Herbie Hancock is a true icon of modern music. Having transcended limitations and genres with his unmistakable voice, his illustrious career, now spanning into its sixth decade, has seen the “master of jazz” claim a staggering 14 Grammy® Awards including Album of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement, an Academy Award for his Round Midnight score, a Kennedy Centre Honours Award, five MTV Video Awards and six honorary doctorates. As the immortal Miles Davis said in his autobiography, “Herbie was the step after Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, and I haven’t heard anybody yet who has come after him”.

The author of modern-day standards such as “Cantaloupe Island”, “Chameleon” and “Rockit” in addition to hundreds more, Hancock’s prolific recordings have provided samples for generations of hip-hop and dance artists to come. He has produced long-term and iconic partnerships with other artists ranging from Wayne Shorter, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner and Annie Lennox to Snoop Dog, Flying Lotus, John Mayer and Paul Simon. Jazz aficionados and fans alike can expect to hear a couple of classic staples, surrounded by a fluid mix of Hancock’s extensive catalogue.

Herbie Hancock Australian Tour 2019
31 May – Riverside Theatre – Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, Perth
02 June – QPAC – Concert Hall, Brisbane
07 June – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
08 June – Hamer Hall – Arts Centre, Melbourne
09 June – Hamer Hall – Arts Centre, Melbourne
www.herbiehancock.com

A contemporary jazz tour de force, with a revered 20 album international career, Jones returns to Brisbane Powerhouse to share a lifetime of audience favourites plus brand new works.

A leading vocalist, interpreter, trumpet player and composer Vince Jones has entertained and informed audiences for decades with his elite group of musicians. Experience one of Australia’s great jazz vocalists for one night only as he shares A Personal Selection.

Vince Jones – A Personal Selection: A Retrospective (and more)
24 May, 2019
Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
www.brisbanepowerhouse.org

Mark Wingfield is just such a wizard. He strives to use extended vibrato to give his notes a wavering human voice quality that bridges the gap between the sometimes cold perfectionism that some shredders use and the inviting warmth that is at the root of accessibility. Just giving the audience finger gymnastics is not going to get it done in this day and age.

It’s also more than just note selection, exposing fresh nuance in both melody and tone is not easy with the incredible amount of guitar vocabulary out there and not relying on just speed to make a point of excitement adds to the challenge. Wingfield is more than up to the task however and his band, one that includes Yaron Stavi (who’s fretless bass blends seamlessly) and Asaf Sirkis on drums caress with a fantastically supportive feel.

Those six or seven or eight string symphonies will continue to involve listeners, if not on radios, then in the collections of discerning listeners. Ones with a taste for timeless harmonic invention and adventurous melodies.

Rob Hudson
www.markwingfield.com

It also highlights how effective a band leader Budjana is as he coaxes some amazing performances from his fellow contributors. Takes the guitar work from guest ax man Guthrie Govan. Govan steps way outside his pyrotechnical Aristocrats wrangling and delivers a rubbery tone poem so drenched in selective emotions it’s remarkable. Elsewhere Danny Markovich breathes life into his woodwind with some unison playing that lock steps on the road to nirvana.

The backing band is also filled with heavyweights (and includes Tony Levin, Jack Dejohnette and Gary Husband to name a few) but then it defies contemporary logic with interplay that is so subtle and finely nuanced. Individual glory completely submerged to the collective gain. Once again Budjana’s leadership is an outstanding feature. There is even some real live orchestral embellishments care of the Czech Symphony Orchestra that provide even more emotional impact.

Saying music is a universal language is an easy statement to make but one that carriers great importance, especially given the divisive times we currently have to endure. This work collects talent from across the globe and puts it to work in a way that helps to transcend borders and theologies. Worldwide unity will have to come from the creative sphere because so little exists outside of it.

Rob Hudson
www.dewabudjana.com

Widely held as two of Australia’s most outstanding live acts, The Cat Empire & Xavier Rudd will hit the highways together for the first time in January and February 2017 for a series of unique concert events to be held in picturesque open-air settings. Presented by Zaccaria Concerts & Touring, the tour will bring these two incredible acts onto large stages in picturesque non-traditional purpose built outdoor venues in Hobart, Ballarat, Byron Bay, Bribie Island and Adelaide.

