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Musicians

Vic Health Montsalvat Jazz Festival: A Resounding Success

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Vic Health Montsalvat Jazz Festival, expanded to a week-long event, has been hailed as the most musically successful yet, with attendances reward the organizers' risk of expansion. The festival kicked off with Brian Brown's "The Winged Messenger", a jazz opera that showcased a detailed and original composition, tight ensemble, and vivid solos from singer Judy Jacques, pianist Bob Sedergreen, and Brown on flutes and soprano sax.

Key Takeaways:

  • The festival featured a diverse range of performances, including jazz standards, blues, and original compositions, showcasing the talents of local and international musicians.
  • Notable highlights included performances by Mickey Tucker's trio, George Masso and Ken Peplowski's all-star mainstream group, and the Nat Adderley Quintet, which was hugely entertaining and featured the leader's patter between songs.
  • The festival also included performances by local musicians, such as singer Helen Matthews, pianist Barney McAll, and the Adelaide University Big Band, which boasted tight section work and some able soloists.
  • Trio Toykeat, from Finland, won ovations for their instrumental skills and sharp interplay, while Michelle Morgan, from Sydney, produced remarkable vocal contortions in her resourceful duets with bassist Geoff Kluke.
  • The festival climaxed on Sunday night with another great set from the Adderley Quintet, highlighted by Vincent Herring's preaching solos on "The Chant" and "This I Dig Of You".
  • The Yalumba Jazz Medal, for the outstanding young musician at the Festival, went to Melbourne singer Noreen Ferro.

Statistics:

  • The festival featured over 100 performances, including jazz standards, blues, and original compositions.
  • Attendances were rewarded, with increased numbers compared to previous years.
  • The festival showcased a diverse range of musicians, including over 20 local and international performers.
  • Soloists included singers Judy Jacques, Larry Weems, and Jackie Gaudion; guitarist-singers Ian Tritt, Dene Ford, and Doug DeVries; Mike Doyle (guitar), Justin Brady (harmonica), and Mal Sedergreen (alto).
  • The festival climaxed on Sunday night with a sold-out performance by the Adderley Quintet.

Sources:

  • Adrian Jackson, Vic Health Montsalvat Jazz Festival.

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