TAKE FIVE: OCTOBER 2020

Just like Dave Brubeck, we’re taking five each month to give you the scoop on five things we’re excited about.

It’s October (already!) and while the end of 2020 is in sight, there are still plenty of great things happening in music. Here are some of the things to do in October.

Tune in to the first Jazz 100 from ABC Jazz

Ballot counting is well under way in the inaugural Jazz 100 which seeks to name Australia’s favourite jazz artist. The result is the ultimate jazz weekend as the station counts down to the number one spot, playing a track from each of the top 100 along the way. You can tune in on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 for a massive musical weekend.

Find out how you can listen in here.

Grab yourself a ticket for Blue Note Live

New York City jazz club Blue Note has put together an entire season performances to be live-streamed direct from the US. Throughout October, you can nab yourself a ticket for these exclusive performances and enjoy from the comfort of your living room.

Find more info and tickets here.

*please note, tickets are priced in USD.

Check out the line-up for the 2020 Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues

Kicking off on 30 October, this year’s festival has moved online with a live streamed program featuring archival footage, a free community program and the National Jazz Awards.

You can browse the program and buy tickets here.

Settle in for a movie this weekend

Although, like us, you might be reaching the end of our TV watching tether (we hear you), movie night might still be on the cards this weekend. Here are some movies worth a look for music lovers.

Django
Watch on SBS on Demand.

1943, occupied Paris. Django Reinhardt is at the height of his musical powers. The brilliant jazz guitarist, king of ethereal swing, plays to standing-room-only crowds in the capital’s greatest venues. Meanwhile, his gypsy brethren are being persecuted throughout Europe and the Nazi’s want to send him on a European tour.

Miles Ahead
Watch on SBS on Demand 

Miles Ahead is a wildly entertaining, impressionistic, no-holds barred portrait of one of 20th century music’s creative geniuses – Miles Davis. Inspired by the events of this titan’s life, it features a career defining performance by Oscar-nominee Don Cheadle in the title role.

Frank Sinatra: All or Nothing at All
Watch on Netflix

This documentary mini-series chronicles the life of Legendary crooner Frank Sinatra captured in archival footage and fond memories from friends, family and colleagues.

Head back to Fargo

A forth series of the Golden Globe and Emmy award-winning Fargo begins 8 October on SBS on Demand. This anthology series based on the 1996 Coen brothers film of the same name is back with a new season set in Kansas City in 1950 where a power struggle is playing out between rival crime syndicates. Why should you be watching it? Well, we’re biased, but we reckon it’s the music. This period drama (sometimes comedy?) is all about the detail – the storefronts, oversized cars, clothing – everything is perfect. The most important element in setting the mood is perhaps the music. The show features a stellar jazz soundtrack used to absolute perfection.