Jazz in the Vines @ Pokolbin, 29 October 2011

Australia’s festival calendar is always crowded, but every year I make time to take in at least one: Jazz in the Vines. Anyone who’s been knows why. You can always count on exceptional tunes, superb food and wine, and some of the friendliest music lovers you could ever meet. This year’s was a little greyer than usual, but that did nothing to dampen the spirits of all involved.

I arrived to the traditional jazz stylings of the NSW Police Band. They were such a tight outfit, and perfect for easing us in to the day. Their classic jazz tunes were a natural warm-up for Feel the Manouche featuring living legend George Washingmachine. Again this was a classic jazz set punctuated by the tunes of Cole Porter and the like. However the unlikely blend of violin, double bass, and piano accordion brought a lovely gypsy flavour to the music. It was mellow but stunning, a great backdrop for a casual lunch and a few glasses of wine.

The intensity picked up with Weird Assembly, an exciting ten-piece who played big brassy soulful grooves. I really enjoyed their sound, particularly the gutsy rasp of vocalist and sometimes saxophonist David Weir. Sadly his enthusiasm came off a little desperate at times. The Jazz in the Vines crowd certainly isn’t too shy to dance if they want to. The repeated pleas for more participation started to grate.

Lisa Hunt proved that when the moment is right, the punters will groove. She closed the festival a few years back, and with Saturday’s set she proved that excellent set was no fluke. She had the throng on its feet with her Motown and disco heavy performance. Perhaps The Four Tops and Thelma Houston numbers weren’t jazz, but no one seemed to mind one bit. While she performed admirably as a solo act the moment when she called on three audience members to serve as her Supremes was a real highlight. One girl’s killer vocals even threatened to upstage Ms Hunt’s!

Jazz in the Vines favourite James Morrison brought the festival back to its jazz origins with another knockout set. I’m starting to lose count of the number of times I’ve seen him perform, but he never disappoints me. It’s always just a little bit different thanks to the inclusion of special guests like the wonderful Emma Pask.

After delighting crowds last year, Kate Ceberano was back to do it all again as the closing act. While she did explore jazz with “Summertime” and “My Baby Just Cares For Me,” Kate was another act who stretched the festival’s boundaries. I never imagined I’’d hear Van Halen’s “Jump” at a jazz event, but I appreciated it nonetheless! Kate is one of those rare artists who seems to get better with age. Her voice is richer than it was in the 90s, and she seems so comfortable in her own skin. I for one was thrilled to see her back at the event, even if she doesn’t always stick to that jazz script!

The Jazz in the Vines crowd enjoys their jazz, but they aren’t too precious about it. Really all they care about it having a good time, and they know they will time and again at this excellent event. Bring on the big 20-year anniversary in 2012!

Image source: own photos

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