EDITORIAL: While the MJC has been celebrating our 40th. Anniversary this year, over in Perth WAYJO (the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra) celebrated their 40th. Anniversary with a special Concert (coincidentally on May 26, the same date as the MJC's concert), followed by other events throughout this year.
I do recall some private 'grumbles' from certain jazz industry figures about the significant level of Australia Council funding to WAJYO in the 1990s, when they had they had the benefit of the respected arranger, composer and saxophonist Graeme Lyall, AM, as their Artistic Director (for which he became a Member of the Order of Australia on 26 January, 2003).
The amazing depth of jazz talent coming from Perth since the early '90s can be partly attributed to the WAYJO, combined with the WAAPA Jazz course, plus the now-defunct Perth Jazz Society.
Jamie Oehlers, Linda May Oh and Mat Jodrell have all acknowledged their debt to this institution, as would others. That long list of those who are well-known outside of WA includes Troy Roberts, Dane Aldersen, Sam Anning, Vanessa Perica, Jordan Murray, Carl Mackey, Grant Windsor, Ben VanderWal and Daniel Susnjar.
To paraphrase the saying, "It takes a village...to produce a jazz musician", and the Perth Jazz Society in the late 1980s and early 1990s (under the direction of Don and Moira Mead) took great financial risks to bring international artists to Perth for local audiences to hear first-hand. These included some whom I was touring, such as Johnny Griffin, a young unknown Vincent Herring, and the Dewey Redman Quartet (with Geri Allen, Eddie Moore and Lloyd Swanton). This enabled a teenage Jamie Oehlers (for instance) to hear the "Little Giant", Johnny Griffin, at an early stage of his musical development (obviously having a significant impact). Speaking of key tenor saxophone figures, German saxophonist Peter Brotzmann passed away on June 22 at the age of 82. A towering figure of the European Free Jazz scene, his classic album was "Machine Gun". Some will be surprised to learn that he actually toured here (around 1978 or 1979, I recall) in a duo with bassist Peter Kowald, supported by the Goethe Institut (which also supported a tour by the Alexander von Schlippenbach Trio a few years later, around 1981 or 1982). Without any regular national jazz forum (be it a website or newsletter), it seems that many developments and news items often fail to make it beyond State borders.
One example is that Niko Schauble recently performed his work for Jazz Trio and Orchestra in Berlin, as well as perfroming at the Dulkhäusle, Esslingen, Germany, with pianist Andrea Keller and bassist Nick Haywood. It is pleasing to see that the Michelle Nicolle Trio will be performing live on "The Music Show" on RN this weekend to promote her new album.
This Sunday at 3 pm, Sydney trio Hekka will give a free entry performance at Northside Records on Gertrude Street, Fitzroy, to promote their new album. Our next presentations in our Sunday night series features three debut performances, two with interstate artists, and another with a new project from saxophonist Omid Shayan.
For those who caught the Jamie Oehlers-Julien Wilson Quintet gig at Uptown a few weeks ago, this Sunday night gig with "Wield" promises to reach similar heights. It will be a rare straight-ahead gig with a driving rhythm section led by pianist Mark Fitzgibbon, and combining two outstanding tenor saxophonists in Sydney's Sean Coffin and Julien Wilson. Highly recommended. ▪ Martin Jackson
Pictured: West Australia Youth Jazz Orchestra | Sunday, July 9, 7.30 pm, at The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick. $25/$18 con. “Wield” was formed by Boston-born and Sydney-raised tenor saxophonist Sean Coffin over 2012-2014. Sean spent over 10 years living in Boston and New York, and studying with George Garzone, Bill Pierce and Bob MIntzer, and has been a part of the Australian jazz scene for over 30 years. He is resurrecting this “two tenor” juggernaut in Melbourne with acclaimed saxophonist Julien Wilson, together with a dynamic rhythm team of drummer Sam Bates, double bassist Sam Anning and pianist Mark Fitzgibbon. All of the multi-layered-journey-like compositions are written by Sean Coffin and will provide a unique performing, listening and sensory experience. This has been a long time coming and Melbourne gets the first bite. | Sunday, July 16, 7.30 pm, at The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick. $30/$25 con. Sydney-based guitarist Peter Koopman was the winner of the 2022 National Jazz Guitar Award at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz. Originally from New Zealand, he relocated to Australia around a decade ago, and has since become firmly ensconced in Sydney’s creative music scene. As well as leading bands under his own name, he is a member of COAST and prog-djazz outfit