The Jazzlab

A playlist of albums to check out curated during Melbourne's lockdown.

Formed around the turn of the century by double bassist Steve Purcell as a Count Basie style dance band, The Pearly Shells Swing Orchestra has evolved over more than 15 years to become a unique Melbourne musical institution with an enormous repertoire of original charts and ties through out Melbourne's musical universe.

Melbourne’s own Jazzlab Orchestra presses re-set on the big band tradition: creating visionary, original, genre-bending jazz music with a focus on diversity and inclusivity. Led by composer/arrangers Cheryl Durongpisitkul and Madison James Smith, the orchestra celebrates Melbourne’s next generation of instrumentalists. 

Australian Music Prize-nominated composer Luke Howard has been described as “absolutely heavenly” (Mary Anne Hobbs, BBC Radio 6) and his music as “an ambient masterclass” (Musos’ Guide), but no words can fully capture the potency of Howard’s enthralling compositions.

Mat Jodrell is one of Australia’s finest trumpet players, performing at Carnegie Hall at the age of 16 and teaching at the prestigious Juilliard School in NYC to name just a few of his achievements.  He has been a member of bands led by Miguel Zenon, Jon Batiste, Ron Carter, Maria Schneider and Paul Anka. 

When you hear Nina Ferro perform, should you not quite believe your ears, then put your faith in Tony Bennett’s immaculate taste. After she had opened for him in concert, the great vocalist said of Nina Ferro: “She’s a fabulous performer with a knockout voice”. But you don’t need Mr. Bennett’s highly discerning musical ear to realize he is right. Once she starts to sing, you’ll know instantly that you are in the presence of a formidable talent. Just check your vital signs. Goosebumps? Check. Spine tingling? Absolutely. Emotions uplifted? You bet!

Sydney pianist/composer Alister Spence has been leading his Trio with bassist Lloyd Swanton (of The Necks) and drummer Toby Hall for over 20 years. In that time they have released 8 albums, and performed at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Vivid Festival Sydney (curated by Brian Eno), Tokyo International Jazz Festival, Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and Salisbury and Chelsea Festivals (UK).