King Street in Perth’s CBD is set to showcase some of the most outstanding jazz talent in the country over three days at the King Street Corner Pocket Jazz Festival. The event will run from Thursday, July 5 to Saturday, July 7 and feature performances from exceptional local artists, both emerging and established, in a fun filled festival across multiple venues never more than a few minutes walk from each other.
It’s all part of celebrating WAYJO’s 35th anniversary in style, with performances at His Majesty’s Theatre (Downstairs at The Maj, & Dress Circle Bar), the InterContinental Perth City Centre, Kailis Jewellery and The Sewing Room.
With up to three events at each venue on each night of the festival there’s a whole lot to get to excited about. We’ve got the complete guide for you here so you can steer your way through the abundance of exceptional shows. For more information and to buy tickets head here.
THURSDAY, JULY 5
Downstairs at the Maj, His Majesty’s Theatre
6.00pm
Monday Night Orchestra
The WAYJO Monday Night Orchestra launch the Corner Pocket Festival with two concerts packed full of the best big band hits from the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and more.
7.30pm
Monday Night Orchestra
The WAYJO Monday Night Orchestra launch the Corner Pocket Festival with two concerts packed full of the best big band hits from the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington and more.
9.00pm
Alana Macpherson & Priscilla Gardiner
Alana Macpherson (WAM award nominee 2017) brings her own luscious compositions to life with a top string quartet and the enchanting vocals of Prisicilla Gardiner.
Dress Circle Bar
6.00pm
Laura J Quartet
A rising artist in the Perth Jazz scene, Laura J makes a name for herself through her versatility and commitment to her art form. With a soulful and rich voice reminiscent of her favourite artists, including the likes of Billie Holiday and Nancy Wilson, Laura J’s sophisticated style is sure to entice.
7.30pm
Will Chiew Quintet
Drawn to the lyricism of Chet Baker and the eloquence of Roy Hargrove, William Chiew’s compositions aim to narrate stories of adventure: joy and sorrow, struggle and triumph. The quintet is a platform for conversation – the music an extension of communication. On his way to becoming an absolute super-star on the drum-kit, William Chiew is one to watch.
9.00pm
WAAPA Jazz – Thom Freeman Quintet
Spending the last four years honing his playing and song writing under some of the best mentors Australia’s jazz community has to offer, Thom Freeman brings his quintet to Corner Pocket. Showcasing original compositions and arrangements influenced by the styles of Arron Parks, Wayne Shorter and Ben Wendel, get in on the ground floor of one of Perth’s most exciting new talents.
Intercontinental Perth City Centre
6.00pm
Josh Cusack’s Seven Sided Die
Sometimes dark and a little quirky, composer Joshua Cusack formed this ensemble with the ability to keep the improvisational tradition alive within his own compositions. Consisting of a four-piece horn section supported by a three-piece rhythm section, Seven Sided Die are heavily inspired by the hard bop, post-bop and Avant-guard era. Expect many twists, turns, and rolls of the die.
7.30pm
Jamie Oehlers Quartet
One of Australia’s leading jazz artists and saxophonists, Jamie Oehlers brings
his quartet featuring some of the country’s leading lights for two intimate performances. It’s harder to name the jazz greats that Oehlers hasn’t performed with and this is a unique opportunity to experience the best Australia has to offer as close as you can get.
9.00pm
Velu
Perth’s newest jazz quartet led by Meg Davidson (saxophone), Velu are set to wow audiences with an engaging set of tunes in the trad jazz tradition. An array of original compositions and reimagined standards await audiences in these thoughtful and charming performances.
Kailis Jewellery
6.00pm
Sassafras Trio
Perth’s premier gypsy jazz ensemble, Sassafras Trio lead by Pete Jeavons will fire up with toe tapping swing, breakneck gypsy, wistful ballads in a vibrant and engaging night. Sold out seasons at Fringe World 2018 are a testament to the Sassafras Trio’s broad appeal and will be sure to sell fast.
