licks Revue combines two international award-winning blues guitarists and singers, Fiona Boyes and Debbie Davies, who first played together on the 2009 Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise in the States. Fiona Boyes divides her time between Australia and North America, where she has won numerous accolades, including the 2009 Los Angeles Blues Critics Award for Best Live Blues Album and 4 consecutive US Blues Music Award nominations.  Described by Muddy Waters’ pianist Pinetop Perkins as "the best female guitar player I’ve heard since Memphis Minnie", Fiona draws from a deep well of traditional and contemporary Blues styles, whether playing acoustic, electric, and resonator guitars. The winner of the 2010 US Blues Music Award for Best Traditional Female Blues Artist, Debbie Davies is recognized as one of the world’s finest blues guitarists.  She has worked alongside greats like Albert Collins, John Mayall, Ike Turner, James Cotton, Mick Taylor and Peter Green.  The Los Angeles Times said of Debbie, "she wields an electric guitar as if it were a wand." Fiona and Debbie will be joined by Fiona’s Aussie band The Fortune Tellers, featuring Dean Addison (bass), Mark Grunden (drums), Tim Neal (keyboards), and Neils Rosendahl (saxophone).

Artists:  Debbie Davies, Fiona Boyes, Tim Neal, Dean Addison, Mark Grunden, Niels Rosendahl,

www.blueempressmusic.com

Allan Browne Quintet

"Drummer and bandleader Allan Browne recently celebrated 50 years as a jazz musician. His career goes back to when he helped form the Red Onion Jazz Band as a schoolboy. Since then, Allan has retained his love of traditional jazz, but has also performed in more mainstream and contemporary settings, whether as sideman or bandleader. He has worked with everyone from Paul Grabowsky and Bob Sedergreen to Jay McShann and Phil Woods. Allan has won the Australia Council's Don Banks award, has received the Bell Award for career achievment, and has won several other Bell Awards and several ARIA awards. His Quintet's latest work is Une Saison En Enfer, a suite inspired by the poetry of Artur Rimbaud. Joining Allan are Eugene Ball (trumpet), Phil Noy (alto, baritone saxophones), Geoff Hughes (guitar) and Nick Haywood (bass).

“What a beautiful array of tunes from Browne and band members, ranging from sunlit, playful bop to a more contemporary euphoria… Browne is one of the most vital creative forces in Australia” John Clare, Sydney Morning Herald"

Artists:  Eugene Ball, Allan Browne, Phil Noy, Geoff Hughes, Nick Haywood,

www.jazzhead.com

Alister Spence Trio

"Pianist-composer Alister Spence (Clarion Fracture Zone, Wanderlust, Australian Art Orchestra) has led this Trio for over a decade now, with
Lloyd Swanton (bass) and Toby Hall (drums, glockenspiel). In their four albums, and in performances including tours to Japan, Canada and the UK, they have developed a distinctive sound, spanning moods from the vibrant to the mesmerising.
‘Guaranteed to draw you into their captivating musical worlds’ Sydney Morning Herald
'Spence has that priceless gift of always leaving you wanting more'
Jazzwise Magazine UK "

Artists:  Alister Spence, Lloyd Swanton, Toby Hall,

www.alisterspence.com

Andrea Keller Quartet

"Acclaimed as one of Australia's most imaginative and original composers and pianists, Andre Keller leads her Quartet with longtime collaborators Eugene Ball (trumpet), Ian Whitehurst (tenor saxophone) and Joe Talia (drums). The AKQ has performed extensively throughout Australia, and toured Europe in 2007. Andrea has received several ARIA and Bell Awards for her recordings with this, and other ensembles. The Quartet's most recent album, Galumphing 'Round The Nation (Jazzhead), sees the Quartet performing with several special guests. Two of these guests, trumpeter Phil Slater and altoist Bernie McGann, will sit in with the Quartet for their concert at Wangaratta.

""One of this country's most daring and fascinating composers, she produces work that bristles with surprises, a powerful blend of European lyricism with space and improvisation."" - Leon Gettler,  The Age."

