EDITORIAL: Having just submitted another Australia Council grant application, the need to demonstrate diversity is certainly on my mind. This Sunday we have a tangible example of our diverse programming with the debut tour of London-based pianist and composer Dan Costa, who has specialised in Brazilian jazz. We are fortunate to have a Brazilian double bassist studying in Melbourne (Rodrigo Salgada) and a drummer (Alastair Kerr) who has been a longtime student and exponent of Brazilian music, so they should comprise a wonderful trio. Congratulations to all of the winners in the Art Music Awards 2022, as well as to Tom Avgenicos for his win in the 2022 Freedman Jazz Fellowship. The MJC presented his group, Delay 45, back in March, and the MRC also presented them this year too. He is certainly a hard-working musician, who has demonstrated on-going development since he was third-place in the 2017 National Jazz Brass Awards. Thoroughly deserved, and we can expect much more from him in the future. ▪ Martin Jackson Pictured: Tom Avgenicos | Sunday, September 11, 7.30 pm, at The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick. $25/$18 con. Praised for melodic sensibility by DownBeat Magazine, Dan Costa is a London-based jazz/ world music pianist, composer and producer who has collaborated with artists such as Randy Brecker, Dave Douglas, Ivan Lins, John Patitucci, Leila Pinheiro, Seamus Blake, Jaques Morelenbaum and Roberto Menescal. Costa has studied jazz in the U.S. at Berklee College of Music, U.K., and Monaco, and studied Brazilian music at UNICAMP in São Paulo. His first album Suite Três Rios , released in 2016, was cited as one of the best albums of the year by Down Beat Magazine. His second album Skyness was deemed “rare and luxurious” by All About Jazz, while Live in California, his solo piano album released in 2020, was praised for “profound expression” by Jazziz Magazine. He also recorded two singles – the well-known standard Love Dance with one of its creators, Ivan Lins, and Iremia, with Randy Brecker, as a message of peace. He performs on the debut tour with Brazilian expatriate Rodrigo Salgardo (double bass) and Alastair Kerr (drums and percussion). Visit www.dancosta.net "Profound Expression" - Jazziz - 2020 "Rare and luxurious" - All About Jazz - 2018 "Costa's melodic sensibility shines throughout" - Down Beat Magazine, Best Albums of 2016 | Sunday, September 18, 7.30 pm, at The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick. $25/$18 con. Bassist Nick Haywood had developed several projects in recent times, and last October he premiered his “Big Guitar” project for the MJC. The band returns, featuring Nick alongside guitarists, Fran Swinn and Geoff Hughes, together with drummer Sam Bates. Swinn and Hughes are both distinctive mature stylists and melodic improvisers, and, like Bates, have their own albums as leader. “Big Guitar” is a continuation of Nick's long-term obsession with developing highly engaged, deep-listening groups that connect through accessible core material. The repertoire for this group is a combination of original works by the band members. The group has quickly developed a distinctive sound and is readily identifiable across a range of styles. This will be a performance of outstanding collective music making. | Sunday, September 28, 7.30 pm, at The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick. $25/$18 con. In early 2019 Tripataka premiered a new project for the MJC, with special guest, Sydney vibraphone maestro Daryl Pratt. On that visit the quartet recorded 2 albums, which are now slated for release in early 2023. After several Lockdown-based postponements, Tripataka are excited to reunite with Pratt, and will perform original compositions by the ensemble (including new work for the quartet), as well as releasing their new single “Relativity”. An expatriate American, since migrating here in 1985 Pratt has worked in both contemporary classical music and jazz. In addition to his jazz quartet, Sonic Fiction, he was also a member of the Australian Art Orchestra (1994-2001), AtmaSphere (1991-2003), and the Chad Wackerman Group (1997-2006). Tripataka are Adrian Sherriff (bass trombone, percussion), Jonathan Dimond (electric bass guitar, percussion) and Adam King (drums, percussion) Visit https://sydney.edu.au/music/staff-profiles/daryl.pratt.php & http://tripataka.net “Polymetric drum grooves full of deep funky soul; electric bass lines that float like butterflies and sting like bees; trombone melodies singing, soaring, and diving — Tripataka’s ensemble sound is astringent, tough, and uncompromising — yet the loose authenticity of folk tradition saturates even the most complex pieces…” - Warren Senders, Boston, USA, 2017. “Collectively