Monash Academy of Performing Arts (MAPA) presents a weekend filled with sizzling jazz sounds from Australian icons, James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, Joe Camilleri and Paul Grabowsky, backed by a line-up of stellar musicians on Saturday 25 March and Sunday 26 March at Robert Blackwood Hall.
Opening the Jazz Greats Weekend are the big brass sounds of Australia’s most celebrated trumpeter, James Morrison and his distinguished quintet, and 20-piece ensemble The James Mustafa Jazz Orchestra. Highlighting the program is MAPA’s newly commissioned composition from James Mustafa featuring his outstanding 20-piece Jazz Orchestra with James Morrison, acclaimed around the world for his virtuosity and musicianship, as featured soloist.
The James Mustafa Jazz Orchestra is one of Australia’s most celebrated and renowned large ensembles comprised of some of the country’s finest and most respected musicians. Their debut album The Last Sanctuary, released under the Jazzhead record label has been a bestseller and they have performed numerous sell out shows across Victoria.
In the second Jazz Greats concert, two of Australia’s most popular and celebrated contemporary vocalists, Kate Ceberano and Joe Camilleri, pair with six-time Aria award winner Paul Grabowsky and the Paul Grabowsky Quartet. Together they reimagine and transform the songbook of one of the 20th century’s greatest songwriters and poets – Bob Dylan. The repertoire includes some of Dylan’s finest songs.
“The songs of Bob Dylan have become part of the inner fabric of our lives, and his creative journey has recently brought him around to the Great American Songbook, which has traditionally formed the basis for many extraordinary jazz performances,” says Paul Grabowsky.
“Now we return the favour, with an investigation from a jazz perspective of his masterpieces, interpreted by two of our greatest vocalists, Joe Camilleri, himself a deep Dylan devotee, and Kate Ceberano, whose song choices will surprise and delight,” he added.
James Morrison & The James Mustafa Jazz Orchestra
Robert Blackwood Hall, 49 Scenic Boulevard, Monash University, Clayton
Performance: Saturday 25 March 2017 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.mapa.monash.edu
The Bob Dylan Song Book featuring Kate Ceberano, Joe Camilleri and Paul Grabowsky
Robert Blackwood Hall, 49 Scenic Boulevard, Monash University, Clayton
Performance: Sunday 26 March 2017 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.mapa.monash.edu
Image: Kate Ceberano features in the Monash Jazz Greats Weekend (supplied)