Beyond the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the city has a vibrant jazz scene that stems from the 1920s, strengthened by the countless jazz joints, such as Paris Cat Jazz Club, The Toff and The Jazzlab. Needless to say, Melburnians know good jazz. This season, We call it Jazz in Melbourne is enriching the city’s long history of the genre with a swinging new concert. It will feature iconic jazz songs from the likes of Herbie Hancock, Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Billie Holliday that will transport you to the streets of New Orleans.
Get ready to burn it up at the Brunswick Ballroom, located in the old Metropolis House on Sydney Road. On selected dates over the coming months, a local jazz band will be lighting up the stage with groovy renditions of timeless jazz classics. However, it is advisable to secure your tickets as soon as possible because places are limited.
What is We call it Jazz?
Jazz is an expression of freedom. From its origins with the call-and-response motifs used by enslaved Africans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to its improvised style, it describes the human spirit. We call it Jazz celebrates the rich heritage of the genre with a curated setlist packed with jazz classics. Unwind to groovy songs like “Sing Sing Sing”, “Freddie Freeloader” and “Georgia on My Mind” as you enjoy a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.
Jazz, its story and the show
The classic jazz we’ve come to know today has its roots in the bars of 1920s New Orleans, where all the cool cats would hang out, noodle around and enjoy a drink or two. The genre was particularly influenced musically and thematically by ragtime and blues. Additionally, the migration of Caribbean people to Louisiana added rhythmic diversity to jazz, combining styles like calypso and Afro-Cuban rhythms.
This hot jazz performance showcases different facets of jazz and its greatest pioneers, featuring experienced, local jazz musicians. Although the setlist is previously curated, there will also be room for electrifying improvised solos full of unique syncopated sounds.
Even though jazz aficionados might have the upper hand, you don’t need to know jazz to understand jazz. This powerful music genre can captivate everyone and anyone with its soulful notes so even if you consider yourself an amateur, this show is also for you.
We call it Jazz will be held at Brunswick Ballroom this season. There will be two back-to-back performances scheduled for 6:30pm and 9:00pm so you can choose the one that best suits you.