The 2018 Brisbane International Jazz Festival (BIJF) programme (31 May to 5 June) will open with a world premiere from local ensemble Enthusiastic Musician's Orchestra and will conclude with international performers from America: KNOWER and Gretchen Parlato.
With all the bluster and bombast of a classic big band as well as the subtlety and refinement of a modern jazz orchestra, Enthusiastic Musician’s Orchestra will present a world premiere (31 May) by composer's Rafael Karlen and Louise Denson with featured artists James Sherlock (guitar) and Diana Tolmie (saxophone).
Originally from Fremantle, Sam Anning has become an internationally sought after bassist. He was an indispensable fixture on the Western Australian jazz scene until relocating to Melbourne and eventually New York.
Sam, who has performed with masters of jazz including Joe Lovano, Charlie Haden, Kenny Werner, Sheila Jordan, Bernie McGann and Gretchen Parlato, will perform two shows at BIJF (1 June); one with the Sam Anning Sextet and as a duo with Kristin Berardi.
BIJF seeks to foster opportunities for more female instrumentalists to experience the joy of playing jazz. The Jazz Workshop for Young Women (2 June) has been specifically designed for female instrumentalists currently attending high school (Year 7 -12).
Senior jazz lecturer and professional jazz pianist Paula Girvan will conduct the workshop at the Jazz Music Institute. Current knowledge of jazz music is not required.
Yas Queen is a celebration of women and jazz from both past and present. The all-ladies Brisbane band will explore the tunes and stories of some of history’s most influential female composers and musicians (2 June).
A jazz graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University, Zac Hurren is a magnificent tenor saxophonist who has performed with many OZ legends including Dale Barlow, Katie Noonan, Sam Anning and Paul Grabowsky.
While pianist and composer Sophie Min is a rising star in the Australian jazz scene who also completed her studies at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University and was recipient of the Scott Harrison Scholarship and Postgraduate Owen Fletcher Performance Award in 2015. The pair perform a double bill at BIJF (3 June).
KNOWER are a searing hot music group from Los Angeles spearheading a new musical movement. The LA duo of drummer-producer Louis Cole and singer Genevieve Artadi opened for Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2017. They bring their hard-hitting funk, cool chords, deep melodies and funky vocals to BIJF (4 June) with a band that includes Rai Thistlethwayte (Thirsty Merc) on keys.
Renowned for technical brilliance and a crystalline voice, LA-born vocalist Gretchen Parlato fuses jazz with undertones of Brazilian and African beats displaying the unique and seductive vocal style she has perfected.
Throughout her 20-year career, Grammy-nominated Parlato has worked with contemporary jazz legends including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding and Terence Blanchard, mesmerising audiences from Japan to New York with pristine phrasing and inventive interpretations of jazz standards. She plays BIJF 5 June.
2018 Brisbane International Jazz Festival Shows
Thu 31 May - Enthusiastic Musician's Orchestra @ Queensland Multicultural CentreFri 1 Jun - A double bill with Sam Anning @ Queensland Multicultural Centre
Sat 2 Jun - Jazz Workshop for Young Women @ Jazz Music Institute (3-5pm)
Sat 2 Jun - Yas Queen @ Jazz Music Institute live (6pm)
Sun 3 Jun - A double bill with Zac Hurren Band and Sophie Min @ Queensland Multicultural Centre
Mon 4 Jun - KNOWER @ The Triffid
Tue 5 Jun - Gretchen Parlato @ Queensland Multicultural Centre
