Australian Jazz: Laid-back vibe with a focus on experimentation and improvisation
Photo: Matt Zhang via Unsplash.
Jazz first came to Australia through American sailors and musicians who docked in ports such as Sydney and Melbourne. The music quickly caught on, and by the 1920s, jazz clubs were popping up in major cities across the country. Australian jazz has since evolved into a unique sound, drawing influences from traditional jazz, swing, bebop, and more.
One notable feature of Australian jazz is the strong support it receives from the country's government and world class cultural institutions. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival, for example, is one of the largest jazz festivals in the world and attracts thousands of visitors each year. Similarly, the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) is constantly featuring the most exciting, diverse, and unique Australian jazz. Finally, the Sydney Opera House regularly hosts jazz concerts and events, showcasing both local and international talent.
Photo: Kewal via Unsplash.
Some of the early influential historic figures in Australian jazz include dixieland and classical jazz pianist Graeme Bell, who helped popularize traditional jazz in the 1940s and 50s; multi-instrumentalist Don Burrows, who was for several decades a regular presence on television and radio. Pianist Bryce Rohde along with Errol Buddle (reeds) and Jack Brokensha (vibes and drums) founding members of the Australian Jazz Quartet/Quintet. And Mike Nock (Piano), Freddy Logan (Bass), and Chris Karan (Drums), The Three Out trio, who attracted some of the largest crowds at Sydney's El Rocco in the early 60s.
“if there’s any single figure you need to know about in the Aussie jazz scene it’s James Morrison” —Will Brewster on Mixdown
However, if there’s any single figure you need to know about in the Aussie jazz scene, according to Will Brewster on Mixdown, it’s James Morrison: “While he’s best known for his virtuosic ability on the trumpet, Morrison’s regarded in jazz circles as a multi-instrumentalist with mind-boggling chops, with his ARIA Gold-certified 1990 album Snappy Doo showcasing his talents on trombone, saxophone, clarinet and tuba – just to name a few. A bonafide legend with an unparalleled legacy in the educational sector, there’s few jazz giants in the world quite like him”.
In recent years, the Australian jazz scene has continued to produce a wealth of talented and innovative musicians. Pianist and composer Andrea Keller, who has been described by one of the most consistently creative figures in Australian jazz. And other prominent figures such as Stephen Magnusson, Linda May Han Oh, Allan Browne, James Sherlock, Jonathan Zwartz, Simon Barker, Holly Norman, Vince Jones and Rai Thistlethwayte.
“The Australian jazz scene is a testament to the genre's ability to evolve over time”.
Overall, the Australian jazz scene is a testament to the genre's ability to evolve and innovate over time. Australian musicians continue to produce exciting and unique music that is deeply rooted in the global jazz tradition.
With an extensive selection of talented artists and unforgettable performances at renowned venues such as Oh! Jazz partner clubs Foundry 616 and The JazzLab, jazz enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore and appreciate a wide range of Australian jazz.
Among the notable artists to discover are Andrea Keller, Rai Thistlethwayte feat. Ben Vanderwal, Steve Sedergreen, Zela Margossian, Tessie Overmyer, Michelle Nicole, Stephen Byth, Rita Satch, Stanley Jordan, and more. Each of these artists brings their own style and flair to the genre, making for a rich and diverse jazz scene in Australia.
