Sydney jazz lovers are in for a treat this May as local legends Dan Barnett Big Band roll into The Concourse Lounge at Chatswood, for Jazz At The Lounge – a boutique concert series bringing world-class jazz to the city's North Shore.
Led by charismatic vocalist and trombonist Dan Barnett, the 14-piece ensemble promises a night of high-energy swing, unexpected sonic turns, and rich musical camaraderie."There's nothing like the energy of a big band onstage," Barnett says. "Fourteen musicians, some of the best in the business, giving it their all – people are blown away when they hear it live."
Barnett, whose big band has been a fixture of the Australian jazz scene for over two decades, says performing as part of Jazz At The Lounge's impressive line-up – which includes some of his close friends and frequent collaborators, including James Morrison and Emma Pask – is both exciting and well overdue.
"I actually grew up on that side of Sydney, and it's great to see more jazz happening there. Now when people ask, 'are you playing on the North Shore?' I can finally say yes!"
The band's set will be a blend of timeless standards and fresh arrangements, with a few curveballs thrown in. "I haven't finalised the set list yet, but I love testing people's ears," Dan says.
"We'll be doing some of the standard Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Sinatra repertoire – classics that I fell in love with as a kid, but we'll also include newer arrangements, many of them written by incredible Australian arrangers like Ed Wilson and Andrew Robertson."
The upcoming show comes just ahead of the release of Barnett's tenth studio album, giving audiences a sneak peek at some of his new material. "The whole A-team from the album will be onstage," he adds.
"That makes this performance in particular really special – these are musicians who are in-demand all over the country, some of them teaching at the [Sydney] Conservatorium, some just finishing big theatre shows like 'Hadestown', but when I mention there's a big band gig, everyone just says, 'yep, I'm in'."
Beyond the technical brilliance and rich musical legacy, what makes a Dan Barnett Big Band performance truly unforgettable is the palpable joy shared between the musicians onstage.
"We all play for each other – there are no egos in my band," Barnett says. "I make sure everyone gets a moment to shine, and that keeps it exciting, not just for us but for the audience too."
With multiple international tours under their belt – including performances at the Havana Jazz Festival and a memorable run in Brazil – the band brings global flair to their swing-laced sound. Expect everything from bossa nova and Cuban rhythms to hard-swinging jazz and soulful ballads.
While the music might be meticulously arranged, there's always room for spontaneity. "Expect the unexpected," Barnett laughs. "Every gig is different. Even though we might be playing a chart we've played a hundred times, it never sounds the same twice."
Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a curious newcomer, Barnett's goal is simple: to make you fall in love with the music. "I've had people come up after a show and say, 'I don't even like jazz – but I loved that'. That's the best compliment of all."
Dan Barnett Big Band play Jazz At The Lounge at The Concourse Lounge (Sydney) on 8 May.
