Congratulations to the latest recipient of the Jann Rutherford Memorial Award, drummer Jodie Michael.
Jodie Michael is an outstanding jazz musician. As a teenager she displayed a jaw dropping flair for her chosen instrument.
Though only 23 years of age, Jodie has been playing the drums for a decade. Her music career started in high school. Her brilliance was already on display when she attended SIMA’s improvisation workshops for young women in 2005. During high school Jodie gained valuable experience in jazz ensemble playing at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. She was awarded jazz scholarships from Wollongong Conservatorium and IAJE Pan-Pacific Jazz camps.
In 2007 Jodie toured America with the Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra. She gained more experience of the heady US Jazz scene during subsequent study in New York with world-class drummers Michael Carvin, Eric Harland and Kenny Washington. Jodie has played with many acclaimed Australian jazz musicians including James Muller, James Morrison, Dale Barlow, Bobby Gebert, Carl Dewhurst, Craig Scott and Matt McMahon.
Jodie graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music, (Performance), Jazz. She continues to further her career in Australia and overseas. She returned to New York during 2013 for further study.
The Jann Rutherford Memorial Award was founded in 2005 at the instigation of a private benefactor who recognised a need to support young female jazz musicians at the beginning of their professional careers. The award is a professional development opportunity.
The Award is named in honour of the late jazz pianist Jann Rutherford, and is funded by private donations in partnership with Melbourne Womens International Jazz Festival (MWIJF), Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA), Jazz Queensland and ABC Radio National.
Recent recipients of the award were Jessica Dunn and Harriet Harding, enabling them to launch The Sirens all woman big band; Bassist Hannah James; and trumpet player Ellen Kirkwood leader of the group ‘Captain Kirkwood’.
If you would like to catch a performance, Jodie is performing in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.
JODIE MICHAEL TRIO PERFORMANCES
Friday 11 October Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre for Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA).
Saturday 18 October, Turbine Jazz Series, Brisbane Powerhouse
Sunday 8 December, Melbourne Womens International Jazz Festival, Bennetts Lane, Melbourne
