Tag: Piano

FIKA' is the new album by electric viola da gamba ensemble Elysian Fields. Inspired by Scandinavia- 'FIKA' is rooted in the Swedish ancestry of Artistic Director Jenny Eriksson- and her love of northern European jazz and Swedish baroque music. This beautiful international project sings to the gathering of friends- food and conversation through the idiosyncratic viola de gamba. Produced by saxophonist Matt Keegan and featuring the stunning vocals and violin of Susie Bishop- 'FIKA' takes inspiration from the frozen landscapes of Scandinavia- drawing on traditional folk music and language.Susie Bishop (voice-violin) Matt Keegan (saxophones) Jenny Eriksson (electric viola da ga gamba) Matt McMahon (piano) Siebe Pogson (bass guitar) Dave Goodman (drums)Special Support: Jo TrumanJosephine Truman is an artist skirting the boundary of tradition and experimentation. Her cross-pollination of traditional and experimental performance styles caught the ear of legendary composer- theorist and artist John Cage- with whom she collaborated on 'Song Books'. Fans of music that tests the edges of improvisation and experimentation will love Jo Truman's performance. Covid-safe measuresDo not attend if you are feeling unwell. Shows will be seated and limited to 60 per sitting- with patrons seated to allow for social distancing. Please adhere to social distancing at all times and follow direction from venue staff. The venue will be taking a number of precautionary measures to ensure patron safety- including: Hand sanitiser dispensers- signage and social distancing markers throughout the venue- and regular sanitising of the venue and facilities.

Monica Trapaga is a consummate performer- her warmth and wit instrumental to her success as an entertainer and jazz singer and featuring in major festivals across the world. She has described her 'fairly crazy Latin family' as instrumental in developing her musical tastes and influencing her exploration of a range of contemporary styles performing with jazz- pop and big bands. A born entertainer- this veteran performer has covered a plethora of musical styles and settings- from lounge to swing and Afro-Cuban big band- delighting audiences. Her latest venture featuring this high-energy classic piano trio- evokes feel good jazz with tight arrangements and groovy pockets.Monica Trapaga (vocals) Andrew Scott (piano) Max Alduca (bass) Tim Geldens (drums)Special Support: Tessie Overmyer TrioOne of the most exciting alto players to emerge recently- saxophonist Tessie Overmyer brings a soulful- late-night feel to her approach at just 19 years old. Smouldering horn lines burn through charming arrangements- free of pretence. A traditional sense of musicianship and a strong sense of melody permeates Overmyer's compositions- with a maturity to her playing and phrasing that belies her youth.Covid-safe measuresDo not attend if you are feeling unwell. Shows will be seated and limited to 60 per sitting- with patrons seated to allow for social distancing. Please adhere to social distancing at all times and follow direction from venue staff. The venue will be taking a number of precautionary measures to ensure patron safety- including: Hand sanitiser dispensers- signage and social distancing markers throughout the venue- and regular sanitising of the venue and facilities.

The daughter of one of Australia's most famous rock vocalists- Jimmy Barnes- Mahalia Barnes started her career as a child star vocalist. Since then- Mahalia has worked as a lead singer for her own band- and as a backing singer for soul and RnB artists like Johnny Diesel and her father. Mahalia performed on Australia's first season of The Voice- covering the Tina Turner standard 'Proud Mary'- and that fiery- soulful energy is a good example of her style. Expect energy- brooding soul- and live intensity from this veteran of Australian music- backed by a rock-steady trio. Mahalia Barnes (vocals) Ben Rogers (bass) Franco Raggatt (guitar) Evan Mannell (drums)Special support: Joy Yates and Dave MacraeThis lifelong couple- are supremely talented and cherished legends of Australian jazz. Joy Yates is a lifelong jazz singer and performance teacher whose career spans five decades and several continents. Her partner- Dave MacRae- a brilliant musician- producer- composer and arranger with outstanding jazz credentials. The two have collaborated with artists like Cat Stevens- Cliff Richard- Chaka Khan- Van Morrison- Ronnie Scott- Andrew Lloyd Webber- Bernie McGann- John Pochee- Graeme Lyalll- the Buddy Rich Band- Chet Baker- Jon Hendricks- Clarke Terry- Scott Walker and many- many more.Joy Yates (vocals) Dave McCrae (piano)Covid-safe measuresDo not attend if you are feeling unwell. Shows will be seated and limited to 60 per sitting- with patrons seated to allow for social distancing. Please adhere to social distancing at all times and follow direction from venue staff. The venue will be taking a number of precautionary measures to ensure patron safety- including: Hand sanitiser dispensers- signage and social distancing markers throughout the venue- and regular sanitising of the venue and facilities.

