The Festival’s artistic director, Adrian Jackson said, “This year’s program will ensure that Wangaratta maintains its reputation as Australia’s premier jazz and blues festival. We have some outstanding acts from overseas, many of the leading artists in Australian jazz and blues, some new faces, and some unique collaborations on the program.”
International artists – many exclusive to the Festival – include American trombonist-composer Josh Roseman, considered one of the most original and articulate trombone voices in jazz today; brilliant young Cuban pianist Fabian Almazan, solo bass pioneer Barre Phillips (France), La Societe des Antipodes (France / Australia), gifted multi instrumentalist Peter Apfelbaum (USA) and American blues guitarist Jimmy D Lane. Internationally based Australians include New York based pianist composer Barney McAll and bassist composer Linda Oh with her Quartet; and Netherlands based pianist composer Walter Lampe.
Josh Roseman, who brings his own band from NYC, will also perform in a special collaboration with the Australian Art Orchestra showcasing his compositions for a large ensemble. Other exclusive collaborations see the remarkable Linda Oh performing in a duo with vocalist Gian Slater. Pianist-composer Barney McAll, who moved to NY in 1998, premieres a special project featuring two pianos (himself and Andrea Keller) and vibraphone, in collaboration with Gian Slater as she leads a 16-voice choir; formidable bass virtuoso Barre Phillips will perform solo, and in a one-off event with Australian pianist Mike Nock; and La Societe des Antipodes features a collaboration between the French clarinetist Denis Colin and the Australian saxophonist Adam Simmons.
Other outstanding jazz artists on the program include Paul Grabowsky and Sandy Evans playing for the first time as a duo, James Muller, Mark Isaacs, Ted Vining’s Impressions, Elliott Dalgleish and Allan Browne. Phil Stack and Rai Thistlethwayte will take a break from their tour with Thirsty Merc to exercise their jazz chops, while Katie Noonan and Elixir will be featured at the Cup Eve Concert. Ten outstanding young drummers will be showcased in the National Jazz Awards, and there will be a program of workshops designed for secondary-level students.
The Blues program will be headlined by renowned US guitarist and singer Jimmy D Lane, son of Chicago blues great, Jimmy Rogers. “Lane has played with his father and a host of other legends, from BB King to Eric Clapton, and is greatly looking forward to his first visit to Australia”, said Jackson. He will be joined at the Blues Marquee by bands like Jim Conway’s Big Wheel, Collard Greens & Gravy and Blue Heat, as well as Paul Williamson’s Hammond Blues Revue, with special guests Shannon Bourne, Ella Thompson and James Black.
Staged over four days and nights on the pre-Melbourne Cup Day long weekend – Friday 28 October to Monday 31 October – the 2011 Festival program features more than 75 events at ten venues within the Wangaratta township.
Program & bookings: www.wangarattajazz.com
WANGARATTA FESTIVAL OF JAZZ & BLUES guests:
International artists:
• Josh Roseman Unit (USA)
• Linda Oh Quartet (USA/Australia)
• Fabian Almazan Trio (Cuba/USA)
• Barney McAll (USA /Australia)
• Barre Phillips (France)
• La Societe Des Antipodes (France/Australia)
• Peter Apfelbaum (USA)
• Walter Lampe Trio (Netherlands/Australia)
• Jimmy D Lane (USA)
Australian jazz artists:
• Australian Art Orchestra
• Bob featuring Ben Hauptmann
• Briana Cowlishaw
• Christopher Young Quartet
• Dale Barlow & Walter Lampe
• Daniel Gassin Sextet
• David Rex Quartet
• Elixir Featuring Katie Noonan
• Elliott Dalgleish & Allan Browne
• Generations In Jazz Big Band
• Gian Slater & Linda Oh
• Hetty Kate Sextet
• Howard Cairns Quintet
• Jackson Harrison Trio
• James Muller Trio
• John Morrison’s All-Stars featuring Jacki Cooper
• John Scurry’s Reverse Swing
• Leigh Barker’s New Sheiks
• Logic
• Lost And Found (Jamie Oehlers, Paul Grabowsky, Dave Beck)
• Mark Isaacs Resurgence Band
• Memory Of Elements
• Michael Mcquaid’s Late Hour Boys
• Mike Nock
• National Jazz Awards: Drums
• National Youth Jazz Academy Concert
• Nick Haywood Quartet
• Paul Grabowsky & Sandy Evans
• Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo
• Paul Williamson’s Inside Out
• Peter Petrucci
• Phil Stack Trio
• Rai Thistlethwayte
• Sandy Evans Sextet
• Ted Vining’s Impressions
• The Mute Canary Project
• The Shuffle Club
• The Swinging Blades
• Tim Wilson & Andrea Keller
• Wangaratta High School Big Band
• Whitesploitation
Australian blues artists:
• Andy Baylor’s Blues Is Poetry
• Blue Heat
• Collard Greens & Gravy
• Heather Stewart Trio
• Jim Conway’s Big Wheel
• Jules Boult
• MBAS Youth In Blues Band
• Paul Williamson’s Hammond Blues Revue
• Shannon Bourne
• Sweet Felicia & The Honeytones