Scoredatura, as well as working with artists such as Vince Jones and Katie Noonan. His latest release is “No Cattle”, a collaborative instrumental trio album. In preparation for the recording of his next album, he is performing his originals with double bassist Sam Anning and Perth-based drummer Ben VanderWal. | Sunday, July 23, 7.30 pm, at The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick. $25/$18 con. Omid Shayan, leader of the Shayan ensemble, formed SnaJ in 2019 as a sax/bass/drum trio that defies convention by blending traditional jazz instrumentation with electronics and effects. Drawing inspiration from psychedelic rock, pop and punk, whilst still being grounded in jazz, SnaJ an exciting and unique sonic tapestry within their original compositions and improvisations. Featuring Blake Hansen (drums and synthesizer), Paul Maz (electric bass and pedals), and Omid Shayan (tenor sax and laptop). | Melbourne International Jazz Festival's 4 NEW CONCERTS on Pre-Sale PRESS RELEASE: "It is with great excitement that we are announcing four new major performances as part of the 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival in October. These critically acclaimed artists—some of the most revered in their field—join the previously announced Lisa Simone and Makaya McCraven shows at MIJF 2023. American multi-GRAMMY award winning artist, Cécile McLorin Salvant makes her MIJF debut. Considered the most accomplished jazz vocalist of her generation, Salvant will bring the festival to an unforgettable close on 29 October. Also hailing from North America, the SFJAZZ Collective come to our shores for the very first time, in an exclusive performance that will showcase the skill of contemporary jazz’s top talent on the scene today. Distinguished ARIA winner, 2023 Queensland Australian of the Year and Kalkadunga composer and didgeridoo musician, William Barton is joined by formidable South African Blue Note pianist, Nduduzo Makhathini for a very special one-off MIJF collaboration. And finally, in what is sure to be sweet news for long-time fans, UK instrumental trio GoGo Penguin make their long-awaited maiden voyage to Australia for an electrifying performance that is guaranteed to thrill audiences and convert even the staunchest jazz non-believer.
Early release tickets are on sale here | West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra celebrating 40 Years The West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra Association celebrated its 40th. Anniversary with a concert on Friday, May 26, and a Festival event on May 27.
It currently runs 3 different big bands on a weekly basis, for performers 14-25 years of age. It also runs an 8-week program for female and non-binary identifying instrumentalists who would like to learn more about jazz and improvised music, PROGRESSIONS (formerly run since 2014 as the Pathways Program ‘Young Women in Jazz’).
WAYJO Musical Director (and Monday ORchestra MD) is Mace Francis, with Marty Pervan as Musical Director for the Tuesday Orchestra and Ricki Malet as Musical Director for the Wednesday Orchestra.
Francis has been involved with WAYJO since 2001 as both a musician and Musical Director. In 2008 he was appointed lecturer in jazz arranging and composition at WAAPA as well as artistic director of the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) where he has implemented emerging composer commissions and guest artist programs. Since his appointment, WAYJO has performed with international artists including Fred Wesley (USA), Darcy James Argue (USA), Allen Vizzutti (USA), Kristin Berardi (NSW), David Theak (NSW), Franck Tortillier (France), Jim McNeely (USA), Ed Partyka (Austria), Dick Oatts (USA), Mike Abene (USA), Jim Rotondi (USA), and Ed Neumeister (USA). Their current presentation is "Mambolicious: Jodrell Screans Puente", featuring Mat Jodrell (a past member of WAYJO, and one of Australia's greatest trumpet players). | DIETER VOGT, Vale Sydney double bassist Dieter Vogt passed away in Sydney in June. He arrived in Australia from Switzerland in July 1966, and played bass and trumpet (and flugelhorn). He worked with Errol Buddle, Bob Barnard, Col Nolan Quartet, Daly-Wilson Big Band, Graeme Bell Reunion Band, Julian Lee Orchestra, Keith Hounslow's Jazzmakers, Keith Hounslow's Quartet, The Nolan-Buddle Quartet, and The Savannah Junkmen, amongst others. | KADE BROWN QUARTET streamed on OH! JAZZ The MJC's Farewell gig for popular pianist Kade Brown's Quartet (with tenor saxophonist Julien Wilson, bassist Sam Anning and drummer Alastair Kennedy) at The Jazzlab on Sunday, June 25 was streamed live on the Oh! Jazz platform. It can now also be viewed on the Oh! Jazz library via a monthly or annual subscription. | JAZZ REVIEWS by JESSICA NICHOLAS in THE AGE Jessica Nicholas' review of Sydney trio HEKKA at The Salon, MRC, on Saturday, 8th., is scheduled to be published in The Age