Artists:  Andrea Keller, Ian Whitehurst, Joe Talia, Bernie McGann, Phil Slater, Eugene Ball,

www.andreakellerpiano.com

Andrew Dickeson Quintet

Andrew Dickeson has been at the forefront of Jazz drumming in Australia for over 2 decades. His crisp, hard-swinging and dynamic playing has been heard with such names as Bobby Gebert, Bernie McGann, Dale Barlow, John Harkins, Warwick Alder, Johnny Griffin, Junior Cook, Eddie Henderson and Andy Bey. He was a finalist in the Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Drums Competition in 1992.  Andrew recently assembled his 'dream band', combining both experienced players and talented youngsters. Joining Andrew are NZ-based tenor saxophonist Roger Manins (past winner of the National Jazz Awards), Melbourne trumpeter Eamon McNelis (Flap!, Vada) and from Sydney, bassist Alex Boneham and pianist Steve Barry.

Photo: Kyle Powderly

Artists:  Andrew Dickeson, Eamon McNelis, Roger Manins, Steve Barry, Alex Boneham,

Andy Sugg Group

One of Australia's leading saxophonists, Andy Sugg began his career in Adelaide, but has been based in Melbourne for many years now. He is primarily a tenor saxophonist (he also plays soprano), who has made an intensive study of John Coltrane's legacy, and has studied on an ongoing basis with the great Dave Liebman. His current band, The Andy Sugg Group, explores Andy's ideas about composition and improvisation is a jazz-fusion context, as heard on his latest album, Brunswick Nights (Downstream Music), with a crew of exciting younger musicians.

“Brilliant, sparkling, strongly surging…Sugg is a high-order musician.” Sydney Morning Herald.

“A dedicated warrior” David Liebman.

Artists:  Andy Sugg, Nash Lee, Daniel Gassin, James Gilligan, James McLean,

www.andysugg.com

Anni Piper

Ever since she released her debut CD ‘Jailbait’ in 2004, Queensland blues singer, bassist and songwriter Anni Piper has been winning fans and critical plaudits. She has won numerous awards, including ‘Best New Talent’ at the 2005 Australian Blues Music Awards. She has attracted international interest, and last year signed with the US label, Blues Leaf Records. Anni's sound ranges from traditional blues standards and sounds to original songs with a tougher, rock-inspired edge.  Anni has played at several music festivals, including the Woodford Folk Festival, Gympie Country Music Muster, Bruthen Blues Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival and the Australian Blues Music Festival in Goulburn. Joining Anni are Sam Buckley (guitar) and Reuben Alexander (drums).

Artists:  Anni Piper, Sam Buckley, Antero Ceschin,

www.annipiper.com

Bernie McGann Quartet

One of the greats of Australian jazz, Sydney-based alto saxophonist Bernie McGann has won international acclaim for his fiercely original sound and style. Bernie has been playing with his own distinctive sound since the 1960s ; recognition was a long time coming, but he has recorded regularly in the last 20 years, has toured Europe and the USA, has been hailed by critics at home and abroad, and has received numerous awards, including several ARIAs, the Australia Council's Don Banks award and the Graeme Bell Career Achievement Award. His Quartet features Warwick Alder (trumpet), Brendan Clarke (bass) and Andrew Dickeson (drums).

Artists:  Bernie McGann, Warwick Alder, Brendan Clarke, Andrew Dickeson,

Continental Blues Party

The Continental Blues Party is the latest combo from dynamic vocalist and harmonica player, 'Continental' Robert Susz. Blues and soul fans will fondly remember Robert's previous bands, The Dynamic Hepnotics (whose hits included 'Soul Kind of Feeling') and The Mighty Reapers. The Continental Blues Party will perform a variety of blues and soul showstoppers, including tunes from Robert's latest release On The Soul Side  (Vitamin Records). Joining Robert will be Andrew 'Candyman' Reid (guitar and vocals), Gary 'Groove Keys' Jones (Hammond organ), Peter 'Boom Boom' Beulke (electric bass and vocals) and 'Rockin'' Ronny Ferella (drums).