Lilith Night is an international celebration of diverse female composer-performers- across a dizzying range of genres. A network of women music-makers and culture creators- directed by Australian musician Maryanne Piper- Lilith Night will feature the global fusion of sounds created by vocalist and kora player- Miriam Lieberman. The ensemble will perform compositions from international composers Sunna Gunnlaugs (Iceland)- Christina Fuchs (Ger)- Elisa Thorn (Canada) and Eve Beglarian (US-Armenian)- Australian composers Jenna Cave- Harri Harding- and many more.Special support: Kenya Wilkins Solo Piano Album LaunchKenya Wilkins will launch her third solo piano album 'So What Bach' a series of jams on JS Bach classics. Keyna Wilkins is a pioneering Australian-British composer-musician- solo-artist and leader of cutting-edge ensembles. Her music has been described as arresting and genre-blurring. She was one of three finalists in the Australian nation-wide APRA-AMCOS Art Music Awards for Individual Excellence 2018. Her compositions are performed internationally and published by Wirripang.A kaleidoscope of music to excite the senses!Maryanne Piper (clarinetist)- Kenya Wilkins (piano)- Rachel Drubetsky (trumpeter)- Chloe Kim (drums) and special guest- Miriam Lieberman (vocals and kora).Covid-safe planAll patrons are socially distanced inside the venue and must use sanitizer provided and enter individual contact details on entry. Face masks are available for those who want them. Hand sanitizer is provided and visible throughout the venue. People with any symptoms of colds or repeating dry coughs are not admitted and if such symptoms become visible after entry- would be asked to leave. Table service only except for those who are seated at the bar. There is no standing in groups allowed.

Saxophonist and composer- Gai Bryant has earnt a reputation as a Queen of Latin Jazz. She is fascinated with all the rhythms that make us move- particularly those blending Cuban- Peruvian and Afro-Caribbean influences. Gai joins musicians- dancers and communities across Sydney- through her projects with passionate arrangements that integrate traditional dance and song with a modern jazz aesthetic. Irresistible performances by her Afro-Peruvian sextet ALLY will open celebrations- before her big band- Caribe- will tear down the house in a visual and aural display. Vivid and frenetic- it will be impossible to walk away from this event without a smile on your face.Gai Bryant (saxophone) Eamon Dilworth (trumpet) Jonathan Cohen (piano) Stan Valacos (bass) Steve Marin (percussion) Georgio Rojas (percussion) Dai Moret (spoken word) Melody Riviera (vocals) CaribeAdrian Medira (dancer) Gai Bryant (saxophones) Julian Gough (saxophones) Lee McIver (trumpet) Danny Carmichael (trombone) Ed Goyer (piano) Nick Henderson (bass) Tono Marquez (percussion) Giorgio Rojas (percussion) Steven Marin (percussion)Covid-safe measuresIn accordance with COVID restrictions- AIM's John Painter Hall sits 140 people. All patrons are socially distanced inside the venue and must use sanitizer provided and enter individual contact details on entry. Hand sanitizer is provided and visible throughout the venue. People with any symptoms of colds or repeating dry coughs are not admitted and if such symptoms become visible after entry- would be asked to leave.

The 2020 edition of Polish Film Festival Sydney presents a range of contemporary and award-winning works from renowned and up and coming Polish filmmakers.The Festival opens with one of the most expensive Polish film productions of all time. THE LEGIONS by Dariusz Gajewski is an epic history drama that follows a love triangle set against the backdrop of the heroic struggle of Polish Legions to win independence from Tsarist Russia.Closing the Festival is the Australian premiere of CHARLATAN- a fascinating biographical drama by three time Oscar nominee Agnieszka Holland (Mr.Jones- Spoor- Europa Europa) of an exceptional Czech healer who cured thousands with plant-based remedies.Another highlight of the programme is the all-star VALLEY OF THE GODS from visionary director Lech Majewski- starring John Malkovich- Josh Harnett (Black Hawk Down)- Berenice Marlohe (Skyfall)- Keir Dullea (2001: A Space Odyssey) and John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings trilogy). A cross between fantasy and sci-fi takes the viewers on a surreal journey between three interweaving stories to illustrate the clash between traditions of ancient civilizations and the modern high-tech world of the super rich.Brimming with jazz ICARUS. THE LEGEND OF MIETEK KOSZ by Maciej Pieprzyca (Life Feels Good) is a moving drama inspired by the true story of blind piano prodigy Mietek Kosz- starring the brilliant Dawid Ogrodnik with music by one of the most acclaimed Polish jazz pianists and music composers- Leszek Mozdzer.Also screening this year are two feature debuts from female directors. THE TASTE OF PHO by Japan born and Poland based Mariko Bobrik is a warm story of a Vietnamese cook living in Warsaw and struggling to fit into the European culture- which his ten year old daughter has already embraced as her own. THE IRON BRIDGE by Monika Jordan-Mlodzianowska is a dramatic story about a love triangle set in a Silesian mining community.For our younger audience we have THE DAY OF CHOCOLATE- a delightful adaptation of the award-winning book by Anna Onichimowska under the same title- about the adventures of Monika and Dawid. Fans of thrillers will enjoy SERVANTS OF WAR by Mariusz Gawrys.Full Programme of the 2020 Polish Film Festival SydneyTHE LEGIONS (Legiony) - Sunday 25 October 6:00pmTHE TASTE OF PHO (Smak pho) - Wednesday 28 October 7.00pmTHE IRON BRIDGE (Żelazny Most) - Friday 30 October 7:00pmICARUS. THE LEGEND OF MIETEK KOSZ (Ikar. Legenda Mietka Kosza) - Saturday 31 October 7:00pmTHE DAY OF CHOCOLATE (Dzien Czekolady) - Sunday 1 November 3:00pmSERVANTS OF WAR (Slugi wojny) - Friday 6 November 7.00pmVALLEY OF THE GODS (Dolina Bogow) - Saturday 7 November 7:00pmCHARLATAN (Szarlatan) - Sunday 8 November 6.00pmThe 2020 PFF Sydney is organised with a Covid Safety Plan in place and appropriate measures are taken to ensure the Festival is as safe as possible. Occupancy limits and social distancing will apply in every auditorium and throughout the foyer areas of the venue to follow requirements introduced by NSW government.

