dungeon jazz

 

MEDIA RELEASE

Fri. 29 August 2008

 

Newcastle jazz coup!

In something of a coup, Adamstownπs dungeon jazz has secured the Newcastle premiere of Australiaπs newest, youngest, most talented, exciting and energetic big band: The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra (JMO).

 

Hailed as the best Australian Big Band since Daly ≠ Wilson, the JMO performs at the Adamstown venue next Thursday, September 4.

 

Featured recently on the ABC FMπs jazz tracks program, the orchestra formed in 2003 and already been twice nominated as Australian jazz ensemble of the year. The average age of the eighteen members is 28 and, as separate and individual band leaders, they have released over 30 CDs between them.

 

According to dungeon jazz coordinator, Rod Barnes, the JMO play original, melodic jazz with broad appeal to all ages and musical tastes. ≥The stage presence, excitement and energy of the band being evidenced by the thirty litres of liquid they consume during performances!≤ Rod said.

 

Not surprisingly, the band is a whoπs who of contemporary Australian jazz, including guitarist James Muller and saxophonist Richard Maegraith.

 

Holding a combined five Masters Degrees and twenty Undergraduate degrees the line up includes: ten National Jazz Award Finalists (three winners); four Freedman Fellows (two winners); an Australia jazz Artist of the Year; a James Morrison Scholarship Winner; a finalist in the International Thelonius Monk Trumpet Competition; and a finalist at the Hoolieart International Jazz Competition (Belgium). Not to mention three proud new fathers!