EDITORIAL Having recently finished ranking APRA/AMCOS Professional Development Awards applications (as the Jazz Partner organisation) and listened to virtually every Bell Award nominated album, I can concur with Julien Wilson's Facebook post on the health of our local jazz-related music scene. With the PDA applications, there were several equally strong proposals, but for very unique and widely contrasting proposals, with at least two composers working on personal systems of composing (I do not envy the final adjudicator with their decision).
Julien mused, "Just checked out the list of nominations for this years Australian Jazz "Bell" Awards. All I can say is, there is an astounding amount of wonderfully creative music being produced in this country right now. Get out there and check some of it out live. Or order some online and listen in the comfort of your own home. But wrap your ears around some of the great homegrown talent being lovingly produced here in one way or another".
For a variety of reasons, the field of nominations for the Bells is by no means exhaustive of all the albums released in 2018 either (missing albums by Tim Steven's double Trio; Steve Barry; Andrew Dickeson; and, Sophie Min, amongst others).
Julien also went on to opinionate that, "as with any voting procedure, no system is perfect I guess. I'd rather make a contribution than just put it in the too hard basket"
There are definitely aspects that need refinement with the Bells still, but these Awards are a very valuable part of our national scene. Having worked on them behind the scenes this year, I can better appreciate the time and funding required just to get them up and running, so thanks to Albert Dadon for this contribution.
Through one of my other interests, I spent several days in Canberra last week attending lectures and workshops in the 2019 RAAF History and Heritage Publishing Symposium. This was a stimulating event (even allowing for the 8 AM starts), with presenters from the National Archives, National Library, and UNSW Special Collections, as well as the Copyright Council. Some of this information and approach could definitely be applied at the Australian Jazz Museum. And, with the exception of Michael Veitch, authors in this niche area have parallel challenges to those of jazz artists self-producing albums.
It is pleasing to see part of drummer/composer Niko Schauble's contribution to the Melbourne music scene acknowledged with his nomination in the APRA AMCOS Art Music Awards for Excellence in Jazz (for his work with Pughouse Studios, which he opened in 2012). Since moving here in 1989 from a successful role in Berlin's jazz scene, Niko has been a consistently positive contributor to the Australian jazz scene, leading various ensembles, or performing with the Australian Art Orchestra, Paul Grabowsky, Ren Walters' TiP, and Jex Saarelaht Trio (amongst others). He has always been a generous supporter of others, and the first to volunteer for Benefit concerts. At the recent Carlo Alberto Canevali memorial concert he recorded the whole event (as well as performing in in a few sets), and then supplied recordings to the performers. There appears to be no end to Niko's skills - if he was not so busy with the recording studio, I imagine a micro-brewery could have been next!
Lastly, remaining on the topic of drummers, John Fordham (an old mate of Brian Brown's, who helped him to buy his first tenor saxophone) turns 85 on Sunday, and will be celebrating by playing a gig, no less. Keep swinging, John! ▪ Martin Jackson
Niko Schauble (pictured) at the drum kit | Sunday, July 21, 7 pm, at 303 (Back Bar), 303 High Street, Northcote $15/$10 con. Let There Be Drums
(LTBD) is a four concert series celebrating the talents of nine Melbourne drummers going solo and leading their own projects. A co-presentation between Melbourne Jazz Co-op and Small Space Music, LTBD will take place in different venues around Melbourne, creating a unique setting for each event.
This second concert features four solo performances from
Maddison Carter; Julia Bebenek; Sam Price; and, James McLean.
