Past Gigs
Jazz Series 2015
The Bad Plus (USA)
Jane Bunnett and Maqueque (Canada/Cuba)
James Muller and the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra
Mike Nock Trio
Barney McAll
Finn-Land feat. Emma Pask and Darren Percival
20th Century Dog
Dave Goodman Quartet
Craig Scott Quintet
The International Quintet feat. Bob Montgomery (USA)
Kinetic Jazz Orchestra
The Swing Merchants
2014 Jazz Series
Alex Stuart Sextet
James Morrison and the Generations In Jazz Academy Big Band plus an opening set by The Megaband
Lisa Parrott Quartet
Cameron Undy Quartet
Cope Street Parade
The Ben Panucci Trio
Hammerhead
James Muller Trio
Steve Hunter Trio
Flap!
Libor Smoldas Trio (Czech Republic)
Grey Wing Trio
ACRONYM Orchestra
Felucca
2013 Jazz Series
Vince Jones
Mike Nock Trio PLUS
Gerard Masters - Random Acts of Jazz
Abel Cross' Neo Bop
The Swinging Blades
Ernie Watts
Jodie Michael Trio
Marc Hannaford
Nick Garbett - Garfish
Phil Slater - Song Book
Adam Page
Paul Grabowski
2012 Jazz Series:
23 November - Dave Panichi Septet
Dave Panichi - trombone, Phil Slater - trumpet, Peter Farrar - alto saxophone, Carl Morgan - guitar, Matt McMahon - piano, Karl Dunnicliff - bass, James Waples - drums.
"Dave Panichi is a top notch musician who not only plays great, but is an accomplished composer and arranger to boot. I have had the pleasure of working with Dave in my own big band in New York as well as with the Ralph Pyl Big Band in Sydney. Dave is a happening cat!" - Bob Mintzer
"Panichi is one of Australia's best players. His sound is powerful and intense - filled with conviction - you can hear New York in it." - Jasmine Crittenden, Drum Media
Dave Panichi's career as a premier international trombonist has seen him work with jazz luminaries as diverse as Sarah Vaughan, Frank Sinatra and Blood, Sweat and Tears. In a wide range of roles from session musician to lecturer, Dave has won audiences from Wangarratta to New York with his broad stylistic range, consummate musicianship and unique performing style.
This will be the debut performance of the Dave Panichi Septet in Wollongong featuring the 'cream of the crop' in local talent - a truly all-star band. This gig is a must-see!
9 November - Christina Fuchs "No Tango" Quartet (GER)
Christina Fuchs - soprano/tenor/bass clarinet, Ulla Oster - bass, Christoph Hillmann - drums, Florian Stadler - accordion.
"The combination of woodwinds, percussion, bass and accordion is really fresh, mindful and creative..." - Antje Kohn, Melodiva
"No Tango has found a unique sound outside of all traditions, without ignoring them." - Thorsten Hingst, Lubeck-Kunst & Kultur.
During the past 20 years saxophonist Christina Fuchs has developed an instantly recognisable sound and a unique language as a composer. Her award winning compositions Have been played by numerous large and small ensembles in europe including the United Women's Orchestra, the NDR Radio Big Band and the Blue Art Orchestra.
Her Quartet project - No tango - is one of the more unusual ensembles on the Cologne jazz scene. The band proves that innovative jazz can be delicate, humorous, and lyrical. Their combination of jazz, ethnic music and modern compositions fascinates from the first beat.
Performing for the first time in Wollongong as part of a National tour and playing music from their self-titled debut release, No Tango is hard to classify but easy to understand just by listening.
27 October - Sirens Big Band
Loretta Palmeiro - alto, Rebecca Grubb - alto, Ruth Wells - tenor, Harriet Harding - tenor/soprano, Sophie Unsen - baritone, Claire Hollander - trumpet, Ellen Kirkwood - trumpet, Lisa Gori - trumpet, Kim Griffin - trumpet, Rose Foster - trombone, Emma Riley - trombone, Fiona Keating - trombone, Rosie Marks-Smith - trombone, Monique Lysiak - piano, Milan Ring - guitar/vocals, Jessica Dunn - bass, Lauren Benson - drums/vocals.
Sirens bring a new sound to the big band setting: 17 instruments weaving lilting African, Middle Eastern and Latin rhythms together with instrumental jazz. The Sirens Big Band is a 17-piece, female ensemble, co-led by Sydney musicians, and recent recipients of the Jann Rutherford Memorial Medal, bassist Jessica Dunn and saxophonist Harriet Harding.
The Siren's sound comes from a repertoire gathered from global inspiration and local root, exploring the works of contemporary Australian jazz composers Linda Oh, Judy bailey, Jeremy Rose, Zoe Frater, Laura Kahle, Nadia Burgess and Jenna Cave as well as the bands original compositions. With a strong focus on improvisation and an outstanding line-up of soloist, the band offers an unique musical experience.
