Yes folks it is that time of the year again!
The big seasonal celebration will be held in the Atrium of The Leinster Arms on Sunday 3rd of December.
Every year this proves to be a lot of fun and time to catch up with a few Jammer friends.
Note that this also will be the last Jam for the year!
This scribe went along armed with an electric bass and a semi hollow electric guitar to see what could happen on a Sunday at the Leinster Arms………. Continue reading →
Hi,
My band Sweet Ade will be playing a gig at Caulfield Park bandstand on Sunday, December 3rd 2017. Continue reading →
So with some of the riff raff wandering all over the country it was left to the crème de la crème to hold the fort at the centre of jamming invention that is The Leinster. That is to say a decent number of us graced the establishment with a surprising level of proficiency.
On Drums we had Steve Bray, Allan Richards and Mike Hirsch who all played well. On Piano Gentleman John Curtis played a long stint before being relieved by this (edited) scribe followed by Malcolm and later Richard and Trevor tinkled the digital ivories. Continue reading →
Adrian Jackson is best-known to most jazz followers in Australia (and internationally) as the founding Artistic Director of Victoria’s three major jazz festivals – Melbourne International Jazz Festival; Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues; and, Stonnington Jazz (as well as jazz critic with The Age newspaper for around 15 years). In the past year he has had to deal with some adversity, and been unemployed, and over the last few months this has been further exacerbated with health problems. Continue reading →
Adrian Jackson (left) with Barney McAll at Wangarratta in 2013
Meanwhile, after 27 years as founding Artistic Director at Wangaratta (as well as the Melbourne and Stonnington jazz festivals), Adrian Jackson is currently unemployed, and in need of some non-major medical assistance. Knowing the ‘inside’ story, I can confidently state that both the Wangaratta and Melbourne festivals could have easily “fallen over” in early years of financial strain if Adrian had not gone way beyond the A.D. role, and worked on management and budget aspects (as well as taking effective pay cuts). He has also ‘backed’ the Australian creative music scene when this music does not always deliver audience numbers (I recall seeing ‘Band of Five Names’, with Phil Slater, playing to a modest audience at Chapel-off-Chapel as part of Stonnington Jazz almost a decade ago, but support like that often ‘bears fruit’ later, like Slater’s suite at Wangaratta). Continue reading →
It is with great pleasure (and some relief) to be able to report that the Wangaratta Festival was clearly an overall success (particularly in terms of both attendance figures and musical standards), and its immediate future is assured.
At the time of the announcement that Adrian Jackson would not be re-appointed as Artistic Director, I made the point that in addition to a change in A.D., the Board also needed to hit the “reset” button and make some real improvements to the event (such as securing more corporate sponsorship). They delivered on several changes, with Continue reading →
Hi jazz lovers
Christmas will soon be upon us and, to take your minds off it, here are some jazz gigs that I am involved with until that happy day arrives. Continue reading →
What with a large contingent of usual jazz Jammers away at the Grampians Jazz Festival (and possibly also away with the fairies) the army reserve B Team, straight out of a B movie, stood in and ensured that the show must go on at the Leinster Arms Hotel on Sunday.
Such was the low turnout that after Terry sat in on drums, with this scribe on electric bass and then a lengthy stint on piano, Ivan came to the rescue on Double Bass and your humble correspondent even had a chance to brush up on the drums ( yes a drumming pun).
Fermin and Neil rotated on guitar and newcomer Craig also joined in on guitar on songs such as “Milestones”.
Glenn the Publican sat in on drums including a fast version of “Just Friends”. Continue reading →
Think you’ve heard every possible variation of the piano trio? Wait until you hear the Kari Ikonen Trio.
It’s unmistakably Nordic, but upgraded with a wide dynamic range and vibrant, energetic rhythmic flow. No meaningless notes and chords, each composition has an abundance of colors, innovative harmonies, strong melodies, striking rhythms… Spend a minute listening and you’ll hear the difference.
Band members performing:
You’re invited to my next performances with a wonderful group of musicians in the suburb of Notting Hill, near Clayton/Glen Waverley. We will be playing at Inchmeal Cafe, a cosy and quaint cafe near Monash University. Katerina Myskova will be leading us in song, Ben Stewart will play guitar, Ivan Sultanoff on double bass, Andre Speldewinde on the drums and myself on keys. It will be a night of familiar jazz standards, swing tunes and latin songs. The venue showcases some local artistic talent with some handmade products for sale such as jewellery, prints, bags and candles. Light refreshments also available from the cafe.
It is the perfect way to unwind after a busy week. You can meet up with a friend, enjoy an easy and local date night without having to go into town or even bring the family! I think there’s a toy box with goodies for the little ones to play with in between staring at the huge double bass!!!
The last concert at this venue was full so please book tickets as soon as possible using the links:
Fri 3rd Nov
www.trybooking.com/SDGI
More info about Inchmeal Cafe here:
https://www.inchmeal.com.au/
Melbourne Jazz Jammers 