Now in its sixth year, Melbourne International Jazz Festival’s (MIJF) Take Note program addresses gender inequity in jazz by celebrating women and gender diverse leaders on stage and in high schools across Victoria. 2024 program leader—improvising flutist, composer and producer Erica Tucceri—is set to premiere her commissioned work at MIJF, Saturday 26 October at Brunswick’s Howler.
The annual Take Note commission is consistently a festival highlight, with Cheryl Durongpisitkul’s stunning, sold-out performance at MIJF 2023 receiving rave reviews. Tucceri, who is well-known as a featured artist and collaborator of artists including Surprise Chef, ZFEX, Alexander Flood and more, will present an ambitious new work for a 10-piece ensemble, complete with double percussion and Melbourne’s Invictus String Quartet. We caught up with her about the show, her creative process and her picks of the 2024 program.
MIJF: What are you most excited about for your Melbourne International Jazz Festival show?
ET: I’ve been building towards composing for a larger ensemble, and dreaming of writing for strings for years… This is finally it! I’m so stoked to be bringing this vision to life. Also feeling really blessed to put together such a dream team of old and new friends (including double percussion!). They elevate this music to another level. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on.
MIJF: What can audiences expect to experience at the show?
ET: In my collaborative work I dip my toe into a lot of different musical worlds, so I guess I’m bringing that with me… a bit broken beat, a bit spiritual jazz, some neoclassical moments and flashes of 70s Brazil, all underscored by lots of improv and a love of the dance floor.
My hope is that people can leave all their worries at the door, whatever’s going on, and just come and be immersed in it. This music is an outlet for me, and I hope it will be for the audience, too. There’s been a lot going down in the world. Sometimes ya just gotta feel the feelings, connect to something bigger than yourself and let go!
MIJF: Can you tell us a little bit about the process of developing the work?
ET: I’ve loved leaning into a longer creative compositional process for this performance. So much of the music work that we do is hyper time limited, which brings its own unique energy, but it’s been a blessing to be in a position to let ideas brew and develop over time. I’ve been doing a lot of piano playing, singing, making voice notes into my phone, learning about strings, listening to different music and chatting to lots of musicians, as well.
Special mention needs to go to the Invictus String Quartet. They’ve been so gracious in the way they’ve collaborated with me through this process. Invictus are so creative and have such a beautiful sound, I’m in awe of them. Having such talented musos on board also feels like a big responsibility—I want to make sure this music lets them sing!
MIJF: What’s the overall experience of the Take Note program been like so far?
ET: It’s been great! There’s a few different components to the program, one of which has been running improvisation workshops with high school students over the last few months. It’s been a really special experience, and an honour to witness the level of earnestness and vulnerability that students have been showing up with. It’s quite inspiring actually, and a great reminder that we are all always learning. Music is such a beautiful, connecting thing—and it crosses generations.
MIJF: And what’s next for you?
ET: I’m about to do some touring with Alexander Flood—we’ll be heading to Wellington Jazz Fest and South by Southwest just before MIJF, and then we’re off to the UK and Europe.
I’ve also got some recordings in the works, so am looking forward to sharing lots of new music. At this point in my career, it’s critical to have industry buy-in and the opportunity to reach audiences. The support of Take Note and MIJF is invaluable, and also gives me a little injection of confidence to keep building on what I’m doing.
MIJF: What are the other shows in this year’s festival that you’re excited about?
ET: I can’t wait to catch Nubya Garcia and Brandee Younger—super excited for those shows. I’ve also been to a couple of Steam Down sessions in London. They’re a huge vibe, so I’m looking forward to experiencing the energy they’ll bring to Naarm.
Bit cheeky to throw this one in, but I’m so excited to have Owelu Dreamhouse supporting my show at Howler. If you haven’t caught them live yet, you are going to be in for the best surprise!
MIJF: Any final words for MIJF audiences about your show?
ET: This is a real one-off, both in terms of staging an ensemble of this size, and having this set of personnel in the same country at the same time. If you want to catch this live, make sure you come through to experience it on 26 October!
Erica Tucceri performs at Howler, Saturday 26 October, 8:00PM. Tickets are available via the MIJF website.