Artists:  Continental Robert, Andrew Reid, Gary Jones, Peter Beulke, Ronny Ferella,

Dan Barnett Sextet

Sydney-based singer and trombonist Dan Barnett began his career as a trombonist, but soon developed a love for singing which has seen him establish a reputation as one of Australia's finest male jazz vocalists. Dan has studied extensively, at home and abroad, with such respected artists as James Morrison, Don Burrows, Steve Turre, Mark Murphy and Miles Griffith. He has worked with a wide range of bands, including Geoff Bull, Howler's Cotton Club, the Australian Art Orchestra, James Morrison, Tom Burlinson, Barbara Morrison, Judy Carmichael, Bob Barnard and Kevin Hunt. Dan was a finalist at the prestigious 2006 London International Jazz Vocal Competition and has worked frequently in the USA, Brazil, Asia and Europe. Dan leads his own Big Band and various smaller combos around Sydney, and has released four CDs. His Sextet plays traditional/mainstream jazz with great flair and enthusiasm.

Artists:  Dan Barnett, Todd Hardy, Andrew Robertson, Peter Locke, Brendan Clarke, Andrew Dickeson,

www.danbarnett.com.au

Dutch Tilders Band

Australia's godfather of the blues, singer-guitarist-songwriter Dutch Tilders emigrated to Australia with his family in 1955, at the age of 14. He bought his first guitar in 1959 and found the blues was exactly the music in which to express his feelings. With no-one to teach him, he developed his own style, for which he is renowned today. Over the years, Dutch has often worked as a solo artist, with various bands, and alongside such international artists as John Mayall, Taj Mahal, Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry. His current band features Martin Cooper (guitar), Peter Beulke (bass) and Win Galea (drums).

Artists:  Dutch Tilders, Martin Cooper, Peter Beulke, Win Galea,

www.dutchtilders.com.au

Flap!

"A fiery yet charming five piece band of brass, guts, words and skins who crank out up-tempo songs, turning ordinary shoes into dancing ones.  
Flap! play original music that is both old and new, drawing inspiration from 1920’s jazz, Gypsy brass, English Folk and Trinidadian Calypso.
From major festivals, to grotty pubs, Flap! have audiences smiling and dancing wherever and whenever they play. With Jess Guille (vocals, ukelele), Eamon McNelis (trumpet, vocals), Mark Elton (bass), Ben Hendry (drums) and guest Don Stewart (trombone)."

Artists:  Jess Guille, Eamon McNelis, Don Stewart, Mark Elton, Ben Hendry,

Geoff Bull's Olympia Jazz Band

One of Australia's foremost exponents of the classic New Orleans jazz style, trumpeter Geoff Bull has been leading his own bands in Sydney since the early 1960s. He has made numerous trips to New Orleans. There, and at home, he has played alongside such legends as George Lewis, Jim Robinson, Willie Humphrey, Alton Purnell, Captain John Handy and Sammy Price.

Artists:  Geoff Bull, Paul Furniss, Hugh De Rosayro, Gary Walford, Paul Finnerty, Stan Valacos, Anthony Howe,

Greg Coffin Trio

Pianist Greg Coffin has won respect on the Sydney scene for his work with The Java Quartet, the Coffin Brothers Quartet, The Space Cadet and the Mark Ginsburg Quartet. His Trio features bassist Karl Dunnicliff and drummer Nic Cecire, playing Greg's compositions with a remarkable level of empathy, as the music ranges from explosive power to breathtakign restraint.

Artists:  Greg Coffin, Karl Dunnicliff, Nic Cecire,

Ian Chaplin Trio

Alto saxophonist Ian Chaplin is a fiery and brilliant improviser, who has worked alongside such names as Nat Adderley, Andrew Hill, Dewey Redman, Paul Grabowsky and Scott Tinkler, as well as in ensembles like Decoy, Los Cabrones, the Australian Art Orchestra and Musiikki Oy. He won an ARIA award for his album The Future In Today. He is at his best in the open-ended, interactive setting of his Trio, with Philip Rex (bass) and Simon Barker (drums).

Artists:  Ian Chaplin, Philip Rex, Simon Barker,

www.jazzhead.com

Ian Date Quartet

Long established as one of Australia's finest jazz guitarists, Ian Date has played alongside such names as Tom Baker, George Washingmachine, George Golla and Martin Taylor. Critics have described his playing as masterful, lyrical and always melodic. He has toured extensively overseas, and since 2002 has been based in Ireland. Ian's current band continues his longterm love affair with the 'hot club' swing style, and features Ian Cooper (violin), brother Nigel Date (guitar) and Howard Cairns (bass).