Maddison Carter (solo drum set)
Julia Bebenek (solo drum set)
Sam Price (solo drum set)
James McLean (solo drum set) | Sunday, July 21, 8.30pm -10.30 pm, at The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick $20 & $15 con. Returning briefly to Melbourne from his studies in Boston USA, outstanding young Monash graduate tenor saxophonist/composer Stephen Byth brings together his quartet to present a set of new original music that draws inspiration from the music of John Coltrane, Africa/Cuba folk traditions, and the blues (as well as some swinging tunes from the jazz standard repertoire). This quartet will feature Kade Brown (piano), Hiroki Hoshino (bass) and Luke Andresen (drums). | Sunday, July 7, 8.30 pm, at The Jazzlab. $20/$15 con. Drummer/composer/
bandleader Niko Schauble’s latest project brings together four exciting musicians, playing a selection of lesser-known standards and new originals by Schauble. Their combined musical backgrounds - together with the bass-less format of the ensemble - will create a setting which allows for unique and surprising twists and turns. Phil Noy (alto sax) is an in-demand soloist in a wide range of styles, from Marc Hannaford to The Bamboos, while Mirko Guerrini (tenor sax) has an impressive list of international credits from his career in Italy (such as Stefano Bollani). Stephen Magnusson (guitar) has been a longtime collaborator of Schauble’s, performing in several on his projects (including the acclaimed “Night Music” album with Enrico Rava). Schauble has led his own ensembles (Tibetan Dixie, Papa Carlo, Quattro Club), as well as recordings with the Australian Art Orchestra, Paul Grabowsky, and Arthur Blythe. | 2019 APRA ART MUSIC AWARDS: Finalists announced As the only event that specifically acknowledges the achievements of Australia’s outstanding talent in the fields of composition, performance, education and presentation of Australian art music, APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre (AMC) are delighted to announce the finalists for the 2019 ART MUSIC AWARDS to be held on Monday 19 August at the Great Hall of the University of Sydney, with a live performance program curated by composer-pianist Barney McAll.
Awards will be presented in 11 national categories, along with an award for each Australian state or territory, selected from one of the national categories. Jazz Work of the Year finalists are Gratitude and Grief – a collaborative project by Katie Noonan, Zac Hurren, Stephen Magnusson and Michael Leunig, featuring spoken word, vocals, improvisation, and live drawing; young SA-based composer-pianist Brenton Foster’s cycle of modern jazz songs Love, As We Know It; Joshua Kyle and Andrew Murray’s Trombone Song Cycle (featuring four trombonists); and bassist-composer Ross McHenry’s Nothing Remains Unchanged. Jazz Work of the Year Title: Gratitude and Grief
Composers: Katie Noonan, Zac Hurren, Stephen Magnusson and Michael Leunig
Performers: Elixir et al. Title: Love, As We Know It
Composer: Brenton Foster
Performers: Brenton Foster, Gideon Brazil, Stephen Magnusson, Aaron McCollough and
Jordan Tarento Title: Nothing Remains Unchanged
Composer: Ross McHenry
Performer: Ross McHenry Quartet feat. Eric Harland, Matthew Sheens and Ben Wendel Title: Trombone Song Cycle
Composers: Joshua Kyle and Andrew Murray
Performers: Joshua Kyle (voice), James Greening, James Macauley, Jordan Murray & Adrian Sherriff (trombones) and Andrew Murray (conductor) Award for Excellence in Jazz
- Andrea Keller for new works, projects, recordings and educational output
- Jeremy Rose for high artistic excellence, and contribution to the creation, presentation and promotion of Australian jazz
- Niko Schauble for recording activities at Pughouse Studio
- Ross McHenry for recording, international touring, residencies and commissions | Melbourne Prize for Music closing on July 22 The Melbourne Prize Trust, established in 2004, provides financial and professional development opportunities to artists with the annual Melbourne Prize.
This year they're offering $60,000 to an individual or a group of musicians and songwriters. With a total prize pool over $100,000, the Prize & Awards are open to Victorian residents only, all music genres and performers and composers (but you must be based in Victoria).
Applications close 5pm, Monday, 22 July 2019.
Visit here to apply Follow us @MelbournePrize for updates. | AUSTRALIAN JAZZ 'BELL' AWARDS: Voting closing July 21 Voting by Australian Jazz Academy members for the 2019 Australian Jazz Bell Awards will close at midnight on Sunday, July 21. This has seen a diverse field of over 50 nominations from all States, ranging from well-known to emerging artists.
This will be followed by the Judges moderation process.
Winners will be announced in Melbourne at a function at Bird’s Basement (now transferred to September). Celebrating its 17th year in 2019, the Jazz Bell Awards are the only jazz-specific awards in Australia to acknowledge excellence in performance, creativity and presentation, with each award carry $5,000 prize money.
To join the Australian Jazz Academy (or renew your membership), visit here. | Position of Business & Operations Manager at MIJF MIJF is seeking a new Business & Operations Manager to join the core team year round.
