Tag: Jazz in the Vines

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Ceberano, James Morrison and More for Motown Inspired Jazz in the Vines

The line-up for Jazz in the Vines, one of my favorite music festivals, has been announced.

This year’s chilled out event will feature a veritable who’s who of Aussie talent, including Kate Ceberano, Doug Parkinson, festival regular James Morrison, and Bruce Mathiske.

The 2010 show will have a soul flavour to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Motown. But don’t think the festival has abandoned its jazz roots; we can expect both styles of music to feature prominently in this year’s set.

If you’ve always thought about going, why not make 2010 the year? Grab your picnic blanket and head to Tyrells Vineyard for one of the most chilled out, positive festivals on the music calendar. It all happens on October 30, and tickets are on sale now from the Jazz in the Vines website.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz in the Vines Just Keeps Getting Better

Jazz in the Vines is gearing up for another big year with more food, more wine, more music and more fun!

The annual Hunter Valley jazzfest is scheduled for October 31. A stellar line-up has already been announced, including The Australian Army Band and Dixieland Jazz Band, Watussi, Galapagos Duck, the fabulous foursome Christine Anu, Grace Knight, Paulini, and Monica Trapaga, and perennial favourite James Morrison.

Add six of the area’s premier wineries and a host of local restaurants and you’ve got a recipe for a fantastic day out.

Tickets are available from May 11 for the bargain price of $65. Get yours from the  Jazz in the Vines website, and all Ticketmaster and Moshtix outlets.

Image source: Stephen Michael Barnett @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz in the Vines @ Tyrells Winery, Hunter Valley – 25 October 2008

Rain plagued New South Wales last week. But it was almost as if the weather gods knew that I was heading to Jazz in the Vines at Tyrells Winery on Saturday, because those storm clouds disappeared to reveal a glorious day. The sunshine was just the first thing that went right that day.

We arrived with just enough time to set up our deck chairs and purchase a bottle of verdelho from one of the six wineries on hand before the entertainment began. We settled in to enjoy the instrumental brilliance of Newcastle jazz outfit the Adam Miller Band. Adam Miller is a charismatic front man, open with the crowd and keen to share the stories of the tunes he’s written. With an understanding of the meaning behind the melodies, I found myself engaged from the start of his set to the end.

The dual stage set-up meant that we didn’t have to wait long for the Royal Australian Air Force band, Force 10. I expected a traditional brass sound as regimented as their uniforms, but was pleasantly surprised at their sense of fun. We happily sang along to big band classics like “World on a String” and “Under My Skin.” There’s a reason why these songs from the 20s and 30s are classics, and jazz fans young and old ate them up. The combination of booming drums, rich brass instruments, a tinkling piano and velvety smooth vocals was heavenly. Needless to say, Force 10 were an unexpected joy.

I’ve been a big fan of Australian soul legend Renee Geyer for as long as I can remember. I’ve seen countless shows over the years, but for some reason this set didn’t come quite up to par for me. Her sultry voice was in fine form, and she delivered hit after hit including “Heading in the Right Direction” and “Say I Love You.” But her snotty attitude took a little of the gloss off. Renee complained about the cameramen filming her, whining that she wasn’t dressed well enough. The cameramen complied to placate her diva behaviour, and the big screens were promptly switched off. I was close enough to the stage to see Renee, but I’m sure the people perched up the back of the vineyard didn’t appreciate her bitching. Renee could have taken a lesson from the music fans dancing freely in front of her; she really needed to lighten up and just have some fun!

Someone who does know how to have fun is James Morrison, who took to the stage with his brother John Morrison’s Swing City Big Band. Who else can get away with a fast and furious rendition of The Flintstone’s theme, complete with a little audience participation? James wowed us with jazz and Latin standards delivered with intensity and abandon. The highlight was when he took a trumpet in one hand and a trombone in the other, and took turns playing some wild one-handed licks. I guess he really does have more musical talent in one hand than I do in my entire body!

John and his band stuck around to support Glenn Shorrock. This Aussie music legend drew from his own extensive back catalogue and some classic jazz standards for an unforgettable set. Anyone who wasn’t already dancing soon found their feet when Glenn belted out the hits from Little River Band, Axiom, and the big band masters. We all knew every word to every song, and sung along enthusiastically. I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to catch my first Glenn Shorrock show. It definitely won’t be the last.

American expat Lisa Hunt closed the show with a set jam-packed with soul classics. From Motown to the disco dance halls, Lisa ensured we all had a good time. I never thought I’d see someone best Renee Geyer, but Lisa’s joy and utter abandon made this set so much more enjoyable. My feet were sore, and I was a little hot and sweaty by the close, but I left determined to make the pilgrimage to Jazz in the Vines next year.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Morrison, Renee Geyer, and More Play Jazz in the Vines

Great music, gourmet food, and green vibes come together at this year’s Jazz in the Vines. Experience it all at Tyrell’s Vineyard in the Hunter Valley on 25 October.

This year’s lineup brings together some Aussie music legends, and some of the hottest up and comers. Where else would you find James Morrison, Renee Geyer, and Glenn Shorrock sharing the bill with the brilliant Adam Miller, Force 10, and Lisa Hunt? These artists will perform on two stages, entertaining the crowds with non-stop music for seven hours!

After seven hours, you’re going to get hungry. Thankfully the festival also brings together some of the Hunter’s best food and wine. Acclaimed restaurants The Hunter Resort, The Mill, Redsalt, Esca, Elizabeth’s, and Majors Lane will be on hand with tasty treats, which you can wash down with wines from Drayton’s, Tamburlaine, Bimbadgen Estate, The Hunter Valley Wine Society, Peterson’s Champagne House, and of course, Tyrell’s.

This year the festival is going green with glass recycling, eco-friendly food packaging, and stacks more. And you can get into the environmentally friendly spirit by leaving the car at home! Rover Coaches will help visitors get there from Sydney, the Central Coast, and throughout the Hunter Valley. And if you don’t have to worry about driving, you can indulge in a few more glasses of that beautiful wine!

Aussie jazz legend James Morrison has played a few festivals in his time, yet he calls Jazz in the Vines “Australia’s premier outdoor jazz festival.” If it’s impressed him, you’re bound to have a good time! Check out the website for more details including ticket and transport information.