Award-winning artist Emma Pask has established herself as one of Australia's favourite jazz vocalists. Showcasing expert versatility- Emma can swing through jazz standards- ride Latin rhythms or pour her heart into tender ballads. Discovered at just 16- Emma's long and decorated career has seen her perform at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in London- the Sydney Opera House and support 70's disco and funk legend George Benson. Emma is always surrounded by the cream of Australian jazz- and these intimate festival performances are no different.  Emma Pask (vocals) Kevin Hunt (piano) Phil Stack (double bass) Tim Firth (drums)VENUE COVID SAFE PLAN:Do not attend if you are feeling unwell. Shows will be seated and limited to 60 per sitting- with patrons seated to allow for social distancing. Please adhere to social distancing at all times and follow direction from venue staff. The venue will be taking a number of precautionary measures to ensure patron safety- including: Hand sanitiser dispensers- signage and social distancing markers throughout the venue- and regular sanitising of the venue and facilities.

Hilary Geddes QuartetWinner of the Jann Rutherford Memorial Award in 2019- Hilary Geddes is a talented guitarist spending half of her musical life making contemporary jazz and improvised music- and the other in the popular indie band 'The Buoys'. As a jazz guitarist- Hilary has become an in-demand collaborator with the likes of Barney McAll and Mike Nock- while The Buoys are regularly featured on Triple J and on the Australian festival circuit. A truly modern- exceptional talent who will lead contemporary music in the direction she wants to see it go.Hilary Geddes (guitar) Matt Harris (piano) Max Alduca (bass) Alexander Inman-Hislop (drums)Jodie Michael's Organ SituationWinner of the Jann Rutherford Memorial Award in 2013- drummer Jodie Michael gained experience playing in jazz ensembles at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music- before touring the USA with the Wollongong Con Jazz Orchestra. She has immersed herself in the US jazz scene- playing with world-class drummers like Michael Carvin- Eric Harland and Kenny Washington- and went on to study in the Global Jazz Master's program at Berklee College of Music. Jodie promises to bring her fluid sense of rhythm for this double bill not to be missed.  Jodie Michael (drums)- Nish Manjunath (tenor saxophone) Steve Barry (organ)Covid-safe measuresAll patrons are socially distanced inside the venue and must use sanitizer provided and enter individual contact details on entry. Face masks are available for those who want them. Hand sanitizer is provided and visible throughout the venue. People with any symptoms of colds or repeating dry coughs are not admitted and if such symptoms become visible after entry- would be asked to leave. Table service only except for those who are seated at the bar. There is no standing in groups allowed.

Dubbed 'Sydney's first lady of blues'- Alice Terry has the kind of voice you can't ignore.Powerful and emotive- gritty and intense- Alice Terry's vocals evoke classic singers like Janis Joplin - the kind of singers who leave it all out on the stage.Alice began singing the blues at seventeen- quickly being booked for gigs like Narooma Blues- Thredbo Blues and Moruya Jazz Festivals. She released her debut single 'Emotion' and debut LP 'The Fear Of' in 2018- both of which immediately charted in the top five of the iTunes blues charts.In the wake of great notices for her debut- Terry has supported acts like Allen Stone- Beth Hart- Matt Corby- The Waifs and Thirsty Merc- and continues to tour with Matt Corby as part of his band.Each of the acts above contain elements of a mixture of styles Terry calls her own - folk- country and blues stewed together to create an individual feel. American blues singer and Grammy nominee Beth Hart described Alice Terry as 'the real deal'- and we agree. Don't miss the opportunity to see this scalding hot vocal talent live with her all-star big band.Alice Terry (vocals) Phil Stack (bass) Harry Sutherland (piano) Mike Raper (trombone) James Loughnan (saxophone) Simon Ferenci (trumpet) Carlos Adura (drums)VENUE COVID SAFE PLAN:All patrons are socially distanced inside the venue and must use sanitizer provided and enter individual contact details on entry. Face masks are available for those who want them. Hand sanitizer is provided and visible throughout the venue.People with any symptoms of colds or repeating dry coughs are not admitted and if such symptoms become visible after entry- would be asked to leave. Table service only except for those who are seated at the bar. There is no standing in groups allowed.