This will be the Siren's first ever gig in Wollongong and will feature a supporting set from the Wollongong Conservatorium Big Band.
12 October - Marialy Pacheco Trio
Marialy Pacheco - piano Joe Marchisella - bass, Andrew Shaw - drums
“Marialy is a rare kind of musician who has a perfect blend of knowledge, touch, tone and freedom in her music. She seamlessly weaves in and out of musical stories and delights the soul with free flowing improvisation that takes the listener by surprise, causing us to trust her with our hearts and ears! She’s HOT!!!”
Tommy Emmanuel, CGP (Legendary Australian Jazz Guitarist)
“Marialy takes you through a journey of passion for music that radiates the listener. It’s more than talent. It’s a gift!!!”
Karl Perazzo (Pecussionist, Santana)
“Marialy’s art can not be trimmed to fit into convention or category, in her playing is the unity of youth and experience, both the carefree and the careful desire to live and create.”
CD Universe
Marialy Pacheco represents the next generation of emerging Cuban musicians. Her music is a fine balance between Cuban tradition, jazz and her classical training. She brings the piano to life with an immense talent for highly nuanced improvisations.
Born in Havanna, Cuba in 1983, pianist and composer Marialy began her musical education at age studying piano at one of Cuba’s most prestigious Conservatoriums (Alejandro García Caturla Conservatorium). At age 15 she was accepted into the National School of Arts (Escuela Nacional de Artes) in Havana, studying under Olga Valiente. At the age of 20 she was accepted into the National University of Arts in Havana, (Instituto Superior de Artes de la Havana) where she studied composition under Tulio Peramo for three years.
At the age of fifteen she was invited to Asturias, Spain to the Festival de Jovenes Talentos for her first international performance. In 2002 at age 19 she won the Cuban competition Jo-Jazz, with Grammy award-winner Chucho Valdez presiding over the jury, and in 2004 she was invited to Bremen, Germany to record her first album Bendiciones with Weltwunder Records.
Relocating to Germany in 2004 she continued to tour Europe and build her international reputation. She was invited three consecutive years to perform in
Festival Son Cuba, a Cuban performance that celebrates Cuban traditional music and tours Europe annually, as well as touring extensively throughout Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands, both as a solo pianist and with her trio.
In 2006 she was invited to perform with “Cuba Percussion” at the Dresden Jazz Festival, and in the same year she was awarded the Second Prize at Choral Gables Congregational Church Florida for her work for string orchestra “Güajira para Tulio”. In 2008 she was a guest soloist at concerts with Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel.
Marialy Pacheco has released 5 independent albums and in 2011 was a finalist at Europa Fest International Jazz Competition in Bucharest, Romania.
To add to her achievements, Maraily recently won the Solo Piano Competition at this year's Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland.
Don't miss this opportunity to see one of the worlds leading jazz pianists in the beautiful intimate setting of the Wollongong Conservatorium Auditorium.
For More Info: (02) 4228 1122
28 September - Andrew Gander Quartet
Dale Barlow - flute/saxophone, Carl Morgan - guitar, Brett Hirst - bass, Andrew Gander - drums.
This new collaboration features compositions by all four. With emphasis on tight, complex compositions with plenty of intense free blowing on the forms and rhythmic displacement between the bass and drums.
This exciting new project includes four of the best Australian jazz musicians on the scene today. With living legend Dale Barlow (Alumnus of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and the Cedar Walton Quartet) on saxophone, the hottest young guitarist on the Australian jazz scene, Carl Morgan (Mothership Orchestra), Australia's first call jazz bassist Brett Hirst (James Muller Quartet, Sandy Evans Trio) and returning jazz drumming heavy-weight, one of the most devastatingly original and virtuosic musicians Australia has produced, Andrew Gander, this is a concert not to be missed
For More Info: (02) 4228 1122
14 September - Jonathan Zwartz "Shimmer" Band + Special Guest James Greening
Phil Slater - trumpet, Richard Maegraith - tenor saxophone/bass clarinet, Carl Dewhurst - guitar, Matt McMahon - piano, Fabian Hevia - percussion, Hamish Stuart - drums, Jonathan Zwartz - bass + James Greening - trombone (special guest).
"The first album from Jonathan Zwartz is well worth the wait. Where one might have expected driving jazz, however, Zwartz's compositions emerge with a distinct Brazilian bent: gentle, swaying creatures to soothe and seduce... beautiful" John Shand, SMH
Bass player Jonathan Zwartz is one of Australia's leading jazz musicians and has played with the likes of James Morrison, Branford Marsalis, Nigel Kennedy and Cleo Lane. For Wollongong Jazz, Jonathan will be performing music from his new release "shimmer" the follow-up to his critically acclaimed, double bell award-winning album 'The Sea."