Artists:  Ian Date, Ian Cooper - Violin, Nigel Date, Howard Cairns,

www.iandate.com

Jex Saarelaht Quartet

Melbourne pianist-composer Jex Saarelaht, best known as the leader of a long-running trio, debuted his quartet with saxophonist Julien Wilson at the 2007 Wangaratta Jazz Festival. Since then the personnel has settled to include Jonathan Zwartz (bass) and Niko Schäuble (drums). They recently released a cd, Five Ways, recorded live at the 2009 Stonnington Jazz festival.

“…piano solos developed so astutely as to suggest he improvises with the big picture in mind, as well as what we might call the ‘extreme present’. Whatever the case, ravishing lines routinely tumbled from the keyboard” – John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald.

Artists:  Jex Saarelaht, Julien Wilson, Jonathan Zwartz, Niko Schauble,

www.jazzhead.com

Jimi Hocking's Blues Machine

Jimi Hocking is a songwriter, singer and guitarist of the highest calibre, the electric love-child of T-Bone Walker, BB King and Jimi Hendrix. He struts the stage with his band, playing his ‘showy’ guitar style while pulling all the classic stunts ... behind the head ... the duck walk ... even the splits! Jimi is in his element onstage. His combination of banter and story-telling, wailing guitar and mandolin with superb songwriting and performance makes Jimi one of the 'must-see' acts in blues today.

Artists:  Jimi Hocking, Karl Willebrant, Graham Maddicks,

www.jimihocking.com

Joe Chindamo Trio

Melbourne-based Joe Chindamo has been hailed as an exceptionally gifted pianist and improviser, both at home and abroad. He has worked with many other prominent artists (including Ray Brown, Billy Cobham, Ernie Watts, James Morrison, Graeme Lyall and Don Burrows), but is best known for his work as a bandleader, whether at the helm of his Trio, or with the stellar lineups he has assembled for such projects as his Duende and Cinema Paradiso albums, or more recently Another Place Some Other Time. For this concert, Joe will be accompanied by Philip Rex (bass) and Raj Jayaweera (drums).

Photo: Olivia Chindamo

Artists:  Joe Chindamo, Philip Rex, Raj Jayaweera,

www.joechindamo.com

Johannes Luebbers Dectet

Formed in 2007, the Johannes Luebbers Dectet is one of Perth’s most exciting young jazz ensembles. Composer and arranger Johannes Luebbers has won a host of national awards, including Best Jazz Composition at the 2009 ‘Bell’ Awards. Johannes was also named the 2009 WA Youth Arts Citizen of the Year and was a finalist for the 2009 Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year. Johannes graduated from the WA Academy of Performing Arts in 2006, completing a BMus (Honours), majoring in jazz arranging and composition. He was presented with the 2006 Bob Wyllie scholarship, awarded to the most outstanding graduating jazz student, and was also the recipient of the 2006 APRA Professional Development Award for Jazz, which funded a trip to Europe to study with jazz composers Maria Schneider and Ed Partyka. Since 2007 Johannes has taught Jazz Arranging and Aural at WAAPA and in 2008 took up the position of ‘composer in residence’ there.

Artists:  Johannes Luebbers, Emily Thomas, Steph Nicholls, Ben Collins, Sean Little, Callum G Froerer, Wendy Tait, Tillman Robinson, Chris Foster, Nick Abbey, Ben Falle,

www.johannesluebbers.com

Jonathan Zwartz Ensemble

Jonathan Zwartz is a well known bass player and composer on the Australian Scene. He was recently awarded two Bells for his debut album 'The Sea'. He will be performing selections from that album and new material yet to be recorded, at Wangaratta this year. The band will comprise jz, Phil Slater, Hamish Stuart, Tom O'Halloran, Fabian Hevia and Richard Maegraith.

Artists:  Jonathan Zwartz, Phil Slater, Richard Maegraith, Fabian Hevia, Tom O Halloran, Hamish Stuart,

www.myspace.com/jonathanzwartz

Kristin Berardi & James Sherlock

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 and James Sherlock have been making music together since 2004, and toured Europe in 2007. Their second duo album, If You Were There, received the Bell Award for The Best Jazz Vocal Album of 2010.

