It seems that jazz in Sydney has definitely turned the corner as a far as venues go. The signs have been there for some time but with the announcement that new club Foundry616 will kick off soon in Ultimo – perhaps the optimism is justified.
Numerous venue closures have occurred over the years – including the popular Side On Café – so it has been a slow process of growth since 2010, with 'Venue 505' and then the 'The Dome' helping to revive the scene. And now comes Foundry616 which is a more ambitious project. As if to confirm a turnaround in the fortunes of Sydney's live jazz venues, El Rocco, that legendary cellar in Brougham Street King's Cross that over the last five or six years showcased singer song writers, comedians, cabaret artists, in fact anything but jazz, has let it be known that it's returning to a jazz policy.
If it does, that means that Sydney will have jazz clubs with music week round, which includes old timer, the Basement, Venue 505 and Bluebeat, not to mention regular nights by SIMA at the Sound Lounge and Jazzgroove at Project 107. Add to that the many one-off gigs such as VJ's, Colbourne Avenue and multi-genre venues that have mushroomed in the wake of the new licensing legislation and the outlook for musicians is much better than was the case a mere three years ago.
Proprietor of Foundry616, Peter Rechniewski, founder and until recently Artistic Director SIMA, says he is looking at a different approach to programming, one that gives musicians a chance to play at their absolute best. He plans to book monthly seasons on Fridays and Saturdays and to book other nights from a smaller roster of groups who will receive more frequent gigs. Foundry616 will also pursue a policy of bringing in overseas artists to play exclusively at the club.
Says Peter: “I want this venue to make a difference to the way jazz develops in Sydney and nationally. Foundry616 will present leading artists from across Australia, work with musicians and organisations to create new projects and groups, as well as featuring an exciting international programme – and we'll take risks to do that. Also, by programming limited “seasons" for a certain number of groups, the standard will be considerably lifted so the audience hears bands at their optimum. There are a few more innovations I want to keep under wraps at this stage but taken altogether, they signal a different approach and one that I hope will capture the imagination of the audience”.
Foundry616's first overseas artist will be the legendary Japanese saxophonist Akira Sakata who will play with Mike Nock's band in October. A ‘Generation Next' tenor saxophonist from Chicago is also on the cards early next year..
Opening night is Friday July 5th and Foundry616 is proud to present the formidable Dale Barlow, leading a new band, plus singer Briana Cowlishaw who takes listeners through to 2am.
Perhaps the Sydney jazz club scene, for so long looking a poor cousin to Melbourne's growing list of venues, is finally on the road to catching up.
More info: www.foundry616.com.au