24 August - Mucho Mambo
Martin 'El Martillo' Taylor - director/vocals/percussion, Jess Ciampa - timbales/vocals, Fabian Hevia - congas/vocals, Nick Southcott - piano, Cesar Marin - bass/vocals, Angus Gomm - trumpet, Tom McElvogue - trumpet, Antony Gullick - trumpet, Matt Ottignon - saxophone, Karl Laskowski - saxophone, Steve Fitzmaurice - saxophone, Jeremy Borthwick - trombone, Mike Raper - trombone, Vincenza Taylor - Guiro, Wilson Orozco - Vocals
"When Mucho Mambo hits its stride I defy anyone to remain motionless. The band has something for your head and something for your feet" - Music Forum Magazine
"The music is played with flawless conviction and great panache. This was delightful music in it's heyday and sounds like it was invented yesterday when played by Mucho mambo" - Sydney Morning Herald Metro
The 15 piece Latin Orchestra Mucho Mambo featuring some of Australia's best latin and jazz musicians was formed in 2002 stemming from a love of big brass arrangements and cool old-style latin grooves has been wowing audiences with tight arrangements, brilliant musicianship and unique visual spectacle.d
Back by popular demand to play a special gig at the Wollongong University UniBar for Wollongong Jazz, don't miss this opportunity to see one of the hottest bands around. Don't forget to bring your dancing shoes!
NB: This is an all-ages show!!
6 July at 7pm Sandy Evans Trio + Special Guest Bobby Singh
Sandy Evans - saxophones, Bobby Singh - tabla, Brett Hirst - bass, Toby Hall - drums
‘Listening to Bhairavi Tillana…I found myself entering a kind of trance and feeling as if I could listen for hours and be absolutely absorbed by the intricate rhythmic and melodic patterns.’ - Roger Mitchell, Ausjazz Blog June 2010.
‘The local saxophonist Sandy Evans found fascinating common ground for her trio and the singer/sitar player Sarangan Sriranganathan and tabla player Bobby Singh. Singh's melodic precision allowed harmonics to fly up and merge with Sriranganathan's voice as one other- worldly instrument.’ - John Shand 31/12/2010 SMH
In this special concert The Sandy Evans Trio continue their acclaimed
collaboration tabla player Bobby Singh,one of Australia’s leading Indian musicians to weave an extraordinary kaleidoscope of colour, rhythm and melody. Expect soulful melodies, breathtaking improvisations, hypnotic grooves and stunning percussion solos, redefining the fusion of jazz and Indian music.
This Performance is made possible by the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA)
June 5 - Chris Potter (USA) + Mothership Orchestra
May 25 - Darren Sigesmund Strands Project (CA)
Eliana Cuevas - vocals, Luis Deniz - tenor saxophone, Darren Sigesmund - trombone, James Muller - guitar, Jim Vivian - bass, Ethan Ardelli - drums.
2010 JUNO nominee and Galaxie Rising Star winner Toronto trombonist Darren Sigesmund has firmly established his Strands project as one of Canada's leading national and international touring ensembles. Following up on his 2008 debut quintet CD Strands, Darren has released Strands II, nominated for a 2010 JUNO for Best Traditional Jazz Album. Sigesmund received the 2010 Galaxie Rising Star award for Best Composition ("Dance for Leila") at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. Acclaimed for its compositional ingenuity, the Strands project consists of Sigesmund's self-penned compositions, a contemporary blend of jazz, Latin and classical influences. Strands II features an expanded ensemble, with the addition of sensational vocalist Eliana Cuevas and dynamic percussionist Daniel Stone. With vigor and flair, Sigesmund has woven the textures of voice and percussion into fresh new compositions for the Strands II recording which features special guest New York saxophonist Tim Ries of the Rolling Stones.
Wollongong Jazz is proud to present Darren and his strand project (featuring Australia's renowned guitar virtuoso James Muller) for a special concert at the Wollongong Conservatorium. Don't miss this opportunity to see this internationally acclaimed group play cutting edge jazz in an intimate setting.
This performance is made possible in part by a grant from the Ontario Arts Council's National and International Touring program.
We also acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, which last year invested $154 million to bring the arts to Canadians throughout the country.
March 30 - James Morrison with the Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra
Legendary Australian Trumpet Player James Morrison will be a feature guest artist with the Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra in one of their final performances before they head off on tour to America.
Opening the show will be a special performance by the Megaband...a 100+ strong band of musicians of all ages. James will make an appearance with the Megaband before his full set with the Jazz Orchestra.
March 2 - Andrew Dickeson Quintet
Warwick Alder - trumpet, Dave Panichi - trombone, Steve Barry - piano, Brendan Clarke - bass, Andrew Dickeson - drums.
