Thu 10 May 2018 to Sun 20 May 2018

Stonnington Jazz is firmly established as an important event on the national jazz calendar. A proudly Australian event, reflecting the wealth of talent that can be heard throughout the year in Melbourne and around the country. Across a wide range of jazz styles, Stonnington features both established names and those in the early stages of their career. Whether you are a passionate jazz fan or a newcomer to the exciting world of jazz, there are plenty of shows in this year’s program that we’re sure you will enjoy!

Full Program Here

STONNINGTON 2018 HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Opening Night Concert: The New Jazz Generation: James Morrison Academy Orchestra
Friday 11 May at Chapel off Chapel
More info here
James Morrison – a long established legend of jazz – introduces the new generation of Australian musicians. Performing with his handpicked Academy Jazz Orchestra, Morrison presents all-Australian compositions in the jazz big band tradition.

2. Billy Davis & the Good Lords, P-UniQue and DJ Mz Rizk (PBS)
Friday May 11 at Melbourne Bowling Club
More info here
A new meeting of hip hop, R’n’B and gospel describes the work of Melbourne’s own Billy Davis, keyboardist and composer. After touring with Chicago’s NoName, jamming with Anderson .Paak and The Internet and hitting the Australian Top 10 on Spotify with single “No Longer Lovers”, Davis brings The Good Lord’s incredible live show to Stonnington Jazz for the first time.

3. Jazz in Colour – Swooping Duck meets Zero Crossing
Friday 18 May at Chapel Off Chapel
More info here
Witness the visual geometry of future jazz. For this special commissioned show, Swooping Duck and Lloyd Marsden collaborate to create a synesthetic experience, fusing experimental jazz with colour, shape and light. Swooping Duck – the three-piece rhythm section of Grammy-nominated Hiatus Kaiyote – use spontaneous harmony and adrenalin to create sonic sculptures that traverse genre. Moving from pure improvisation to new compositions featured on their upcoming debut album, expect sounds that fly gracefully beyond the spectrum of jazz and future soul. Zero Crossing’s use of shade and colour will convert the sound of Swooping Duck to optic pictures, responding to the music via artificial light. Expect the unexpected when colour becomes the fourth instrument of improvisation in this unique offering.

4. Mad Jazz: Beyond Thunderdome
Tues 15 May at The Astor Theatre
More info here
Completing the trilogy, The Shaolin Afronauts deliver their final Mad Max Jazz opus with a visit to the Thunderdome. Experience Mad Max like never before in this sweeping event that fuses George Miller’s astounding imagination of a post-apocalyptic world with the wild jazz fusion sound of the Afronauts. In what is considered one of the greatest threequels of all time, Beyond Thunderdome transports us fifteen years ahead of where we left the Roadwarrrior, Max Rockatansky, at Stonnington Jazz 2018.

5. Bjork: Interpreted
Thu 17 May at Chapel off Chapel
More info here
For fans, or for the uninitiated, do not miss this stunning homage to revolutionary music of Bjork. The show features special guest artists including cabaret chanteuse Mama Alto, soul powerhouse Nkechi Anele (Saskwatch), electronic artists Tom Barton, vocal chameleon Georgie Darvidis (Edie Centric) and folk singer-songwriter Hannah Cameron. Taking cue from the Icelandian’s extensive mixed media collaborations, Fabian Acuña creates a visual score projected behind the artists to paint an optic representation of the music.

6. Here and Now: the Far East Suite
Sun 20 May at The Loft, Chapel off Chapel
More info here
The Far East Suite – his 1967 Grammy Award winning release – was Duke Ellington’s musical response to his tour through Syria, Jordan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Iran, Lebanon, Turkey and Japan – with his arrangements describing the awe, exhilaration and enchantment the band felt from this life-changing experience. Taking inspiration from Ellington’s ambitious project, Steve Sedergreen has embarked on a quest to rework The Far East Suite for Stonnington Jazz.
Starring:
Kora: Amadou Suso
Shamisen: Noriko Tadano
Sitar and Vocals: Parvyn Singh
Vocals: The Black Sistaz
Didgeridoo: Ron Murray
Baritone & Tenor Saxophones: Paul Williamson
Alto Saxophone: Lachlan Davidson
Trumpet: Gianni Marinucci
Trombone: Dave Palmer
Double Bass: Frank Di Sario
Drums: Michael Jordan
Music Director/Piano: Steve Sedergreen

7. Judy Bailey Trio: At Your Request
More info here
Sunday 13 May at Chapel off Chapel
or Stonnington Jazz, audiences are treated to a special and intimate show at Chapel off Chapel. For one night only, Judy invites the audience to decide on the repertoire, creating a personalised and interactive evening. Choose your favourite standard or Judy Bailey song, write it down before the show and watch Judy randomly open the requests on stage and hit the keys. Do not miss the chance to be in the presence of an icon for this uplifting and engaging show.
Bass: Craig Scott
Drums: Tim Firth
Piano: Dr Judy Bailey OAM

And many more!!!! Proudly Presented by PBS 106.7 FM

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