Photo: Roger Mitchell

Artists:  Kristin Berardi, James Sherlock,

www.kristinberardi.com

Lloyd Spiegel

Lloyd Spiegel has spent 20 of his 30 years performing on blues stages all over the world, an experience that has seen him become one of this country's most respected blues guitarists, singers and songwriters. Lloyd has made six tours of the U.S.A, and is also in demand in Germany, New Zealand, Italy and Japan. Lloyd's latest CD, Tangled Brew, is his most personal and innovative recording to date, and finds him working in a duo with Malaysian percussionist Arunachala, producing an exciting blend of blues energy and passion with traditional world music instruments.

Artists:  Lloyd Spiegel, Arunachala Satgunasingam,

www.lloydspiegel.com

Mark Ginsburg Quartet

Tenor-soprano saxophonist Mark Ginsburg began his career in Cape Town, South Africa. Since moving to Sydney, Mark has worked with Judy Campbell's Mosaic, and completed a Master of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium, where he explored the linkages between Jewish cantorial singing and jazz improvisation.This is the focus of his Quartet's original music, as featured on their cd, Generations. Joining Mark are Greg Coffin (piano), Karl Dunnicliff (bass) and Tim Firth (drums).

Artists:  Mark Ginsburg, Greg Coffin, Karl Dunnicliff, Tim Firth,

www.markginsburg.com.au

Mike Nock New Quintet

One of the giants of Australian jazz and a recipient of the Graeme Bell Career Achievment Award, pianist-composer Mike Nock has enjoyed a remarkable career, beginning in his native New Zealand, then on to Australia in the early 1960s, and a productive 25 years in the USA, where he played with everyone from Coleman Hawkins to Art Blakey. Since returning to Australia in 1985, Mike has been an important performer and educator. He continues to engage with younger musicians, challenging and inspiring them to excel. His latest band is the Mike Nock New Quintet, featuring Phil Slater (trumpet), Karl Laskowski (tenor saxophone), Ben Waples (bass) and James Waples (drums).

“Nock is, quite simply, one of the unsung piano heroes of the past 50 years.” - All About Jazz ( USA - 2008)

Artists:  Mike Nock, Phil Slater, Karl Laskowski, Ben Waples, James Waples,

www.jazz-planet.com/~manock

National Jazz Awards

A key feature of the festival prograam is the National Jazz Awards, a competition designed to promote and encourage young musicians.  After the judges assess recorded entries on a blindfold basis, ten musicians are invited to perform in the finals of the competition at the festival, with cash prizes and other incentives on offer.

Over the last 20 years, many of Australia's leading jazz talents have featured in the National Jazz Awards.  This year, the format is Brass.  Hear what our leading young trumpeters and tromonists have to offer!  The finals will be broadcast live to air on Jazztrack with Mal Stanley, on ABC Classic FM.

Artists:  Sam Keevers, Ben Vanderwal,

www.wangarattajazz.com

Nick Charles

Guitarist (and sometime vocalist) Nick Charles has long been a respected performer on the Australian roots music scene, and recent years have seen him win critical acclaim on the world stage. This follows the release of several successful solo albums on Blackmarket Music, which led to Nick signing with the prestigious US label Solid Air Records. Nick is now in demand in the USA as well as at home, where he regularly plays at events like the Port Fairy Folk Festival and the National Folk Festival. "An awesome talent" - Guitar Player Magazine (USA).

Artists:  Nick Charles,

www.charlesguitar.com

Ray Beadle

Ray Beadle is one of the most exciting and naturally gifted guitar players and singers on the Australian blues scene, his music convincingly covers the bases from blues classics to contemporary R&B-fuelled grooves. Ray began playing professionally in his teens, and he has worked with such names as The Foreday Riders, the King Brothers, Bridie King and The Hippos. Ray has made several tours of the USA, including stints working with the house bands at B B King’s Club in Memphis and Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago, as well as several American blues festivals. Ray has won numerous awards, including 2007 Winner of The Sydney Blues Society / Australian Blues Music Performer of the Year ; 1998 Australian Blues Music Award Winner Best Male Artist ; 1997 Australian Blues Music Award Winner Best New Male Artist.

