The week was plagued with unpredictable weather, but the sun was shining on the Hunter Valley last weekend for the annual Jazz in the Vines festival.
The event celebrated its 20th anniversary, and the weather, line-up, and atmosphere was fitting for such a milestone. I can’t remember the weather being kinder to us; it was perfect under the shade of the trees that border the open spaces near Tyrell’s Winery. The navy’s Royal Australian City Big Band was already warming up the crowds when we arrived. It seems we arrived during rush hour as the queues at food and beverage outlets were a little longer than usual, but the variety of stalls ensured we still weren’t waiting too long. Drinks in hand we settled in to catch the second act on the bill, the Dixie Ticklers.
I can’t remember another international act gracing the Jazz in the Vines stage, but this British band fit right in. Despite hailing from the United Kingdom, the Dixie Ticklers had a real New Orleans vibe that took us back to the roots of jazz. With so many artists from this festival pushing the boundaries of exactly what jazz is, it was refreshing to see a band representing the genre so purely.
Grace Knight strayed from her pop roots and celebrated the standards featured on more recent releases. Like the fine wines we were consuming from the good folks at Tamburlaine, her voice only gets better with age. Her version of “I’m a Woman” was killer, and my inner child loving hearing her bust out her Eurogliders’ hit “Heaven (Must Be There).”
Regular guest James Morrison passed the torch to his big brother John for this year’s event. Along with the rest of his Swing City Big Band, John Morrison treated us to a largely instrumental set of jazz favourites. Longtime collaborator Jacki Cooper joined the swinging band for a few choice numbers.
What a charmer Tom Burlinson is. He oozed cool as he crooned his way through standards made famous by Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Darin, and his idol Frank Sinatra. His voice is uncannily similar to Ol’ Blue Eyes’, but he doesn’t rest on mere impersonation. I’ve heard so many versions of “Mack the Knife,” but his was up there with the best.
I’ve professed my adoration for Darren Percival before, and his performance at Jazz in the Vines didn’t disappoint. I actually saw him perform at the same event several years ago, long before he appeared on The Voice and became a household name. The set was very different this time around, with fewer standards and more of the songs he performed on the program. The crowd didn’t seem to care that much of the material wasn’t strictly jazz though. He has such a captivating presence, and we all lapped it up.
Lisa Hunt brought the show to a close, as she’s done so many times before. There’s a reason why Lisa earns that coveted closing spot though. Even if you’ve resisted all afternoon, it’s impossible to stay seated as she busts out her beloved soul and disco standards. Sure, they might not be jazz either, but who cares? While most of her set was packed with the party numbers she’s famous for, I was struck most by her version of “Hallellujah.” Without any hint of exaggeration, it was the most moving performance I’ve ever seen at Jazz in the Vines.
Twenty years on and Jazz in the Vines shows no signs of slowing down. Every year it delivers a diverse array of stellar artists, incredible food, amazing wine, and one of the most laidback, music-loving crowds you could hope to find. With a winning combination like that, it’s easy to see why this festival endures.
Image source: own photos