7.30pm
Jeanie Proude Duo
Originally from a small country town in South Australia, Jeanie Proude can’t wait to share her amalgamation of influences from jazz, folk, contemporary and latin music. Joined by Tim Voutas on piano, Jeanie will transport audiences anywhere between an absolutely swingin’ jazz standard, to a modern jazz interpretation of a popular folk song, or an original of Jeanie’s influenced by her roots in pop music merged with her greatest jazz influences.
9.00pm
TT Duo
Tom Walsh and Tim Voutas complement each other flawlessly as Tom wields
his saxophone and Tim tickles the fabled ivories in a combination that blends seamlessly. The TT Duo is an intimate and relaxing musical conversation that blurs the lines of Jazz and Contemporary music, perfect for a relaxed chill out.
The Sewing Room
7.30pm
Nueva Salsa Orchestra
With a reputation as the hottest Cuban and New Yorkan salsa band this side of Latin America, the Nueva Salsa Orchestra will get the Sewing Room jumping. Comprising some of Australia’s finest musicians they continuously blow audiences away at sell out festivals, community events and private functions all over Western Australia. With a repertoire consisting of high energy salsas, mambos, bombas and cha chas, the NSO are guaranteed to have you moving your body to the infectious rhythms of their fabulous percussion section, sparkling horns, extraordinary piano and bass grooves, and the sublime vocal stylings of Adolfo Chavez.
9.00pm
Brass Party
A raucous brass band run by Matt Smith, Chris Musitano & James Sewell, Brass Party will get you shaking and moving like nothing else. Expect filthy funk, outrageous horns and face melting guitar solos. Ain’t no party like a Brass Party!
FRIDAY, JULY 6
Downstairs at the Maj, His Majesty’s Theatre
6.00pm
Tuesday Night Orchestra
WAYJO’s Tuesday Night Orchestra bring the unexpected to Corner Pocket, with compositions from the top female composers of big band repertoire via Australia and the World. Ellen Kirkwood, Maria Schneider and more will feature across the two performances.
7.30pm
Tuesday Night Orchestra
WAYJO’s Tuesday Night Orchestra bring the unexpected to Corner Pocket, with compositions from the top female composers of big band repertoire via Australia and the World. Ellen Kirkwood, Maria Schneider and more will feature across the two performances
9.00pm
SHOWAYJO
A once a year opportunity not to be missed. WAYJO musicians are joined by the stellar talents of our exchange guests from Showa University of Music, Japan. A cultural fusion of new and existing compositions, featuring the ever-changing Chinese Whispers project, SHOWAYJO is supported by WAYJO Principal Partners North West Shelf Gas.
Dress Circle Bar
6.00pm
Axolotl
Difficult to spell but easy to swing to, Axolotl bring a repertoire that is eclectic and energetic. With a repertoire covering blues, funk, fusion, calypso and straight ahead swing, this young ensemble are sure to be a fixture in the Perth jazz scene for many years to come, complementing each other’s talents in a way that belies their age. Sure to be a hit of the Festival.
7.30pm
Chris Musitano Quintet
Local Perth trumpet player and musician Chris Musitano, fresh from graduating from the WA Academy of Performing Arts, brings his quintet to Corner Pocket. Featuring Musitano’s original compositions, new music, and arrangements influenced by artists such as Christian Scott, Jacob Collier and Bon Iver.
9.00pm
Atlas State
Combining an eclectic mix of rock, blues, funk and jazz, Atlas State are emerging as an audience favourite, captivating with the group’s unique approach to performing. Atlas State acts a vessel for the band members to explore new and original sounds as this six piece emerge into Perth’s thriving live music scene.
Intercontinental Perth City Centre
6.00pm
Matt Smith 6
Trumpeter and composer Matt Smith has appeared on stage with some of Australia’s leading Jazz and Hip-Hop Musicians; from Vince Jones and Rai Thistlethwayte to Drapht and Mathas. The Matt Smith 6 feature some of the most dedicated young jazz musicians Perth has seen, presenting thoughtful and technically brilliant performances sure to leave audiences wanting more.