on Monday, July 10. | Michelle Nicolle: The Bach Project (earshift Music) Michelle Nicolle’s The Bach Project adds a new perspective to the music of J.S. Bach Melbourne based vocalist Michelle Nicolle’s new release, The Bach Project, richly embraces the music of J.S. Bach in their unique chamber jazz style. The album interrogates the art of interpretation, improvisation and reimagines these masterworks. The quartet’s arrange-ments showcase the mastery of J.S. Bach’s compositions and add a new flavour to the improvisational elements found (and sometimes lost) in these great works. The project features her long standing quartet of guitarist Geoff Hughes, bassist Tom Lee and drummer Ronny Ferella. | The Andy Sugg Group (with guest David Liebman): After Utopia Tenor saxophonist Andy Sugg has re-issued this 2004 album, in a remixed format, with additional material, and a new cover. The album features guest U.S. soprano saxophonist David Liebman (who had appeared at the Wangaratta Festival, and whom Sugg had studied with previously). With 7 tracks of Sugg's originals, the album is available from Bandcamp or via Sugg's website: www.andysugg.com | Uptown's 15th Birthday with BOPSTRETCH! Saturday, August 5, at 7:30 pm, at Uptown Jazz Cafe Uptown are celebrating their 15th. Birthday with the return of Bopstretch!, which held a Wednesday night residency for over a decade. They will be joined by special guest, trumpeter Eugene Ball | Ted Nettelbeck, Andy Sugg & Friends Saturday 5 August, 2023, 8-10 pm, at Classic Southside Ted Nettelbeck, veteran pianist and inductee to the South Australian Music Hall of Fame, now living in Melbourne, joins well-known local artists Andy Sugg (tenor saxophone), Philip Rex (bass) and Niko Schauble (drums), to play a program of jazz originals and standards, at Classic Southside (Cinema complex, 9 Gordon St., Elsternwick 3185). Tickets from ground floor box office $30 ($25 concession). Bookings at https://www.classiccinemas.com.au/movies/ted-nettelbeck-andy-sugg-and-friends | Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and the M.S.O. - "ALL ARISE" Friday- Saturday, August 18-19, 7.30 pm, at Hamer Hall Sunday, August 20, 2.00 pm, at Hamer Hall Nine-time GRAMMY® Award-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis returns with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra to perform his work, All Rise.
First performed with the New York Philharmonic in 1999, All Rise is a jazz symphony of a scale not seen before in this country. It’s a 100-minute work that crosses musical terrain from African chant and New Orleans parade music to symphonic modernism.
The JLCO musicians will team up with the entire MSO as well as the MSO Chorus and Melbourne’s premier vocal ensemble, the Consort of Melbourne. Conducted by Benjamin Northey across two nights only in Hamer Hall
Tickets: $135/$70 + b/f Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will also perform a Sunday afternoon concert, "A Journey Through Jazz", including some of the biggest hits from the history of jazz music at this special presentation.
Tickets: $135/$70 + b/f | KURT ELLING & CHARLIE HUNTER (USA) Tuesday-Saturday, August 22-26 at Bird's Basement Tickets from $85 + Booking fee The U.S. pair of vocalist Kurt Elling and guitarist Charlie Hunter joined forces on Elling's new LP, "SuperBlue: The Iridescent Spree", presenting a kaleidoscopic collection of new songs, unexpected covers, and dynamic reinventions. They are joined by Kenny Banks Jr on keyboards and Marcus Finnie on drums. | MJC CONCERTS filmed on the OH!JAZZ Platform Four of the MJC's concert presentations in 2022 have been filmed and are available on the relatively new OH!JAZZ streaming platform. They are Stephen Byth Octet; Shannon Barnett and Rajiv Jayaweera's "Pat to the Rafters"; Niran Dasika's Suzaku Quartet and Kiri (featuring Japan's Sumire Kuribayashi); and, the Antripodean Ensemble.
These concerts and many more from international jazz clubs can be viewed by a $20 AUD Monthly Pass, or $200 AUD Annual Pass. These subscriptions provide:
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Go to: https://signup.ohjazz.tv/ | M.J.C. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: SUPPORT THE CO-OP & LIVE MUSIC IN MELBOURNE in 2023 MJC Associate Membership for 2023 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 very occasional 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 Current MJC Chairperson: Eugene Ball | In 2023 the MJC Program is not being financially supported by either the Victorian Government, through Creative Victoria, nor the Australian Government through the Australia Council, the Federal Government's funding body. This means that musicians' fees are partially reliant on Door takings (together with the MJC's accumulated capital).
Vorticity Music has been a Patron Supporter of our Live Recording Project with 3PBS-FM throughout 2022 | |