Artists:  Ray Beadle, Karl Laskowski, Sam Boyd, George Brugmans, Hal Tupaea,

www.raybeadle.com

Rob Burke & Tony Gould

Rob Burke (tenor saxophone) and Tony Gould (piano) first met when Rob was a student of Tony's at the VCA in the 1980s. They shared a love of melodic improvisation, which has continued through the years in a series of duo and quartet recordings. Tony is one of the elder statesmen of the Melbourne jazz scene, having worked over many years with artists like Graeme Lyall, John Sangster, Don Burrows and Keith Hounslow, as well as numerous solo and ensemble projects of his own. Rob has worked as a sideman with Kate Ceberano and The Black Sorrows, and has led various bands of his own, with several albums on the Jazzhead label.

Artists:  Rob Burke, Tony Gould,

www.tonygould.com.au

Paul Williamson's By A Thread

Melbourne trumpeter-composer Paul Williamson graduated from the VCA in 1995, and established himself as an important voice on the Australian scene with a series of albums of original compositions, featuring such players as Jamie Oehlers, Paul Grabowsky, Andrea Keller and Jordan Murray. He has also performed with other ensembles, including Los Cabrones and the Australian Art Orchestra. He was based in Ireland from 2006-2008. Since returning to Melbourne, Paul has formed several ensembles. By A Thread combines his trumpet and flugelhorn with Geoff Hughes (guitar) and James McLean (drums).

Artists:  Paul Williamson, Geoff Hughes, James McLean,

www.myspace.com/paulwilliamsontrumpet

Roy Williams & Bob Barnard

This session will be a must for any lover of quality mainstream jazz. Renowned British trombonist Roy Williams and celebrated Australian trumpeter Bob Barnard have enjoyed playing together many times in Europe, but this will be their first encounter in Australia. Roy Williams spent many years working with the bands of Alex Welsh and Humphrey Lyttleton, before choosing to freelance ; he is much in-demand on the jazz festival circuit, and has played alongisde such names as Danny Moss, Ruby Braff and Scott Hamilton. Bob Barnard has worked with many of the other greats of Australian traditional/mainstream jazz (such as Graeme Bell, Len Barnard, John Sangster and Don Burrows), and international stars like Bud Freeman, Ralph Sutton, Kenny Davern and Scott Hamilton.

Artists:  Roy Williams, Bob Barnard, Allan Browne, Nick Haywood, Peter Locke,

www.members.westnet.com.au/bobbarnard

Sarah McKenzie Sextet

At 22 years of age, pianist, vocalist and composer Sarah McKenzie is one of Australia's fastest-rising jazz stars. Originally from Melbourne, Sarah studied at the WAAPA in Perth, before returning home in 2009. Sarah has won several awards and scholarships, including the National Songwriters Competition (ACMF 2002) and the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship (2009). Over the last year, Sarah has performed with James Morrison, and has led her own band at the Stonnington Jazz festival, and at venues like Bennetts Lane and the Paris Cat. Her debut cd is due out soon on ABC Jazz.

"Sarah McKenzie is a musical marvel. She sings with the kind of phrasing that only a true jazz player can come up with, while her groove on the piano is the stuff that makes people want to play jazz! Don't miss a chance to hear this lady perform live." - James Morrison

Artists:  Sarah McKenzie, Eamon McNelis, Carlo Barbaro, Hugh Stuckey, Craig Simon, Alex Boneham,

Stu Hunter Ensemble

Sydney pianist-composer Stu Hunter has worked with a wide range of artists in jazz and popular music, including Silverchair, Mister Sinister and Tim Hopkins. He won rave reviews for his debut album, The Muse, and again for his follow-up project, The Gathering. He wrote this suite for a concert at the Jazz:Now festival in 2008, and the resulting album won the 2010 Bell Award for Contemporary Jazz Album of the Year. "The Gathering......again reveals not just the beauty and swaggering-to-pensive breadth of Hunter's writing but also his exceptional grasp of structure. Even more importantly, he has created the context for six brilliant improvisers to produce their finest work." - John Shand, Sydney morning Herald

Artists:  Stu Hunter, James Greening, Julien Wilson, Matt Keegan, Karl Dunnicliff, Simon Barker,

www.myspace.com/stuthehunter

Swedish Jazz Kings featuring Roy Williams

One of Europe's premier 'classic jazz' bands, the Swedish Jazz Kings were formed in 1985 by Tomas Örnberg to recreate the sound and spirit of his favourite jazz artists of the 1920s.  This is the band's eighth Australian tour, so they clearly have many fans here. Joining Tomas Ornberg (clarinet, soprano saxophone) and Bent Persson (trumpet) for this tour will be Göran Eriksson (banjo/alto saxophone), Bo Juhlin (sousaphone), Keith Durston (piano) and their special guest for this tour, British trombonist Roy Williams, renowned as one of today's masters of mainstream jazz.

