'Gershwin Reimagined' is broadway glamour with a honeyed jazz soul.
Dazzling sparks are created when the worlds of jazz and classical collide. The greatest composer of popular love ballads and Broadway charm is given brand new life thanks to two of the hottest voices in the world of jazz today, and West Australian Symphony Orchestra.
Having burst on to the UK scene in 2013, Laura Mvula is described as the Nina Simone of her generation, recognised for her molasses-rich soulful vocal and beautiful harmonies.
From her two Mercury Prize nominations, Ivor Novello Best Album and Mobo Award wins to her BRIT Awards nods, she has found herself at the forefront of the funk and soul revival. With effortless originality and a molasses-rich voice, Laura invites listeners into a glowing, poetic world. 'Gershwin Reimagined' marks Laura’s Western Australian debut.
Blessed with a honeyed baritone voice, José James is a sensation in the modern jazz scene. Together with conductor and creator Troy Miller, their astonishing performance of 'Gershwin Reimagined' with West Australian Symphony Orchestra makes for a completely unmissable event.
José combines jazz, soul, drum’n’bass and spoken word in his own unique brand of vocal jazz. James attended The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music; his debut album Dreamer, released in 2008 earned him accolades worldwide and placed at number 21 in Jazz Times’ Top 50 for the year.
2010’s 'For All We Know' became the winner of both the Edison Award and L'Académie du Jazz Grand Prix for best Vocal Jazz Album. James returns to Australia following past performances at Perth Festival and Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
As for the performance, there is deep respect and unbridled energy behind Troy Miller's re-imagining of the George Gershwin songbook. It showcases the exquisite melodies of the classics such as 'Embraceable You', 'Summertime (Porgy and Bess)', 'I Got Rhythm' and lots more.
