The 22nd Melbourne International Jazz Festival program has announced other jazz luminaries joining Herbie Hancock at this year’s festival including piano virtuoso Billy Childs, power-house vocalist Lisa Fischer, national jazz treasure Vince Jones as well as Laura Mvula, José James and Troy Miller reimagining George Gershwin with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
“We cannot wait to host these prolific jazz artists in some of Melbourne’s best venues – the world class Hamer Hall at Arts Centre Melbourne and the acclaimed music destination that is Melbourne Recital Centre,” said Melbourne International Jazz Festival Artistic Director, Michael Tortoni.
“This is only a taste of our wonderful 10-day program that will celebrate jazz music and culture throughout Melbourne featuring more than 350 Australian, international and emerging artists,” said Tortoni.
The 2019 festival will open with Gershwin Reimagined – a partnership with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performing a series of Gershwin works as interpreted by conductor, composer, producer and musician Troy Miller; and featuring the incredible vocals of Laura Mvula, described as the Nina Simone of our generation, alongside American jazz and festival favourite José James.
For the first time in Melbourne, Billy Childs will play with his formidable quartet: Dayna Stephens, Alex Boneham and Christian Euman and will perform material from the critically acclaimed album Rebirth, named Best Jazz Instrumental Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards.
With her sublime vocals, monumental range and incredible versatility, Lisa Fischer will appear with Caribbean jazz-rock fusion band Grand Baton and will transform soulful originals, recast rock anthems and put their stamp on the likes of Led Zeppelin and Little Willie John.
As one of Australia’s leading jazz vocalists and an unparalleled musical story-teller, Vince Jones returns to the festival with a handpicked selection of songs marking milestones from his remarkable 20-album international career.
The 2019 Melbourne International Jazz Festival runs 31 May – 9 June. The full festival program will be announced on 26 March 2019. For more information, visit: www.melbournejazz.com for details.
Image: Vince Jones – photo by Laki Sideris