When I’m unwell, it takes a lot for me to leave the comfort of home and venture out. But I found myself doing just that on Saturday when I took in the annual Jazz in the Vines festival. This is always a highlight of my yearly concert calendar, and I wasn’t going to let any virus hold me back.
Being sick made this a different kind of Jazz in the Vines for me. I couldn’t indulge in the all that brilliant wine, or dance up the front near as the stage as I usually do. But I could enjoy the music, and enjoy it I did.
Sadly it took me a bit longer to get out than it might have if I were well, and I missed the Silver Bell Quartet. But I’m so glad I arrived for the Adrian Cunningham Quartet. Led by the incredibly sexy and talented Adrian Cunningham, the quartet treated us to instrumental jazz gems. The set only became stronger when Steve Clisby joined them for several numbers. Their version of “God Bless The Child” was exquisite, and I also loved their swinging version of “Moondance.”
Somewhere around the end of their set the unseasonably summery weather started to get to me. It’s terrible to be sick when you’re supposed to be out having fun, but the gentle acoustic guitar strains of Bruce Mathiske were probably the best medicine for it. I must admit, I was a bit dizzy and faint to remember much of his set, but his version of “Classical Gas” was outstanding.
After getting plenty of water and some yummy calamari in me I started to feel a little better, just in time for James Morrison to take the stage. He’s always a Jazz in the Vines highlight, and this year was no exception. His exceptional talent and charisma just makes for a wonderful show. It was also kind of thrilling to see my new crush Adrian Cunningham taking his place in James’ band. While I was lapping up the instrumental stuff, the energy levels went up a notch when Doug Parkinson joined James. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to see this Australian legend doing his thing; he really is a truly magnificent artist. My parents have been seeing him since the ’70s and swear that his voice is only getting better. I really don’t doubt it. Those reality TV show contestants could learn a thing or two about performing a cover version from Doug; whether he was encouraging us to get up and dance with some Blood Sweat and Tears or Joe Cocker numbers, or wowing us with a show stopping version of “Somewhere,” he was incredible.
I could have happily listened to Doug all afternoon, but then we would have missed the irrepressible Kate Ceberano. I’ve seen her many times, and always thoroughly enjoy the experience. She seemed to be in a particularly naughty mood this time around, dousing herself in water to beat the heat and shamelessly flirting with the crowd. She seemed to love us, and the way we embraced music of all genres. While we might love our jazz we were just as happy to hear her singing a bit of Bob Marley, Gloria Gaynor, or The Divinyls. She can do it all so well, so why not? This set was so much fun; I only wish I was well enough to dance to that disco medley!
Kate Ceberano was a hard act to follow, so I felt pretty sorry for the closing act, Dojo Cuts. They were a curious choice of closer, a young funk band no one had really heard of. They didn’t have a lot on their side: following Kate, rain early in their set, and some early sound problems. It’s a shame because they weren’t half bad. The lead singer had a rich raspy voice, which is only going to get stronger with experience, and the brassy band was quite tight. Those keen to continue the party stuck around to dance with them, but it seemed to be many people’s cue to exit. Perhaps an earlier time slot would have helped Dojo Cuts capture the audience they deserved!
Predictably after pushing myself to go out on Saturday I’m a lot sicker now. Them’s the breaks. But I wouldn’t have missed Jazz in the Vines for the world. Every year the organisers manage to assemble a killer line-up and put on a festival with an abundance of good vibes. I’ll be back next year, and I will be dancing.
Image source: own photos
The day was brilliant…had the best time. Kate and her band smashed it…but I’m glad I stuck around for Dojo Cuts! Those guys added that youthful edge to the day’s line-up and they were funky and soulful to boot.