Tickets for the handful of distinct concert events go on sale for the general public on Friday 21 October 2016 at 10.00am AEDT Australia. However, a special pre-sale for the concerts will be available from the respective ticketing agencies outlined below on Tuesday 18th October at 10.00am and will be available until Thursday 20 October at midnight AEDT Australia. See ticketing information outlined below.

For over a decade, virtuoso’s The Cat Empire & Xavier Rudd hold commonalities; they’ve remained current in global markets whilst treading a path less travelled, continually doing it in their own way. Celebrated for their individual genre crossing sounds and their enduring careers at a global level, they’ve accrued massive followings throughout Europe, Canada, the USA, South Africa and South America with their legendary live performances. Their incredible musicianship has resulted in successful sold out tours year in and year out, both increasing awareness by putting their music into the hands of overseas travelers who then took their tunes home in their backpacks and spread the word organically across the globe.

The Cat Empire’s genre-bending style has gifted them the tag “the ultimate party band” as they enthuse fans with their uplifting mash up of distinctive sounds. Their infectious tunes bring the crowd alive with their all-time tight and powerful brass section.

2016 has seen their ‘RISING WITH THE SUN’ album debut at number 1 on both the National ARIA & AIR charts at home, top 10 in 6 other countries and Top 20 in 16 countries around the world, along with a global debut at number 9 on the iTunes worldwide chart. Before heading home for their Australian summer dates they’ll complete the last leg of an international tour which has seen them play over 100 shows throughout UK, Australia, Canada and Europe, the biggest global tour of their career in terms of ticket sales.

Looking forward to these summer shows, The Cat Empire’s Felix Riebl said today,

“We’ve been crossing paths with Xavier Rudd at festivals in Australia and internationally for many years, and we’ve always had a great time together. Add Sahara Beck and Harts to the mix, it should be an amazing summer. We’re very excited about this one, it’ll be a full and colourful stage. “

As one of our most adept multi-instrumentalists, Xavier Rudd enthrals audiences as he paints breathtaking pictures with vivid unmistakeable tones. Hypnotic ceremonial rhythms ease effortlessly into tender folk songs. Gritty guitar blues sits perfectly alongside entrancing yidaki (didgeridoo) passages. 2016 has seen Xavier top the charts in the Netherland with his ‘Follow the Sun’ single pipping global hit makers Justin Bieber and Adele to the number one post there whilst achieving platinum sales in Italy. His last European tour sold out months in advance with an incredible 14,000 tickets sold in the Netherlands alone. These Australian summer concert events will see Xavier deliver a magical set as a three piece with Bobby Alu on drums and Ant Aggs on keys.

Xavier Rudd shares his thoughts about The Cat Empire,

“I’ve always had a tonne of respect for The Cat Empire guys since the start. Deadly musicians and lovely people. Over the last 15 or so years touring around the world and seeing their posters in so many different towns and countries has always brought me a smile. I guess it’s about time that we teamed up to do some shows together & I’m stoked to share a stage with these legends back on home soil early in 2017!”

What better way to set the mood with three captivating exceptional young artists. Currently making waves around the world, singer songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Darren Harts a.k.a HARTS will mesmerize audiences with his individual brand of alternative rock, funk and soul. Sydney six piece OCEAN ALLEY will be bring their unique and refreshing brand of psychedelic reggae fusion. Coming of the back off touring with Ball Park Music, young indie pop rocker SAHARA BECK will kick off proceedings for what is sure to be an atmospheric evening.

Patrons might like to bring along some personal comforts such as a rug, cushion or a low back chair to enjoy the lush surroundings. Don’t forget to check the web for all ticketing information first and be sure to dig out your dancing shoes too for what will be a magical summer evening of music under the stars.

A handful of atmospheric outdoor concert events in remarkable wide open spaces with the eclectic mix of The Cat Empire & Xavier Rudd, along with HARTS, Ocean Alley and Sahara Beck will be a highlight of summer 2017.

