Hot August Jazz

August 31 saw 11 venues in North Hobart hosting 65 groups from Hobart and beyond - playing live music to enthusiastic crowds. Styles ranged from trad revival to hybrid jazz/rap, neo-soul and contemporary originals.

I was on the organizing committee this year, in charge of programming. There are many musicians involved in multiple ensembles, so it's a puzzle getting everyone into time slots without any double booking. But we did it! I think the busiest musician prize may go to the wonderful guitarist Aaron Entresz, who did five sets in a row, then one more after a well-deserved dinner break! He started his day with me, accompanying Jenni and Ian Cocking in Belle Epoque.

I was delighted to play with Hamish Houston (bs) and Phil Bywater (sax) in a set that covered a few Duke Ellington gems, and a few of Phil and my tunes. The audience was entranced by Phil's tune Real Progress Comes Slowly - eyes closed, really listening.

Super high energy sets followed with Spike Mason's Supreme Love, a tribute to the iconic John Coltrane recording A Love Supreme; and Vibración, my latin jazz sextet featuring the virtuosic Kelly Ottaway on vibes.

A huge day! Big shout out to the volunteers on the ground who made it all run like clockwork, and to my HAJ mentor Christine Bailey who showed me the programming ropes for next year....