Monday, November 7, 2011

Paul Grabowsky (Melbourne) headlines this week at The Ellington

The maestro of Jazz piano is returning for three nights (Tues - Thurs) this week for encore performances after a very successful run of shows in May. If you missed it, be sure to get in quick this time. If you were here at the shows in May I'm sure you'll be coming back for more. Another two special shows to highlight this week are mainstream Jazz vocal sensation Pippa Wilson (Melbourne) who is performing Sunday and the one and only Carl Mackey releases his debut CD on Friday night.

MONDAY 7.00pm JUMP featuring Holly Norman and Callum G'Froerer.
This performance will showcase the skills of musicians Holly Norman (percussion, voice, piano) and Callum G’Froerer (trumpet), both music participants in the Australia Council’s JUMP mentoring program in 2011. Bonnie Davies, also a WA participant in JUMP for stand-up comedy, will MC the evening. 2011 has seen Holly take part in the JUMP national mentoring program working with percussionist and sound artist Steve Richter and developing skills in composition, recording and production. Callum G'Froerer is undertaking his JUMP mentorship with Melbourne-based trumpet player, Tristram Williams. Together they have been looking at contemporary classical trumpet music, particularly the music of Karlheinz Stockhausen.

TUESDAY 8.00pm Paul Grabowsky Quartet
Paul Grabowsky is without doubt one of the finest musicians, composers and artistic minds in Australia. Paul's career has followed several parallel (or sometimes intersecting) paths. As a composer, he has written scores for numerous films and television productions (including the ABC TV series, Phoenix and Janus). From 1990-92, he led the house band on the Seven network's Tonight Live variety show, hosted by Steve Vizard, which helped turn an underground jazz musician into a household name. More recently, Paul was the co-host of the ABC's 14-part music series, Access All Areas. In 1997 and 1998, he was ABC TV's commissioning editor for Arts & Entertainment. He will be presenting a quartet this evening with Jamie Oehlers (sax), Pete Jeavons (bass) and Ben Vanderwal (drums).

WEDNESDAY 8.00pm Paul Grabowsky Sextet
See Tuesday listing - add Carl Mackey (sax) and Jeremy Greig (trombone).

THURSDAY 8.00pm Paul Grabowsky Sextet
See Wednesday listing.

FRIDAY 8.00pm Carl Mackey CD Launch
After more than two decades of recording as a sideman and a collaborator, Carl Mackey is set to launch his long awaited debut album as a leader. One of Australia’s finest saxophonists, Carl is renowned for delivering performances of emotionally driven, high energy, hard swinging music that has made him a crowd favourite since he first hit the Perth jazz scene at age 16. The album will be available on the night at a promotional price of $20. Book your tickets fast, to ensure you don’t miss out on this highly anticipated event!

FRIDAY 11.30pm Late Night Groove Series featuring Amanda Dee
A very special 11/11/11 Family Affair with Cian Caton (vocals), Coryn Seia (vocals), Graham Wood (keys), Simon Jeans (guitar), Chris Tarr (drums) and Roy Martinez (bass) Dishing out the Soul food that make us feel good and fills us right up. Joining Amanda will be her daughter Cian and making his debut with on the Ellington stage will be her nephew Coryn. A family affair not to be missed!

SATURDAY 8.00pm Penny King Quintet
The quintet takes to the Ellington stage again for an exciting show featuring a perfect blend of regular favourites as well as some brand new repertoire. Penny has long been established as one of Perth’s premier jazz vocalists, performing with her band since 1996. She is well known in the jazz scene for her fine crafted stage presence, and her diverse arrangements of standards and contemporary tunes. The groups repertoire ranges from modern takes on standards through to blues, ballads and contemporary tunes, and reflects the wide array of vocalists that she takes influence from, such as Carmen McRae, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Joni Mitchell, singer-songwriters James Taylor and Ben Folds, and contemporaries Kurt Elling, Holly Cole and Beady Belle.

SATURDAY 11.30pm Stratosfunk
Stratosfunk is a high-energy nine-piece soul band performing classic hits from the Motown era. Influenced by the 50s, 60s and early 70s soul scenes around the United States, Stratosfunk stay true to the look, feel and sound of the time. The band’s wailing horn section and soulful backing vocals - complete with vintage dance moves - compliment charismatic front-woman Yara Neto’s powerful performance. They are a tight show band, entertaining audiences with their engaging performances and virtuosic solos - think tambourines, beehives and authentic dance moves. They'll have you up dancing from the first song!

SUNDAY 3.00pm Sir Thomas 100 true fans
Sir Thomas is an exciting and unique band creating music with a focus on melody and lyric craftsmanship. They construct uplifting and stirring musical journeys influenced by elements of minimalism and textural soundscape. The band is made up of Kitt Byfield on piano and lead vocals, Christopher de Groot on keyboards and electronics, Mel Hall on bass and Callum Moncrieff on drums. Their return to the Ellington is part of the band’s innovative project to raise money to record their debut album, "The 100 True Fans". Every one of Sir Thomas’s True Fans will have a say on which of the band’s songs are included on the album – and this is the performance where it all happens! The 100 True Fans will also have their name and photo included in the final album artwork, and of course, they receive a copy of the album! This show is exclusively for Sir Thomas’s 100 True Fans. If you would like more information on how to become a True Fan, check out the website and contact the band. There are still places available.

SUNDAY 6.00pm Pippa Wilson
Pippa Wilson is the jazz singer that everyone tells everyone else about. She has the rare vocal quality that snaps audiences to full attention, swinging hot or cool with the great standards from the 1920’s through to the 50’s and beyond. Singing jazz since 1979 she made her debut with the New Harlem Jazz Band. Since that time she has worked with most of Melbourne’s top musicians and has become a well respected and popular member of the jazz fraternity. As a performer, Ms. Wilson comes on like champagne cut with bitters, as she effortlessly enchants all kinds of audiences with her vitality and warmth. “When Pippa Wilson sings, audiences are swung and love it”

MONDAY 14th November 7.00pm WAAPA Jazz vocal showcase
Come and experience an evening of beautiful songs and lush harmonies performed by WAAPA’s talented jazz singers. 2011 has been a busy year for the students who have performed with acclaimed singer Gian Slater, as well as taking a key role in high profile WAAPA events such as Jazz in the Theatre and Radio Active. The 15 piece WAAPA Jazz Vocal Ensemble directed by Victoria Newton, will perform everything from Louis Prima’s ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’, and Miles Davis’ ‘So What’, to Imogen Heap’s ‘Hide and Seek’. There will also be songs composed or arranged by the students themselves.

Coming soon:
November 24 & 26 Passenger (UK)
December 23 & 24 Libby Hammer Christmas shows
December 31 A Hot Jazz New Years Eve Ball with The Ali Bodycoat Quintet
January 12 Scottie Miller (USA)
January 27 & 28 Sarah McLeod (Sydney)

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