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.  With her impeccable phrasing and intonation,  Penny truly makes any song she performs a unique performance experience.
As well as her regular appearances at the Ellington, Penny has held residencies at some of Perth’s finest venues, and makes regular appearances at a variety of corporate events.   Penny has been a featured vocalist with the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, and has made numerous appearances at the Perth Jazz Society, both with her own quartet, as well as being a featured performer at the annual ‘Ladies of Jazz’ concerts. She has appeared at the Rottnest Festival, the York Jazz Festival, and the Fremantle International Jazz Festival.
A graduate of the prestigious WAAPA jazz programme, Penny had an original track featured on the Jazzaziz II CD, released in 2005 by JazzWA.  She also featured on the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra’s 1996 CD release ‘Night and Day’. She is currently a  vocal tutor in the jazz department at WAAPA.

This performance will feature an eclectic mix of compositions from Duke Ellington, Beady Belle, Crowded House, Miles Davis and many more. Penny will be joined by the stellar line up of Carl Mackey on tenor saxophone, Graham Wood on piano, Pete Jeavons on bass and Mike Perkins on drums.

A fantastic night of quartet music last night from the legendary Paul Grabowsky. If you missed it then don't despair as he is on tonight and tomorrow night. Last night featured mainly standards from the quartet and tonight is exclusively sextet material featuring local players Jamie Oehlers (sax), Carl Mackey (sax), Jeremy Greig (trombone), Nick Abbey (bass) and Ben Vanderwal (drums). This is some truly stunning music written and arranged by Paul so I highly recommend checking it out. Tables are still available for tonights show so book a spot, a bottle of wine and some tapas and kick back and listen to one of the finest ensembles in the country. http://www.ellingtonjazz.com.au/index.php/schedule/month/11/show/1481

Paul Grabowsky is without doubt one of the finest musicians, composers and artistic minds in Australia. Classically trained - he had ambitions to become a conductor, before becoming absorbed in jazz as a teenager - he quit his studies at the Melbourne Conservatorium to concentrate on jazz.

In 1980, he received an Australia Council grant which enabled him to travel to the USA and Europe, where he could accelerate his training as a jazz pianist. He had the chance to work with jazz legends like Chet Baker, Art Farmer and Johnny Griffin.
Then, having settled in Munich, he led his own bands, playing the music of heroes like Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, before starting to develop his own ideas as a composer.

Paul returned to Melbourne in 1984, convinced that the Australian jazz scene had great potential, and keen to be part of it. He formed a trio with bassist Gary Costello and drummer Allan Browne, which won an ARIA for its first CD ('6x3' on Spiral Scratch). The Paul Grabowsky Trio is an ongoing concern, and won the 1996 ARIA for its second CD, When Words Fail (Origin).

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, Phoenixand 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.

In the jazz sphere, Paul's trio became a quintet in the late '80s, with the addition of singer Shelley Scown and saxophonist Ian Chaplin. He recorded a series of albums for Warner Music. The first, The Moon And You, featured tracks by the quintet, alongside tracks from a New York session where Paul played with US jazz masters, Dewey Redman and Paul Motian. Tee Vee and Viva Viva were recorded by a sextet featuring US bassist Ed Schuller, which toured nationally and in Europe.

Paul was a member of the Australian Jazz Orchestra, a 10-piece, all-star group assembled for the Bicentennial celebrations in 1988, which toured nationally and in the USA. (Other members included Don Burrows and James Morrison). Another band, Wizards Of Oz, was a co-operative quartet co-led by saxophonist Dale Barlow; they toured Europe in 1989.

Paul has continued to work with Shelley Scown -- he is featured as player and composer on her Origin CD, Angel -- and has also been heard with Vince Jones, [Scott Tinkler][2], Bernie McGann and Niko Schäuble. He has performed with several international visitors, including Dewey Redman, Johnny Griffin, Sheila Jordan, Cindy Blackman and Steve Lacy.

Paul had long nursed an ambition to let his imagination run wild, writing music for a large jazz ensemble. He got his chance in 1990, when he was invited to arrange some Edith Piaf songs for a Munich-based ensemble, Die Konferenz. The success of this project led to another commission forDie Konferenz, to arrange some German popular songs of the 1930s or earlier.

From there, it was a relatively small step for Paul to conceive Ringing The Bell Backwards. With financial support from the Melbourne Jazz Co-operative, Paul secured a spot in the program for the 1993 Melbourne International Festival of the Arts. The rest is history... and the future.

He will be joined by Australian powerhouse tenor player Jamie Oehlers and an all star rhythm section including Nick Abbey on Bass and Ben Vanderwal on Drums.

Tonight 7.00pm JUMP with 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. Both Holly and Callum hold music degrees from the WA Academy of Performing Arts, and have pursued extensive study and performance opportunities globally over the past few years.
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. Working under Steve’s tutelage Holly bought a vintage piano and started to make up for two decades of lost time, writing songs for various musical outfits including a duo with her brother, Tom, and gypsy jazz ensemble Joe Black Trio, in addition to solo material. Holly writes and records all material at The Coogee Street Studio for Aspiring Musicians based in Mount Hawthorn, WA.
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. For this performance Callum will present original compositions and improvisations as a duo with Brett Thompson and with trio. Callum's JUMP mentorship has also included many opportunities such as traveling to the USA to attend the Chosen Vale International Trumpet Seminar and to receive lessonsin New York City, and traveling to Europe to take part in the Stockhausen course, where he was a prize winner.

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)

Amelia Ong - Tonight at The Ellington 6/11/11

Amelia Ong is one of Perth’s newest upcoming jazz vocalists who is influenced by the greats of Gospel, Blues, Soul, and RnB artists. She is a young vibrant jazz singer who has already established a name for her self in Indonesia. She has performed in Java Jazz International Festival (03), Jazz Goes To Campus (02/03), represented Indonesia in Norwegian Jazz Festival (03).

Since moving to Australia, Amelia has sung along with Australian Jazz Legends such as James Morrison, John Morrison, Joe Chindamo, Graeme Lyall and has also performed as a WAYJO vocalist in ’07 and ‘08. Amelia’s vibrant, captivating and moving performances are a must see. Her funky edge on jazz standards and her interpretation of melodies has become a trademark in her singing as well as her originals.

The amazing Josh Roseman (NYC) swings by The Ellington tonight (5/11/11)

Josh Roseman is an American jazz trombonist.

Roseman was born in Boston, and studied at the New England Conservatory of Music. Roseman toured Jamaica with The Skatalites and in Australia with the Christopher Hale Ensemble. He has also played with Steve Coleman, Dave Holland, Dave Douglas, Don Byron, John Zorn, Charlie Hunter, Mike Gordon , Soulive, Groove Collective, and Me'Shell Ndegeocello.

Roseman has led sessions for Enja Records as The Josh Roseman Unit. His sidemen include Peter Apfelbaum, Barney McAll, Ben Monder, Jonathan Maron, Billy Kilson, Ted Poor, Tony Barba, and Kirk Knuffke and special guests on the albums include Chris Potter, Liberty Ellman, Ben Perowsky, and Mark Feldman

He will be joined by Graham Wood (piano), Pete Jeavons (bass) and Ben Vanderwal (drums)