7.30pm
Tristan Wills Quartet
The Tristan Wills Quartet performs the original, heavily energised compositions of Tristan Wills. Influenced by artists such as Tigran Hamasyan, Ambrose Akinmusire and Avishai Cohen. The Tristan Wills Quartet has performed at many venues in Perth including the Ellington, Canton bar, Bar sequel and many more. They are excitedly anticipating the performance of new original compositions as well as well known originals.
9.00pm
Austin Salisbury Quartet
Jazz Giants. Oscar Peterson, Lennie Tristano, Lee Konitz, Charlie Parker and Dave Brubeck are some of the legends responsible for influencing the Austin Salisbury Quartet. Lead by pianist, Austin Salisbury, the ASQ perform an exciting and energetic interpretation of jazz standards from the Cool Jazz era with exuberant finesse and style.
Kailis Jewellery
6.00pm
Sarah Ramsey Trio
Whether fronting an 18-piece big band or accompanied by just a pianist, Sarah Ramsey commands the stage with a warm and inviting presence. Her beautiful, rich vocal approach draws influence from Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell and Sarah Vaughan and is best experienced through her own compositions and her heartfelt interpretations of jazz standards. Sarah will be accompanied by Harry Mitchell & Zac Grafton (July 6) and Jeremy Thompson & Austin Salisbury (July 7).
7.30pm
Ben Matthews
Exploring the challenges and freedom of freely improvised music, Ben Matthews performs in a unique style that blends genres, drawing equal influence from jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, and from soundtrack titans like John Williams and Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli).
9.00pm
Ben Matthews
Exploring the challenges and freedom of freely improvised music, Ben Matthews performs in a unique style that blends genres, drawing equal influence from jazz legends like Herbie Hancock and Bill Evans, and from soundtrack titans like John Williams and Joe Hisaishi (Studio Ghibli).
The Sewing Room
7.30pm
Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group
An award winning 7-piece ensemble lead by Daniel Susnjar, this band will present a performance of original compositions influenced by Afro-Peruvian rhythms and fresh, unique arrangements of Peruvian folk songs. Combining infectious grooves, emotive melodies, risk‐taking improvisation and extreme dynamics, the Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group “radiates a joyful energy that infects not just the band members but the entire auditorium” – Sydney Morning Herald.
9.00pm
Pete Jeavons Quintet
Drawing inspiration from modern and modal jazz, bop and at times ambient music, funk and the avant-garde, Pete Jeavons brings his quintet to the stage in a joyous event. The cream of Perth jazz players will bless the stage, performing some of Jeavons’ original compositions and new arrangements of some classic and lesser known jazz standards.
SATURDAY, JULY 7
Downstairs at the Maj, His Majesty’s Theatre
6.00pm
Wednesday Night Orchestra
Leading the way in commissioning new big band music and developing jazz composers, the WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra presents the Debut Collection. Featuring the work of Composer-in-Residence Tim Newhouse and Associate Composer-in-Residence Max Wickham, check out the exciting new pieces by two of Perth’s best up and coming jazz artists.
7.30pm
Wednesday Night Orchestra
Leading the way in commissioning new big band music and developing jazz composers, the WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra presents the Debut Collection. Featuring the work of Composer-in-Residence Tim Newhouse and Associate Composer-in-Residence Max Wickham, check out the exciting new pieces by two of Perth’s best up and coming jazz artists.
9.00pm
Perth Cabaret Collective
The four-time award winning Perth Cabaret Collective are coming to King Street Corner Pocket. This 10 piece, jazz/cabaret band will transport you to 1920’s jazz scene, specialising in everything from the sexy and sultry to the down right dirty. This one off performance is set to be a highlight of the festival. “Perth is fortunate indeed to have such leaders in jazz music in its midst.” 5-Stars Fringefeed, Fringeworld 2018
Dress Circle Bar
6.00pm
Riffz 2000
Live instant remixes of classic tunes. Riffz 2000 are Harry Mitchell, Harry Winton and Ben Vanderwal, and will rock your evening as they improvise organically around your very eyes and ears with sample riffs from the likes of INXS, Bob Marley, Nirvana or Michael Jackson. Part beats, part memory jogger – all head nodding, all fun.