they draw on wide-ranging influences including the Carnatic music of South India, flamenco and the polyrhythms of West Africa and Zimbabwe. The three players bring not only a jazz improviser's mentality to bear in exploring and incorporating the assorted rhythmic devices, they also apply the precision of, say, a string trio…” - John Shand, The Sydney Morning Herald | TOM AVGENICOS awarded 2022 FREEDMAN JAZZ FELLOWSHIP After "play off" concert at the Sydney Opera House on September 3, Sydney trumpeter and composer Thomas Avgenicos has been named the Freedman Jazz Fellow for 2022, taking home a $21,000 cash prize to enable him to support a new project. The Sydney Opera House once again played host to the Freedman Jazz Fellowship after two years without a live event following COVID restrictions across Australia. In 2022, Avgenicos, drummer Holly Conner and saxophonist Flora Carbo were nominated as finalists - and the three artists performed their music to a live crowed at the Opera House Studio. Each finalist also submitted a project proposal, showcasing how they would spend the prize. Judges Andrew Robson, Steve Barry and Virna Sanzone deliberated and considered both the individual projects and the performances. Avgenicos will go on to compose and record a new multidisciplinary work that includes his jazz band 'Delay 45' as well as a host of collaborators from across the visual arts and dance mediums. | 2022 ART MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre announced the winners for the 2022 Art Music Awards on on August 31. The Art Music Awards celebrate a diverse range of individuals and organisations in the Australian music community, recognising excellence among Australia’s finest composers and performers in contemporary classical, jazz, and experimental music. Winner for Work of the Year – Jazz include: Gian Slater’s Grey is Ground album. The winner for Performance of the Year – Jazz/Improvised Music includes: Jeremy Rose & The Earshift Orchestra with Simon Barker and Chloe Kim for Disruption! The Voice of Drums (Jeremy Rose, Simon Barker and Chloe Kim). The Performance of the Year – Notated Composition recipient was for a collaboration between Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Australian Art Orchestra, Daniel Wilfred, David Wilfred and conductor Benjamin Northey for Wata (Paul Grabowsky, Daniel Wilfred and David Wilfred). The Luminary Award for an Organisation was awarded to the Australian Art Orchestra, for their sustained leadership and contribution as an organisation, recording, performing commissions and facilitating opportunities for others. Luminaries were also acknowledged in state and territory-based categories. They included Mark Ferguson (SA), Andrea Keller (VIC), and Mace Francis (WA) a for their sustained contribution to art music in their local communities through performance, artistic directorship, and mentorship. | Recent Jazz Coverage in The Age Jazz critic Jessica Nicholas had a review of visiting Sydney pianist and composer Novak Manojlovic (together with Sydney collaborator Jacques Emery on electric guitar and percussion, plus a string quartet) Read the review here | ABC Composer Commissions for 2022 The ABC has another round of composer commissions for 2022 just announced for ABC Classic & ABC Jazz. Now in its second year, the ABC Classic and ABC Jazz Composer Commissioning Fund will commission up to 15 new composition projects and record each project for broadcast and digital commercial release. Each successful commission includes a total fee of up to $6,000 to cover the composition and recording of the new work(s). Applications close Monday 24 October 2022. Results to be announced in the week commencing Monday 21 November The direct url to apply is here. 2022 ABC Classic and ABC Jazz Composer Commissioning Fund | Joey DeFrancesco (1971-2022) Organist (trumpeter, saxophonist and occasional singer) Joey DeFrancesco passed away on August 25, 2022. He released more than 30 albums under his own name, and had recorded with such performers as Miles Davis, Houston Person and John McLaughlin early in his career (after signing his first record deal at the age of 16). Expatriate Perth saxophonist Troy Roberts (tenor saxophone) had been performing with him, and he had toured here in 2016 (performing at Bird's Basement in July 2016). Vale. | 2022 Melbourne International Jazz Festival program The full 2022 Melbourne International Jazz Festival program has now been announced, with 120 performances over 10 days. Highlights include R&B artist Lalah Hathaway in collaboration with the M.S.O. for a very special performance of her father's work at Hamer Hall (October 21 and 22); U.S. guitarist Al diMeola Proudly presented by the MSO in partnership with