Want to learn how to make those jazz chops sizzle? Melbourne jazz legend Bob Sedergreen will be showing musos just that at this weekend’s Castlemaine Jazz Festival.
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Sedergreen will take his place behind the grand piano in the Old Castlemaine Gaol today for a master class on constructing a jazz solo.
It’s just one highlight of the second annual festival that’s expected to attract 1000 pairs of jazz hands to the goldfields town over the long weekend.
Committee member and musician Colin Garrett is all over it; not only is Colin helping organise and set up over the four-day event, he’s playing in three of the 86 bands on the line-up, including with Blow-Out.
This bunch of accomplished jazzers meets every Wednesday afternoon for a "blow-out" in an East Brunswick garage.
Blow-Out plays an eclectic mix - anything from smooth ballads to funky fusion in the style of Herbie Hancock.
One initial proposal for the group's name was The RB Band (RB standing for Retired Bastards). However, Colin said, sanity prevailed.
The Glass Moon will be playing hot off the heels of the Melbourne Jazz Festival.
The accomplished outfit offers a vast repertoire of reimagined classics mixed in with the band’s originals.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists, from Ella Fitzgerald to U2, Colin said The Glass Moon’s outstanding stagecraft and skillful musicianship would appeal to audiences of all ages.
Colin said no matter how accomplished, jazz bands were a friendly lot and the festival was a chance for them to also enjoy each other’s music.
“Everybody has a good time and enjoys the fellowship that comes with having a common interest in music,” he said.
The festival takes place in eight venues around Castlemaine, including onboard the jazz steam train, in hotels, cafes and art spaces.
Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased online at www.castlemainejazzfestival.com.au or from the box office in the Ray Bradfield Room, just behind the Old Market Building in Mostyn Street.
Sedergreen’s master class is free for regional school students, who will also receive a free festival ticket following the class, further cementing the festival’s aim to foster and encourage a pure love of jazz music.
