My pick for venue of the week is Sedition!

Busy week out and about seeing performances.

The Continuum Sax program was beautiful. Fantastic mixtures of soundscapes, electric violin and of course saxes.

We saw Tom Hall in the smaller version of his work, ie no projection, the room probably being a little too small for this. Compelling and memorable music. Tom's performance was part of the Sound Travellers travel funding program I am running. We are so pleased that this has helped sound artists and musicians tour around Australia this year.

Have to give the thumbs up though to the Venue. Sedition, is a barber shop by day and a sometimes music venue, generously supplied by the owner who has been supporting alternate music for years. So much artwork and so much imagery crammed into the shop, which I am told with a bit of juggling can fit 25-30. Probably a bit like fitting 10 into a mini!

What other bring your own venue has bottle openers on the back of the Barber's chairs?

Peter Farrar playing the sax, with double bass accompaniment was the perfect imagery for this venue. Not to mention that the music being performed was good as well.


Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.soundtravellers.com.au

Keating

So I finally managed to make it along to Keating. Image courtesy of Belvoir street images.

It was a great night of entertainment. I have to admit, that I was overseas during the Keating years, so always wondered about that time. My only recollection of the PM on my holiday visits home was a vaguely mafia'ish man in a well cut Italian suit.

Not to mention the Alexander Downer character, who would also go down a treat in the Rocky Horror Show.

I'd definitely recommend this show as a fun night out.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Bits and pieces

A few different things this week. Exquisite Hour with Maina Geilgud, a birthday party for Bryce Courtenay and Oz Opera's Madam Butterfly.

Have to say that my highlight was the Madam Butterfly, however its always a little tense when I take along Arran. However, she behaved beautifully, though she did only rate it a 2 out of 10, with too much singing and she took too long to die being the comments.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Alister Spence Trio

Image from last week's gig.

www.placesandspaces.com.au
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Alister Spence Trio and the Alcohotlicks

This week on the 6th August I am presenting Alister Spence Trio and the Alcohotlicks in music at the factory.

Alister Spence Trio

This is the sound of the hammer striking the nail right on the head, sweetly, every time’ Australian Financial Review

This trio brings together three of the most exciting, innovative and experienced musicians in original, contemporary Australian jazz music.

‘Soothing atmospherics, flying swing, free improvising and tranquil pools of lyricism all come and go, beautifully played … always
guaranteed to draw you into their captivating musical worlds.’ SMH.

Joining them will be the wonderful moving image artist, Louise Curham.

When these three long time collaborators get together, a bewitching musical world unfolds, full of excitement, surprise and beauty.
The wealth of experience that the band has, both separately and together, allows the music to ebb and flow seemingly effortlessly, as they move through highly original compositions and free passages.

From shadowy insistent funk, to racing swing, or trance-like ambient echoes, this is contemporary jazz and improvised music of the highest order.

The trio’s last two CD’s Flux and Mercury both received ARIA nominations, and they are now beginning to attract attention overseas.
This performance at the factory comes on the eve of their first tour of Japan.

Also appearing - the Alcohotlicks! Check them out here

The AlcohotlicksArne Hanna Composer (The Honourable Wally Norman, New York Times Critic’s Pick 03’) ‘I am firmly of the opinion that the Alcohotlicks are the finest, most inventive musical group working within the jazz idiom in Sydney.’

John Shand wrote ‘…Flower, Hauptmann and Mannell may just be on to something rather wonderful.’ (Sydney Morning Herald)

aaron flower-guitar
ben hauptmann-guitar
evan mannell-drums

The Alcohotlicks are a Sydney based band formed in the later part of 2002. The instrumentation of the band is unique comprising of two electric guitars and drums. The first two years were spent writing and performing in the local Sydney Jazz scene. As a band The Alcohotlicks have over thirty compositions registerd with A.P.R.A. and have released two self produced live recordings. Performance highlights include: the Jazz:Now festival - Sydney Opera House, Stonington Jazz festival, and Wangarratta Festival of Jazz.

In 2007 Aaron Flower won the prestigious Wangaratta National Jazz award, with Ben Hauptmann a close second.

From late 2005 The Alcohotlicks began featuring artists in their live performances, which most recently included incorporating Cesar and Steve Marin, both leading exponents of traditional South American music. Other featured artists include:

ARIA and Mo. award winner James Muller ‘I believe Evan, Ben and Aaron have created music that is not only fresh and brilliant, but uniquely Australian.’

Art Orcehstra of Australia guitarist and composer Carl Dewhurst ‘(I) believe TheAlcohotlicks to be one of most original and captivating groups in Australia today.’

Melbourne based National Jazz Award winner Steve Magnusson ‘Their compositional approach, architecture and arrangements are unique to their sound.’

Doors @ 7pm, Performance begins at 8pm

Joanne

www.placesandspaces.com.au
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Piano fund raiser

Well it was a good night out for the SIMA piano fundraiser night. Have to admit I didn't last the distance as my daughter was sick at home and I got a plaintive "mummy come home".

However I did manage to see Judy Bailey playing some delightful interpretations of some classics, Chris Abrahams, I am always amazed at the sound he can get out of a piano, Mark Isaacs and Matt mcMahon. We have some fabulous pianists in this town, great that SIMA has a new piano.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au