Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF) has announced over 60 local, national and international jazz artists for its sixth event happening across the city for one weekend only on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday, November 11.
Featuring performances, intimate ‘in conversations’ and open rehearsals in a mix of ticketed and free community events, this is your best annual chance to be seduced by jazz in this three-day festival that continues the legacy the late Graham Wood started back in 2012.
Utilising the Perth Cultural Centre and Wetlands Stage as well as the State Theatre Centre, The Bird and The Ellington Jazz Club, renowned artists performing include Anita Wardell (UK) – a BBC Jazz Award-winning musician who’s recording career began in 1995, multi ARIA-award winning artist, and Kate Ceberano (Melb) who returns to Perth to team up with legendary local saxophonist Carl Mackey – together they present a very special performance of the 1961 soul-jazz album Nancy Wilson & Cannonball Adderley.
As part of the new German jazz generation who don’t give a damn about genre, Trio Elf (GER) have created their own distinct style of club culture grooves, drum ‘n’ bass, house and 2-step, while Chilean saxophonist/composer Melissa Aldana of the Melissa Aldana Quartet (USA) has had a remarkably rapid evolution from six-year-old sax prodigy to “bold new talent” (NPR) and is widely considered one of the most compelling tenor saxophonists on the scene.
Then there’s bandleader/composer/vocalist Sara McDonald (USA) who is based in Brooklyn, NYC, while critics and fans alike hail pianist/composer Satoko Fujii (JPN) as one of the most original voices in jazz today, partnering with trumpeter/composer Natsuki Tamura (JPN).
All this and much more. Plus in addition to all of the performances, free community events have been added to the program this year to introduce audiences to the inner workings of musicians and their creative process, including:
• Open Rehearsals: Observe the inner workings of collaborative rehearsals between local and visiting artists to produce a festival performance.
• Artist In Conversations: Informal conversations with visiting guest artists with the opportunity to participate in Q&A’s with the artists.
• Jazz Club Choir: Renowned jazz vocalist Libby Hammer (WA) will work with anyone who wants to sing to create a jazz choir for the duration of the festival – culminating in a festival performance.
“We’re bringing inspiring music by talented musicians from around Australia and the world to Perth,” says PIJF Festival Director Dr Mace Francis.
“In our sixth year we want to carry on the legacy of what Graham Wood started and make it bigger and better for our great city.”
Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF) runs Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday, November 11. For more information, tickets and the full list of artists and events head to http://www.perthjazzfestival.com.au.