Andrew Dickeson has elevated himself beyond his universally accepted perch as a stellar sideman and is now staking his claim as a distinguished bandleader. As a stalwart of the Australian jazz scene, and sideman to such international greats as Johnny Griffin, Junior Cook, Lee Konitz, Kirk Lightsey, Mark Murphy and many more, he has learned much of the art of being a leader, the essence of which, in his opinion, “is to communicate to the band the concept, sound and feeling you want, while encouraging the freedom to express themselves.”
He continues: “As my playing evolved over many years as a sideman, a role I still love and enjoy, I knew that it was time to make a musical statement of my own and to present music with my ‘fingerprint’ on it. My concept was to have a band that was creative, polished and swingin’, in which each tune would be a musical journey, for us and listeners. I chose musicians who could create the sound and feeling I aimed for, and they’ve responded beautifully.
Andrew has just released his debut cd as leader ‘Weaver Of Dreams” on Rufus Records.
For Wollongong Jazz Andrew has assembled a stellar line-up featuring some of Australia’s finest musicians. Warwick Alder - the country’s premier modern Jazz trumpeter - with a soulful, melodic style rich in wit and humour. Dave Panichi - a veteran of the bands of Buddy Rich and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Dave is a swinging and sophisticated trombonist. Brendan Clarke on double bass provides a strong, swingin’ foundation to the band and shows a wonderful, melodic solo style. Steve Barry on piano is a rising star who plays with a strength, personality and maturity far beyond his years. The combination is a formidable one -- full of excitement and energy.
Expect to hear great music that is energetic, exciting and, just as importantly, entertaining. My aim is always to include the listener in our experience – through SWING – the universal rhythmic feeling that allows people to share the joy of life through music.
February 18 - The Vampires
Jeremy Rose - alto saxophone, Nick Garbett - trumpet, Alex Boneham - bass, Alex Masso - drums.
The Vampires manage to play contemporary jazz and at the same time include aspects of traditional reggae and South American music with occasional references to the recent past, with echoes of Bernie McGann and the Catholics. – John McBeath, The Australian
7 October - Dave Reglar and the Sydney Con All-Stars @ Samuels
Ken Allars - trumpet, David Reglar - saxophone, Novak Manojlovic - piano, Axel Powrie - bass, Tim Geldens - drums
Come dig on some bebop, standards, and groovin' music at the hippest jazz spot in Thirroul. Now in their second year of presenting jazz on the first Sunday of every month, the band will feature some of the finest young musicians on the Sydney Jazz scene as regular saxophonist, Dave Reglar, is joined by Ken Allars (Mike Nock Quartet, Mothership Orchestra, Cooking Club), Novak Manojlovic, Tim Geldens and Axel Powrie. All bar Reglar are currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium and represent the exciting future of Australian jazz.
For More Info: (02) 4228 1122
2011
-Matt Keegan Trio with special guest Dave Ades
-Kim Lawson Trio
-Garfish
-Andrew Brooks "Motion"
-David Theak Quartet with James Muller, Steve Barry, Tim Firth
-Paul Williamson's "Inside Out" with James McLean, Marc Hannaford and Sam Zerna
-Mark Isaacs Resurgence Band
-Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra featuring Kristin Berardi
-Dan Tepfer Trio (New York) with Johnathan Blake and Joe Sanders
2010
-James Muller Quartet with Matt Keegan, Brett Hirst, and Tim Firth
-Kristin Berardi and James Sherlock
-Antripodean Collective (Marc Hannaford, Scott Tinkler, Ken Edie, John Rogers)
-Misinterprotato
-Zac Hurren
-The Vampires
-George Garzone (USA) with Mike Nock Trio
-Mucho Mambo
-Ben Winkelman Trio
-Jamie Oehlers New Quartet
-Mace Francis Orchestra
-Ben Panucci Trio
-Athol Holdernesse / Claire Hollander Quartet
-Phil Slater Quartet
-Sandy Evans Trio
-Roil
-Eric Dunan Quartet
-Justin Fermino Quintet
-Shannon Barnett Quartet
Pre-2010
-Mark Levine (USA)
-Wadada Leo Smith (USA)
-Matt Keegan Trio
-Mike Nock Trio
-Marc Hannaford Trio
-Antripodean Collective
-The World According To James
-Baecastuff
-Andrea Keller Quartet
-The Vampires
-Trio Apoplectic
-Gerard Masters Trio
-Andrew Robson Trio
-Zoe and the Buttercups
-The Alcohotlicks
-Willow Nielson Quartet
-Assumptions Trio
-Tim O'Dwyer Trio
-Darren Hienrich's Organ Trio
-Fred Wesley (USA) with The Mega Band