The winter chill has come a little early this year, so the ideal situation is to be indoors with great live music to keep your warm and entertained. This month sees even more live performances across Melbourne, including the start of an exciting 10-day program, a renowned bassist bringing his contagious rhythms to the Jazzlab and a MIJF2019 performer delivering unstoppable vocals at the Paris Cat. Plus, there’s a night to remember at the Night Cat to round off a great month of all things jazz.
YIRRAMBOI kicks off this Thursday 6 May to 16 May, presenting a future-focused program celebrating the sophistication, diversity and continuous evolution of First Nations art in all forms. Our picks include James Henry’s fusion of traditional style songs in Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay languages, techno rhythms and sonic textures of the Melbourne Town Hall’s grand organ; and Ziggy Ramo’s latest album ‘Black Thoughts’, where he weaves his powerful words with brass, strings and strong backing vocals.
May 15: Thando and Belle
If you love soul and R&B, this one is for you. Performing the songs of Jill Scott & Lalah Hathaway, Thando and Belle Bangard will serve nothing but unstoppable vocals on Saturday night at the Paris Cat. Book your tickets before they sell out, 6pm or 9pm.
May 18: Yunior Terry takes the stage at the Jazzlab
Yunior Terry fuses jazz and Afro-Cuban traditions with complex grooves and contagious rhythms, powered by the belief in the transformative power of live entertainment. There’s a reason why he is regarded as one of New York’s most sought after bassists. Book your tickets now.
May 23: Flinders Quartet returns with Phantasy at Montsalvat
Flinders Quartet is known for their penchant for the beautiful Romanze in the Mendelssohn, comprised of two violinists, a cellist and a violist. Their shows are filled with impeccable intonation, rhythmic unity and perfect harmony between all four players, presenting classical music at a high standard. They’re opening their 2021 season with a bang, bringing Phantasy to the Montsalvat in Eltham. Book your tickets here.
May 29: Le Fleur at the Night Cat
Le Fleur returns to the stage for the first time since lockdown, bringing her combination of funk, pop and acid-jazz to her high energy performances and passionate vocals. She’ll be joined by JOTHI, a 5-piece contemporary formed by a mutual love of funk, soul and riffing, and Afrodisiac, who is known to bring hypnotic percussions and strong bass lines to her sound. This is THE night to be at the Night Cat. Don’t miss out, book your tickets now.
In case you missed it… International Jazz Day saw the likes of Dianne Reeves, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Marcus Miller and Melissa Aldana (plus many, many more) as they perform in the official 2021 All-Star Global Concert for International Jazz Day, with Herbie Hancock as Artistic Director and John Beasley as Musical Director. Catch the entire livestream below.
