Hectic lifestyle

Time just doesn't seem to stretch.

I have so much I am trying to cram into the days of the week. Work, family, lifestyle - what lifestyle? Just snatches of thoughts of good things to do.

The weekend away becomes a work commitment, that also includes financial planning - not my idea of a relaxing way to spend time.

Interesting, I decided to leave my full time job for a more relaxed lifestyle.

That slippery thing time just won't stand still.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Jazz:Now

A fantastic week of Jazz music at the Sydney Opera House, showcasing a diverse range of musicians presented by Jazzgroove and SIMA.

Such a huge amount of talent in the Australian improvised music scene, playing to capacity crowds.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Picture from Japanese Australian Jazz Orchestra at Jazz:Now Festival 2006 - taken by J Kee

Steve Irwin

Now that the dust has settled one can wonder on the age we live in, where we can cry for someone we didn't even know.

The power of mass communication.

Joanne
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Mighty Sparrow

Its really interesting seeing performers who have been around for a long time.

The Mighty Sparrow had a huge personality and vocal presence, but what is it with a band who look so bored. They looked as though they would have been happier sitting at home filing their nails.

The Calypso music is full of joy and life - what sort of energy and respect for the audience can be found in bored musos staring into space?

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Jazzgroove and the end of an era

This week was the end of Ross Ogden being administrator at Jazzgroove, thanks to Ross for doing a fantastic job. What a great night, fantastic music with Dale Barlow up first and then Carl Orr. It's an amazing atmosphere where people are packed into the room, listening to the grooves or so many musicians are hanging out in the bar. www.jazzgroove.com

So this was also the week of the final party at the Performance Space on Cleveland Street, ready to move on to the Carriageworks at Everleigh. Such a lot of performance history, and what a beautiful room for performance, lets hope something good goes in there.


www.ceressolutions.com.au

Art and about

Speaking to a friend of mine today and I am amazed to hear that tickets for children's shows are being scalped on e-bay. It seems to take scalping to another realm when people are after tickets for Playschool or Velveteen Rabbit.

Also seems to show how far a parent is prepared to go to provide what their precious children want.

It seems a different society where children receive toys and outings at such a cracking pace. I know of all my friends and acquaintances who have children there is a phenomenal amount of consumerism. Look out interest rates, this generation will certainly be addicted to consumer consumables.

Joanne

www.ceressolutions.com.au

Reflections on the weather and other sundry thoughts

So a winter chill has crept back into the air, and in a weekend of contrasts its a time to hang out, listen to musicians from around the globe, improvising and jamming, look at some art, hear some beats ....

As I become more involved in improvised music, I am pondering on the frame and format of classical music. On the surface, much more structured and precise than both world music and improvised jazz.

What sort of difference is there in thought processes from one form to the other? Is one about freedom of expression and the other about freedom of interpretation? Any thoughts on this - I am really interested.

Potential Music/arts venue space - image J Kee

I am working towards a music venue in central Sydney, affordable, cutting edge sometimes, sometimes not, sometimes popular, sometimes experimental and a place to hang out. This Wharf space is currently being used for the Biennale (till the end of August), if you want to have a look. The space looks incredible, if you are interested in supporting an arts space, with music at its core, let me know.

Joanne

www.ceressolutions.com.au