Artists:  Tomas Ornberg, Bent Persson, Roy Williams, Goran Ericksson, Keith Durston, Bo Juhlin,

The catholics

Bassist Lloyd Swanton (best known for his work with The Necks) formed The catholics in 1991, to explore his interest in combining jazz improvisation with dance rhythms from around the globe. The band has won fans around Australia, and on tours of Canada, Europe and Asia, with their joyful and highly accessible, yet intelligent and engaging sound. Says Swanton: "The bottom line for me is that people who come to see a catholics show can enjoy us intellectually or emotionally, or they can just get up and dance." Joining Lloyd are Sandy Evans (saxophones), James Greening (trombone, pocket trumpet), Jonathan Pease (guitar), Jess Green (guitar), Hamish Stuart (drums) and Fabian Hevia (percussion).

Artists:  Lloyd Swanton, Sandy Evans, James Greening, Jonathan Pease, Jess Green - Guitar, Hamish Stuart, Fabian Hevia,

http://www.buglerecords.com/index.html

The Dilworths

The Dilworths is a quintet led by emerging young Sydney trumpeter/composer Eamon Dilworth, a recent graduate from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Their debut album, Introducing The Dilworths, won strong reviews, and the band has performed regularly for the Jazzgroove Association in Sydney, and at the 2010 Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival. Joining Eamon are Karl Laskowski (tenor saxophone), Hugh Barrett (piano), Alex Boneham (bass) and Cameron Reid (drums).

"The talent-packed Dilworths are a band to watch out for; their appealing compositions and articulate performances cannot be ignored." - John McBeath, The Australian.

Artists:  Eamon Dilworth, Karl Laskowski, Hugh Barrett, Cameron Reid, Alex Boneham,

www.thedilworths.wjdsystems.com.au

The World According To James

Trombonist James Greening has been a key voice on the Sydney jazz scene since the mid 1980s, a prominent soloist in such bands as Ten Part Invention, The catholics and Wanderlust ; more recently, he has been featured in the Australian Art Orchestra. He formed his own band The World According To James, with Andrew Robson (saxophones), Steve Elphick (bass) and Toby Hall (drums) .They have released two albums, and have toured internationally, including the Tokyo and Berlin Jazz Festivals.

Photo: Matthew Stanton

Artists:  James Greening, Andrew Robson, Steve Elphick, Hamish Stuart,

http://aao.com.au/people/musicians/bio/james-greening/

Warwick Alder Quintet

Warwick Alder has been one of the most respected trumpeters on the Sydney jazz scene for over twenty years, and has been a key figure in such bands as Ten Part Invention, the Bob Bertles Quintet, Improviso and the Bernie McGann Quartet. He formed his own Quintet earlier this year, and their first cd Brendance (Rufus) has been widely hailed. The band features some of the finest talent on the Sydney jazz scene : John Harkins (piano), Dave Jackson (alto saxophone), Brendan Clarke (bass) and Andrew Dickeson (drums). The band reflects Warwick's own approach : hard-swinging, sophisticated but also confident and direct. Their repertoire includes several Alder originals, and some not-too-familiar jazz standards. 

"Alder’s compositions, spanning 20 years, are first class, and they’re skilfully delivered by this outstanding quintet." - John McBeath, The Australian

Artists:  Warwick Alder, Dave Jackson, John Harkins, Brendan Clarke, Andrew Dickeson,

Zoe Frater Sextet

A graduate of the Canberra Scool of Music, bassist-composer Zoe Frater now lives in Melbourne. Her music draws on influences as diverse as Bill Frisell, Steve Swallow, Steve Reich and The Police. Her band featuresa Carl Pannuzzo (vocals), Julien Wilson (tenor saxophone), Shannon Barnett (trombone), Ben Hauptmann (guitar) and Ronny Ferella (drums).

Artists:  Zoe Frater, Carl Pannuzzo, Jordan Murray, Julien Wilson, Ben Hauptmann, Ronny Ferella,

www.myspace.com/zoefrater