Tonight at The Ellington 11.30pm Late night groove series with Solomon Pitt

One of Perth’s best hidden secrets; the eclectically soulful Solomon Pitt  was raised singing in church (and does so, still to this day), and with a musical family, he has a diverse range of musical influences from classic Gospel artists like CeCe Winans and Alvin Slaughter right through to classic rock, reggae and r&b artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Bob Marley and Boyz II Men.

In recent years, Solomon has performed at venues in and around Perth with some of the city’s best musicians. Growing up making music and writing songs became natural and he continues to do so today both in Perth and overseas.

A unique soulful voice, encompassing heart and energy, Solomon will take you on a journey through a world of r&b and neosoul grooves for unforgettable real urban experience.

Tickets at the door

Libby Hammer Quintet 8.00pm tonight at The Ellington

A favourite among Perth audiences and musicians alike, jazz vocalist Libby Hammer brings an explosion of energy, vocal style and personality to the Ellington stage. Along with a top notch quartet, Libby delivers fun yet dramatic interpretations of a repertoire that stretches from classic to quirky.

Tickets at the door

TLC Organ Trio 6.00pm tonight at The Ellington

Tom O'Halloran - Organ
Laurence (Freddie) Grigson - Guitar
Chris Tarr - Drums

This band is a fine addition to the scene and The Ellington welcomes their return performance for another fantastic session of blues and soul in the organ trio tradition of Jimmy Smith, Shirley Scott, Joey Defrancesco, Larry Golding and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Definitely the coolest and funkiest blues based combo in town.

Tickets at the door

UNESCO International Jazz Day review at The Ellington

Nice review from Monday http://themusic.com.au/local/wa/reviews-live/2012/05/01/unesco-international-jazz-day-the-ellington-jazz-club-northbridge-olivia-gardner/

WAYJO tribute to Duke Ellington 8.00pm tonight at The Ellington

Join WAYJO as they celebrate the jazz greats with their annual Tribute Series concerts.
Tonight WAYJO salutes the great Duke Ellington in true swinging style. Then celebrate the unofficial 60th anniversary of Bossa Nova and feel the rhythmic beats of Rio just as it was in the 50s, with WAYJO's performance of this vibrant fusion of samba and jazz!

Downstairs sold out - upstairs tickets at the door.

The Airbenders (Adelaide) 8.00pm tonight at The Ellington

The Airbenders come to Perth for the first time to launch their new self titled CD.  The brainchild of Adelaide stalwarts Mike Stewart (sax) and Paul White (hammond organ) the Airbenders recorded with James Muller - guitar and Andrew Dickeson - drums.  The Airbenders play an infectious mix of blues, jazz and soul that makes everyone in the room feel good.

For the Perth concerts the Airbenders will be joined by Perth's own Freddie Grigson - guitar and Chris Tarr - drums.

Mike Stewart - having spent three years in New York studying and playing with jazz masters such as Jon Faddis, Jimmy Heath, Joe Lovano and Frank Wess, Mike has returned to Adelaide to take up a teaching position at the Elder Conservatorium.  As well as the Airbenders he runs his own big band and trio - SongBook.  He also works as Coordinator for JazzSA and is much in demand as a sideman, clinician and teacher.

Paul White is one of the premier Hammond organ players in Australia.  Having cut his teeth with a wide variety of local bands Paul has performed around Australia with a multitude of international and national music legends.

Here is a link to our to their last gig - 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsU5IEM4P2A

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Elbow Grease 8.00pm tonight at The Ellington

Sean Little – Tenor Sax
Andrew Gioia- Trumpet
Lewis Moody- Keyboards, Electronics
Djuna Lee- Bass
Jacob Evans- Drumset
Five of Perth’s up and comers have joined to create Elbow Grease, a group focusing on the original compositions of all band members, and other musicians on the jazz scene.

Currently all in their honours year of music at the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts, except Sean who has already completed the course, the group has some impressive individual resumes. Andrew and Sean are both members of the esteemed Mace Francis Orchestra, have presented a night of original music last year featuring the great Tom O’Halloran and Ben Vanderwal, and are both off to Banff, Canada later in May for an intensive three-week workshop in jazz and creative music. Jacob Evans holds the award for best recital of 2011, and is touring later in the year with nationally acclaimed saxophonist Jamie Oehlers. Lewis Moody has played with Andy Fisenden, Dane Alderson, Simon Fisenden, and played a number of gigs around Perth with his own quartet. Djuna Lee is making her mark as one of the strongest bass players in town and has played with Chris Tarr, Ben Vanderwal, and Tom O’Halloran, just to name a few.

Taking influence in particular from the American band Kneebody, the group strives to create a band sound with an electronic edge, with the focus shifted towards the overall effect of the tune, rather than the individual solos. Don’t miss this night of new creative music.

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