The Jazz Music Institute has been a family affair since its inception in 1997.
With Greg Quigley at the helm, JMI has assisted in shaping Brisbane’s jazz landscape for almost two decades. Siblings Paula, Nick and Dan have continued to maintain Greg’s legacy, promoting the Institute as an open book to everyone respectful of jazz’s traditions.
The next tradition of JMI has extended to JMI Live, which harnesses the ambiance of a jazz club as a performance hub between artists and the enthusiasts who love them; from the best in jazz locally and internationally ranging from students to established musicians.
The essence of JMI Live first trembled into existence during the 1970s, with the then international jazz scene somewhat a mystery. Greg worked with educators like Jamey Aebersold to spread the knowledge and fly in international jazz names from Joe Henderson to Freddie Hubbard for clinics, workshops and gigs.
This would set the scene to change the landscape of Australian jazz for years to come. “I think we are living [Greg's] original vision now and will continue to grow and try to get as many people involved in this music as possible,” reflects JMI CEO Nick Quigley on his father’s foresight.
“Now, nearly 40 years later we deliver Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate and short non-award courses in jazz music and have produced some great musicians that have continued the jazz legacy in the Australian scene.”
“If the music makes you dance, then it will always be relevant.”
It’s been a legacy that continues through the generations as Brisbane presents a very healthy scene, with many locally developed musicians performing regularly – both internationally and on home turf. “That’s always a sign of a really healthy scene,” Nick remarks.
“We have helped shape this by providing high quality education that is focused on performance and understanding and respecting the music. We take a really holistic approach to teaching the music that helps produce some top quality graduates.
“Our approach to jazz is that it is a language. The greatest thing about jazz music is that it is an improvised music set over a specific structure, so it’s just like having a conversation with someone – you don’t necessarily know what’s going to be said, but there’s a preconceived set of parameters that you work within and you communicate with each other on the spot within this framework.
“As a family business, every student and faculty member is welcomed into the JMI family. We have a really tight knit community that supports and encourages one another,” Nick adds, attributing the Institute’s success to their traditions.
JMI Live has been an incredible platform for students and visiting artists alike. “We’ve had our students perform sets with Perth-based saxophonist Jamie Oehlers; [and] Bruce Harris and Mark Williams from the Count Basie Orchestra while they were touring Australia. What was really great was how well they performed with these guys who are all of international standard. The students killed it!”
Certainly the character of Brisbane translates wonderfully to jazz as a genre of music: casually relaxed while cultivating a muted heat that simmers below the surface. And while formal education has elevated jazz to a higher art, Nick believes it will remain relevant in our community. “We teach jazz starting in its roots, focusing on the blues and New Orleans – which is such a happy and enjoyable style of jazz,” Nick explains.
“If the music makes you dance, then it will always be relevant.”
The Jazz Music Institute has auditions open for 2016 entry. JMI Live presents two bands every Thursday as well as two jam sessions. JMI Live also holds a free, open-jam session every Sunday from 2pm.