7.30pm
Max Wickham Quintet
WAYJO Associate Composer-in-Residence and saxophonist, Max Wickham draws his inspiration from John Coltrane’s classic quartet of the 1960’s, Keith Jarrett’s standards trio and the works of modern jazz artists. Max’s aim to create music full of passion, emotion and intensity allows each members of the quintet to contribute their own personality to his work.
9.00pm
MFG
MFG is the musical collaboration of guitarist Nico Maas, saxophonist Gemma Farrell, and pianist Thomas Goralski. The name MFG acts as an abbreviation for their surnames, as well as the German greeting, Mit freundlichen Grüßen (with friendly greetings). A rare Perth performance as part of their 2018 Australian tour after recording their third album, the funk jazz of this stellar ensemble is not to be missed.
Intercontinental Perth City Centre
6.00pm
LiveWyre
Featuring an original blend of cinematic, groove, neo-soul, jazz, ambient and fusion sounds, LiveWyre present an exciting set of music to delight. Blending genres and drawing on the influence of jazz masters like Esperanza Spalding, Hiromi Uehara, and Robert Glasper, LiveWyre will challenge you to rediscover jazz in a new light.
7.30pm
Human Contact
With melodic horns and an angular yet driving rhythm section, Human Contact look to be the sleeper hit of the Corner Pocket Festival. Lead by Alana Macpherson, Human Contact is free jazz of the finest quality, blending the improvised with the composed in an experience unlike any other you’ll hear this July.
9.00pm
The Newhouse Collective
The Newhouse Collective is an octet of versatile, multi-tasking musicians, the musicians covering a diverse background of genres and forms, from jazz, classical and music theatre to free improvisation spheres. Film soundtrack-like one second, progressive rock-like the next, the sound always keeps you guessing.
Kailis Jewellery
6.00pm
O’Brien|Cusack|Chiew
O’Brien|Cusack|Chiew is one of Perth’s most promising young jazz ensembles, featuring three prominent members of the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra. Performing regularly around the hottest Perth jazz venues, this trio are one to watch as they put the rhythm into classic jazz and rework surprising new arrangements that will stick with audiences for a long time.
7.30pm
Formes Trio
The Formes Trio explores multiple jazz genres playing classic tunes from the likes of Benny Goodman and Buddy Defranco, to the sounds of West Coast Jazz with Dexter Gordon, and even ventures into the Nuevo tango music made famous by Astor Piazzolla. An eclectic event that will excite as they showcase the multitude possibilities of jazz.
9.00pm
Sarah Ramsey Trio
Whether fronting an 18-piece big band or accompanied by just a pianist, Sarah Ramsey commands the stage with a warm and inviting presence. Her beautiful, rich vocal approach draws influence from Ella Fitzgerald, Joni Mitchell and Sarah Vaughan and is best experienced through her own compositions and her heartfelt interpretations of jazz standards. Sarah will be accompanied by Harry Mitchell & Zac Grafton (July 6) and Jeremy Thompson & Austin Salisbury (July 7).
The Sewing Room
9.00pm
Closing Night Party
Get on your feet and pull your dancing shoes on. King Street Corner Pocket’s Closing Night is full of party vibes with huge live music running deep into the night. The WAAPA Phat Funk band will kick the night off, featuring soul favourites, big vocals and funk with a capital F. Then the heat turns up, with Hornography pumping the brass up to 11 and exploding with the best horn section going around. Throughout the night, DJ Mama Cass will be spinning the decks with party tunes to keep the vibe going as Corner Pocket goes out with a bang.
