Month: March 2015

 

We’d played for more than 16 months at Francesca’s and we’d had a great time, but unfortunately it was time to move on.  We worked hard to lock in a few more dates for 2015 but that was becoming more difficult with Francesca’s and their booked functions.

Kevin and I had already started a search for a new venue and we were thrilled to find Ember Lounge (just 600m down the road from Francesca’s).  We approached the owners, they were impressed with our format and now we had a new home for the March Soiree.

With a little advertising, and some well placed signage we pulled a great crowd, there were some new open mic performers. Lots of activity on facebook (heaps of pictures too).

Everyone supported the new venue and we are pleased to announce the next event on the 24th April will also be held at the Ember Lounge.

Check out the facebook page Melbourne Music Performers Meet-up or sign up to MMP via Meet-up.

Sunday 15th March, 2015

 

We make many connections playing with our different combinations and that’s where we met the parents of the bride.

Jazz Notes Trio played at the Riverstone Estate Winery.  It was a beautiful wedding – Congratulations to Vanessa and Chris.

Daniel brought along his newly repaired Double Bass to join Kevin on Guitar and me on flute.  It was an outdoor affair with many natural elements to deal with – lots of fun and some great memories made.

Hoping to play at more of these events in the future.

Not much time passes between the Jazz Festivals in the early part of the year and that’s a good thing!

I was really excited to head to Inverloch this year – not just because I really enjoy the atmosphere of this festival but, it was to be a chance to relax and listen to some great bands.

Of course I was playing with my friends – Jan Blake & Body and Soul and as Jazz Notes we were introducing Wade Morgan in his first official appearance with Jazz Notes.

I also had the opportunity to play with Andrew Eames’s band (The company we keep) – Can’t say no to a friend and enjoyed playing some great arrangements with Juliane Pasternak on vocals, Dave Rowlands on piano, Rob Mercer on drums and Andrew Eames on bass.  A not too unfamiliar group, but lovely company.

I really loved every set I played in at this festival.

Jazz Notes was invited to play an extra spot late on the Sunday Night (Jazz Notes Augmented) – we had arranged for some additional players to join us (unfortunately they let us down – but that didn’t stop us) we put the call out as we were setting up and Chuck Probert, Ashley Thomas & Shaanine Dove jumped in (they needed hardly any persuading to join us on the stage),  for what was clearly one of the best sets of the weekend (that’s what people told us).  We had Pippa Wilson, Wade Morgan & Nicole Thorne – all on stage with us, some even singing backing vocals.  A huge rendition of Mustang Sally by Wade (he had the audience firmly in his trance) – so much fun, so much dancing, and just a wonderful experience.

Monday saw Body & Soul play early at the Picnic in the Park – Jan singing Blue Skies – did the trick – they certainly cleared for a great day of celebration.  Jazz Notes was joined by Chris LeBon for a fantastic set.  I had a great time.

Thanks everyone who made the weekend so wonderful.

 

Friday Feb 27 – Sunday March 1.

A beautiful weekend watching some wonderful dancing.

The Swingmasters played Friday and Saturday Nights for the main events.  It’s hard work, but really enjoyable.

My parents (Wendy & John Craig) work very hard putting a great program together, the huge set-up of all the equipment and their energy is always something I admire.

We were joined by Peter O’Brien on vocals and bass and Angus Wynd on drums, of course there’s Graeme Howie on organ – who we couldn’t do without.

I had a great time tootin’ my flute and enjoying the hospitality of everyone from Rutherglen.

We were invited back for 2016 – with what hopes to be some additional members to the band.  Making for an extra fun weekend ahead in 2016.