In times of global uncertainty, human struggles and artificial flows, “true arts” offer a sense of respite and bid resistance also against AI interference – and music, perhaps in particular, becomes our temporary escape; a space to breathe and step away from the rush.
Demonstrating the power of human connection, Melbourne vocalist Tamara Kuldin is a breath of fresh air who becomes an advocate for the not so simple things in life: love, romance and togetherness. Through her music she draws a soulful connection between audiences and her band and brings us to a calmer and, generally, light-hearted place – if only for a moment.
Kuldin’s jazz, where she demonstrates an affinity with French vibes [1], has taken her to stages in Australia and across the globe, including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, the Melbourne Recital Centre, the Victorian Arts Centre [2], the Stonnington Jazz Festival, Birds Basement, the Paris to Provence French Festival, MONA (Tasmania), the Bergamo Jazz Festival, and the Lovere Back to Jazz Festival (Italy).[3]
And yet, at the core of Kuldin’s music is a universal and almost existentialist inner landscape where we are invited to meet in unity on a spiritual level. In that space of intimate musical storytelling, Kuldin offers solace and comfort, and audiences are taken on a journey that blends past and present. Her voice and the accompanying instruments do their own talking in her heartfelt and often passionate spin on the chosen genre.
Described as sassy, sultry and cheeky by Australian Jazz [4], these words only partly define her on-stage persona. Rather, it is in the continuation: “Tamara Kuldin is that and much more” where she enters a space of creativity, ventures beyond and surprises us with the unexpected.
Kuldin – who has been called Australia’s sweetheart of song [5] and is [k]nown for her playful, seductive, and heartfelt style [6] – makes a real difference with her Nostalgique project [7] where she pays tribute to Edith Piaf and Russian folk songs.
And while she has established a reputation by reaching out to and attracting audiences needing – and yearning – to relax in the now and be given a chance to come back to the essence, and has brought songs from The Great American Songbook, French chanson classics and … vintage jazz and blues gems back to life by adding her own interpretation to these songs, this captivating singer, who has Jewish roots, is perhaps most heartfelt while singing love songs for her Russian Babushka [8].
In an interview from 2018, she explains that: “I’m predominantly a jazz vocalist but my love affair with song traverses many different genres. A while ago I did a show called ‘jewettes’ singing songs by Jewish women. Some of these women – their stories, the lyrics, they beautifully complement stories about my grandmother.”
I had the pleasure of watching Kuldin and some of Australia’s lead jazz musicians (Paul Williamson, Ben Robertson, and Sam Lemann) perform at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery on 13 July this year (the Tamara Kuldin Quartet, in turn, performs regularly at the Classic Southside – [a]n intimate space for jazz, talks, comedy, and much more, in Elsternwick) in two 45-minute sessions where the both up-beat and reflective music enveloped mature audience members wrapped by these live sets filled with charm, soul, and swing. [9]
The gallery, which takes on protagonistic status in its own right, welcomes artists from different walks of life and is the perfect multicultural hub that connects people across time and space, in bold celebration of the visual arts, music and performance; all against the backdrop of a historic Town Hall that first saw the light in 1885 and was originally known as the Caulfield Shire Hall.
With its elegant white allure, this particular town hall beckons locals, Melbournians, and nationals and internationals alike. At the Gallery, and thanks to the many concerted efforts and endeavours of its Arts and Culture Advisory Committee, creative sparks can fly, and memorable events are organised that have the capacity to connect people from near and afar. This breathes life into the Glen Eira City Council and makes it engaged, alive and kicking – literally and metaphorically. [10]
As for Tamara Kuldin, do not miss her upcoming concert at the Lido Jazz Room, Hawthorn on Friday 14 November 2025 – 8.00pm.
In Conversation with Tamara Kuldin
Words: Dr Jytte Holmqvist
Images: Tamara Kuldin (sourced) | Tamara Kuldin at Glen Eira City Hall and Gallery – photo by Dr Jytte Holmqvist
Footnotes:
[1] Listen to Under Paris Skies
[2] now known as Arts Centre Melbourne
[3] www.monash.edu
[5] www.beat.com.au
[8] Listen to Love Song For Sofia