The Cat Empire & Xavier Rudd Summer 2017 Tour
Thu 26th Jan 2017 – St Davids Park, Hobart
Sun 29th Jan 2017 – North Gardens, Ballarat
Sat 4th Feb 2017 – Red Devil Park, Byron Bay
Sun 5th Feb 2017 – andstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
Sat 11th Feb 2017 – Genelg Beach, Adelaide
Sun 12th Feb 2017 – Stuart Park, Wollongong
www.thecatempire.com

Following the opening number is a great reductionist version of Lennon and McCartney’s I Will. It pays homage and respect to both the people and place of the album’s title. It also lulls one in the most seductive way, saying so much with so few notes.

Opening up a world of possibilities with just two hands, two feet and an open mind, Sondhy touches on so many points of reverent beauty and more than a few stops on the piano’s historical past. Humor is also injected at the most opportune time.

Playing this album after just about any other form of progressive music provides a wonderful reset and introduces one to a calm that is most enticing. Really looking forward to Volume 2.

Rob Hudson
www.eriksondhy.com

In An evening with Molly Ringwald, the star pushes aside her pop culture status and takes centre stage to perform classics from the Great American Songbook along with some unexpected musical favourites.
 

 
Part nostalgic trip, part homage to classic cabaret, this sassy performance is accompanied by her jazz trio and features interpretations of I’ll Take Romance and The Very Thought of You, as well as a throwback to her eighties fame with Don’t You Forget About Me.

An evening with Molly Ringwald Australian Tour
Brisbane – 3 June 2016, Brisbane Powerhouse
Cairns – 4 June 2016, Cairns Events Center
Sydney – 8 June 2016, Hurstville Entertainment Centre
Bendigo – 9 Hybe 2016,  Ulumbarra Theatre
Melbourne – 10-12 June 2016, Bird’s Basement
Canberra – 14 June 2016, Canberra Theatre
www.iammollyringwald.com

When Winehouse broke out in the early noughties, she really stood out. Here was a jazz singer that wrote incredibly personal lyrics, had great vocal chops and delivered them with a looseness that ran counter to a lot of jazz singer’s rigid professionalism. That she was a hot mess only added to the original appeal.

The film was made in the beginning with the family’s full approval but as the final cut came together their disapproval became pronounced and it’s easy to see why as her father is portrayed as poorly as any stage dad ever has. His narcissistic approach to his daughters crash course on cliché artist demise is infuriating. Yes Amy had a self-destructive streak but was there no one in her entourage that could provide counsel? Could no one help her see her humanity slipping away?

There is a line in the film that encapsulates this sorrow when Winehouse (clean at the time) states that in the midst of all the celebrations of her Grammy night success she finds it’s so boring without drugs. Some view talent as a curse, some as a saviour but with the draconian and profitable nature of talent of this level, it’s infuriating that this story gets told so often.

Rob Hudson
www.amy-movie.com

When a lyric is sung in a language foreign to the ear, it becomes more of a melodic statement than one of message and as such is easier to just let wash over you. Bialas is sublime in her native tongue and the sparse and thoughtful supportive piano notes of Harrison are divine in their simplicity and accessibility. There is no barrier here.

The rhythm section of Sirkis and Bettison are also a marvel of unison thought process and give the music just the right nudge when needed. The songs run the range from sweet and inviting to swirling surges of scat vocals and propulsive playing. There are elements to savour in both the readily accessible and the submerged nuance.

Nowhere is the statement that music in an international language more readily supported than during the absorption of the ten tracks on offer here. Come To Me is an inviting experience at any point on the globe.

Rob Hudson
https://www.facebook.com/events/295163300666936

His superb phrasing is just the start. It’s his choices in tone and the way his notes spill into unusual areas that make the biggest impression. They just coat your ear holes with gooey goodness.

Mark’s liquid tone is matched by his introduction of notes in a fashion that is most luxurious; they seep out of your speakers in a surprisingly organic way, especially considering how processed they actually are. This is technology used to paint a most vivid picture of something naturalistic.

His backing by Yaron Stavi on bass and Asaf Sirkis on drums is also stellar and even with the chops of god that all concerned surely possess; they submerge individual hot spots for the common cool. This approach leads to a feeling that juxtaposes heat and ice and fire and finesse. Even the outright shredding songs like Voltaic never loose their cool.

Add this to the collection of guitar albums that feature a unique voice, singular approach and defined sense of journey. This work takes you to places serene and stimulating.

Rob Hudson
www.markwingfield.com