The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz was conceived in 1989 as the dream of a group of local business people who wanted to establish a significant event for their town and region - an event that would be unique and that would attract many tourists to the area. Launched in 1990, the Festival was immediately hailed by critics, musicians and fans as the best jazz festival in Australia: a reputation that has been confirmed and enhanced in the years since then. The Festival's artistic director, Adrian Jackson, has consistently assembled programs that demand uncompromising excellence from performers, while presenting a balanced showcase across the range of jazz styles, but with an emphasis on modern, contemporary jazz. At the core of the program are the National annual Jazz Awards – this year’s award is for the best Australian jazz drummer.
International musicians performing at the festival include American trombonist-compose Josh Roseman, one of the most articulate trombone voices in jazz remarkable Cuban pianist Fabian Almazan, bassist Barre Phillips (France), La Societe des Antipodes (France / Australia), instrumentalist Peter Apfelbaum (USA) and American blues guitarist Jimmy D Lane
Josh Roseman, who brings his own band from NYC, will also perform in a special collaboration with the Australian Art Orchestra showcasing his compositions for a large ensemble. Other exclusive collaborations see the remarkable Linda Oh performing in a duo with vocalist Gian Slater. Pianist Barney McAll, who moved to NY in 1998, will featuring two pianos and vibraphone, and will collaborate with Gian Slater and her 16-voice choir. For more information, kindly contack John Howell.