Love a good spreadsheet as much as you love live music? Does a well organised database make you giddy? You might be just what we’re looking for.
Click the link below for more info on the role and how to apply. More info. | WANGARATTA FESTIVAL UPDATE MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR 20 June 2019 Firstly I want to take a moment to briefly introduce myself. I have been with the festival board since 2014 in varying roles, and am pleased to be the transitional chair for 2019. I look forward to working with the terrific new members of the board, and past members to create a lasting sustainable platform for the festival to go into the 30th anniversary with thirty more years in the works. We have had a productive couple of months, highlighted by the appointment of our new general manager, Leanne Mulcahy. Leanne has picked up the threads of the role and is guiding us through key milestones in the areas of strategic planning, fundraising and organisational process. During this time we are also continuing to work closely with Creative Victoria who continue to be tremendous supporters of the festival. I would also like to thank Miriam Zolin for the wonderful work put in place during the first few months since the AGM. On-going efforts behind the scenes ensure that we are heading in a prosperous direction. Miriam, along with Michael Iacovino continue to volunteer their time as Secretary and Vice Chair respectively, while we welcome Luke Fernandes as our co-opted treasurer. Luke’s work as a tax account steads him as a terrific addition to the team, and his experience as a musician provides an extra layer of value to the festival as he oversees the our financial systems. Also new to the board, Max Williams, Graham Cook, Rod Mann, Sean Foran and Peter Adams. In coming weeks be providing details of their backgrounds on the website. For now – stay in touch. We’ll be sending out regular newsletters from now on, and look forward to sharing our news as we work towards an exciting 30th anniversary celebration. Dave Fuller, Chair
Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues | DARYL McKENZIE JAZZ ORCHESTRA with HETTY KATE (Paris) Monday, 29th July, 7.30 pm at the Paris Cat Jazz Club Special guest vocalist, Hetty Kate, is touring from her base in Paris.
"Charismatic and technically gifted" (All About Jazz, USA) jazz vocalist Hetty Kate has "a stage presence only matched by the clarity of her voice.." (James Morrison, AU). Raised in both England and Australia, and now living in France, Hetty has released nine albums and graced stages large and small from New Zealand to New York.
www.pariscat.com.au | LATIN JAZZ FESTIVAL at Bird's Basement JON WEBER (USA) The young group of pianist Jake Amy's Septet (featuring Flora Carbo) perform Steve Coleman-influenced originals on July 31, with vocalist Emma Gilmartin on August 1. Powerhouse mainstream solo U.S. pianist Jon Weber makes a long overdue return here with two nights of shows on Friday, August 2nd and Saturday, 3rd.
As is an annual tradition, most of August will feature a Latin Jazz "Festival", with Luisito Quintero Ensemble (August 7-9); flautist Nestor Torres (August 14-18) and vocalist Sofia Rei (August 21-25). | Sunday, August 4, 8.30 pm, at The Jazzlab. $25/$18 con. Expatriate pianist/composer Marc Hannaford leads his New York-based trio on their first Australian tour during August. Hannaford is known for his contemporary and innovative approach to composition and improvisation, which features twisting rhythmic patterns, subtle harmonic shifts, and explosive ensemble playing. He was awarded the prestigious Freedman Fellowship by the Music Trust in 2013, and his most recent recording, Can You See With Two Sets of Eyes, was described as what “advanced, contemporary, improvised, virtuosic music might sound like, a decade or more into the future” by The Australian. This group also includes two improvisers who feature heavily in New York’s jazz and improvised music scene, electric bassist Simon Jermyn and drummer Satoshi Takeishi. Together, the group navigates Hannaford’s original compositions, which encompass driving loops, morphing textures, and surprising melodic twists. This set of music emerges from years of compositional refinement and collective rehearsal, and the Marc Hannaford Trio looks forward to introducing Australian audiences to both this music and the group. Visit: www.marchannaford.com
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wyBsZrYzp4
This tour has been made possible by a grant from the Australia Council | M.J.C. ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP: SUPPORT THE CO-OP & LIVE MUSIC IN MELBOURNE in 2019 MJC Associate Membership for 2019 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, $2 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, brochures, a range of discounts to sister businesses and 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 Renewals page, or new Membership page. | 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 | |
