“When you meet artists from different countries, they’re almost always keen to chat, play and experiment. I think the musical training and experiences that many jazz musicians have allows them to interact with musicians from lots of different cultural and musical backgrounds and get something fun happening.”
“The mindset for me is to serve and support and honor the song and the musicians I play with. But mostly to follow the purpose of the song. To be fully present in every word and every breath.”
Few pianists can combine lyricism with a sense of groove the way that Alexander Nettelbeck does – which partly explains the seemingly effortless way that he can shift from ‘straight’ jazz to classical to reggae to R’n’B to every genre and sub-genre, really
“Nancy Wilson’s tone, phrasing and interplay with the band on that record had a huge impact on me as a musician. After going deep into those tunes, I think that it’s allowed me to approach my own music in a different way, particularly how I tell my stories through song.”
When I heard that Billy Childs is coming to Australia, the first thing I did was listen to his latest, Grammy-winning album, Rebirth, hailed as […] Read More
“I like to sing songs that have elements of politics, social condition, environmental issues, generally songs that reflect the human condition.”
“Rhonda Burchmore has the audience in the palm of her hand – it’s truly magical. I often have to pinch myself to come back down to earth when she sings a ballad – it’s one of the most special pleasures to play ballads as a duet with her.”
Highlights included Morrison and Elling matching each other note for note on trumpet and vocalese on ‘Did You Call Her Today’, a stunning sax solo from Roberts on ‘September In The Rain’, and a superb rendition of ‘Nature Boy’ from the entire ensemble.
“There is something musical about the way Gerald Murnane writes about Australian landscape, it’s an interesting place to compose music from,” Peter Knight says.
A cohort of inspired, inspiring women took to the stage, one by one sending out a War Cry, singing songs of Nina Simone and Abbey Lincoln and Sharon Jones – along with their own originals, all songs that describe what it means to struggle, to fight back, to do your bit to create social change, one note at a time, one verse at a time.