the See the program and book tickets via this link | MIJF's JAZZ CLUB Membership An annual MIJF membership will get you closer to the action this year—whether jazz is your newest passion or your life-long love. Purchase your Jazz Club membership today for just $75, and you'll enjoy 10% off a huge range of festival performances, as well as exclusive ticket giveaways, access to invitation-only events, and your very own limited edition 2022 MIJF tote bag. As a Jazz Club Member you’re also actively supporting the future of the Festival—helping us plan ahead and bring you the very best in jazz and improvised music year-on-year. Link here | WANGARATTA Festival: Friday, 28th October – Sunday 30th The 2022 program is adventurous and eclectic, featuring Australia’s premier jazz and blues artists, inspired international collaborations and the annual National Jazz Awards (the Guitar this year). The prize pool includes cash and studio time along with national recognition. The festival culminates on Sunday with a free event in Merriwa Park. Musicians from the Wangaratta community and surrounds collaborate with funky New Orleans brass band Horns of Leroy and Zimbabwe-born star on the rise and recent runner up on The Voice, Thando. Full Program: $195 (22 Aug - 11 Oct) Full Price: $210 (12 Oct - Festival) Children 16 & under are able to attend with a ticketed adult free of charge Friday Day Pass: $55 Bookings here Website: https://wangarattajazz.com | MJC RECORDINGS on 3PBS-FM in 2022 - Data Entry Gerry Koster's "Dizzy Atmosphere" show on 3PBS-FM on Sunday, September 4, 8 pm, featured the concert recording of the Data Entry trio (featuring drummer Luke Andresen, alto saxophonist Bernard Alexander, and bassist Sam Anning). It was recorded by Myles Mumford. It is currently available on the PBS website. | THE MUSIC OF MICHAEL BRECKER (Andy Sugg & John Mackey) Bird's Basement, Saturday, October 1 With 15 Grammy Awards to his name, the late U.S. saxophonist Michael Brecker transformed the sound of the saxophone in jazz, R&B and pop. He played in Australia only once, and only then as part of Paul Simon’s Graceland tour. He never got to play his own music here, so this project will perform Brecker’s most influential music in a one-off concert. This is a big project – Brecker’s is “take-no-prisoners” music. So, Andy Sugg and Canberra-based John Mackey (tenor saxophones) have assembled a killer band with Brett Williams (piano), Phil Rex (double bass) and Felix Bloxsom (drums). Bookings essential https://tickets.birdsbasement.com/4/?x=EV629d92c74a0438.61809067 Info re the club https://birdsbasement.com Info re the show https://www.facebook.com/TheAndySuggGroup/events/ John and Andy’s last concert at Bird’s Basement https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlGghAwUzus | M.J.C. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: SUPPORT THE CO-OP & LIVE MUSIC IN MELBOURNE in 2022 MJC Associate Membership for 2022 is available in three tiers: Gold level is $75; Silver level is $30 ($20 concessions), and Bronze level is $10 for musicians. Associate Membership of the MJC costs just $75 for Gold Membership. When you sign up for Gold Membership you receive a free pass to one MJC Club performance by a Victorian ensemble and concession rates to all gigs all year, equating to large savings for frequent MJC audience members. Silver membership costs $30 (or $20 for concession holders, $5 for Tertiary students). Silver members also receive one free pass to an MJC Club performance by a Victorian ensemble, as well as standard member benefits. Musicians are encouraged to join at the special Bronze rate of only $10 per year and support the continued operations of the MJC, an organisation that supports them! All members receive enewsletters and hard-copy or emailed brochures, and occasional discounts to sister businesses, or opportunities to win a range of giveaways (CDs, tickets and more) throughout the year. For more information, email [melbournejazzcooperative@gmail.com] or visit our website for the easy, revamped Membership page here. | Do you have a gig coming up or a new album out? We would love to do a CD or ticket giveaway for you! email mjac@netspace.net.au or melbournejazzcooperative@gmail.com www.mjc.org.au | Founding Artistic Patron: the late Brian Brown, OA Artistic Patrons: Mike Nock, ONZM & Professor Tony Gould, OA MJC Chairperson: Eugene Ball | The MJC Program is being financially supported in 2022 by the Victorian Government, through Creative Victoria, together with the Australian Government through the Australia Council, the Federal Government's funding body, also providing funding from mid-2021-mid-2022. Vorticity Music has become a Patron Supporter of our Live Recording Project with 3PBS-FM | |