Australia’s foremost jazz vocalist Vince Jones leads a celebration of one of rock music’s greatest performers in Van Morrison Masterpieces. Joined by The Astral Orchestra and guest vocalist Justine Clarke, Jones brings to life two of Morrison’s most legendary albums, for one night only at City Recital Hall on Saturday 10 September 2016.
When The Beatles moved to psychedelic rock and Dylan went electric, Van Morrison hired New York’s finest jazz musicians and recorded two of the classic albums of that golden era – Astral Weeks and Moondance. Both albums had enormous impact on aspiring musicians and singers around the world. Vince Jones was one of them.
Vince Jones brings together eight of Australia’s finest jazz and rock musicians to form The Astral Orchestra led by Music Director, Matt McMahon. Together, they pay homage to two of Morrison’s most cherished albums: Astral Weeks, a poetic, mercurial blend of jazz, folk and blues; and Moondance, Morrison’s seminal soul-jazz classic.
Vince Jones is one of the finest musicians in Australia today. He has set the benchmark for Australian jazz since his emergence in the clubs of Melbourne in the late 70s and early 80s. Since then, his 20 album, international career has never stopped evolving.
Widely considered Australia’s leading jazz vocalist, Jones is a rare and remarkable interpreter and composer who defies genre to create music without borders. As a vocalist he resists showing off technique to the detriment of feel – he’s confident in his musical literacy and sings like there’s nothing to prove. It’s a refreshing approach that gives us, the audience, the chance to be really moved.
Jones is also one of the country’s most respected trumpet players, renowned for his distinctive reserve and subtlety. A brief, thoughtful solo from Jones is worth a hundred notes played with less discretion. This performance of Van Morrison’s Masterpieces is earmarked as a highlight in this accomplished artist’s long list of golden moments in Australian music.
Van Morrison’s Masterpieces: Astral Weeks and Moondance
City Recital Hall, 2-12 Angel Place, Sydney
Performance: Saturday 10 September 2016 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.cityrecitalhall.com
Image: Vince Jones (supplied)