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Drummer Andrew Dickeson, who has known Nicki for years, has put a band together to back her at Thredbo based on the same instrumentation as her successful Moon River album - tenor saxophone and rhythm - with Warwick Alder's trumpet replacing the tenor. Nicki is regarded as one of the most accomplished bassists in the Big Apple. Moon River with the brilliant Italian-born pianist Rossano Sportiello received rave reviews and was placed in the top 10 albums for 2007 by The New Yorker magazine. She has since recorded two fine vocal albums and her versatility makes her an invaluable asset on any recording date. In the US she anchors the rhythm of the hard swinging group led by cornet player Warren Vache and trombonist John Allred.
Brought to Australia in 2009 by the Thredbo Jazz Festival, Judy Carmichael is one of the finest exponents of the classical stride piano style. Judy, a native Californian, moved to New York in the 1980s and the accolades followed. The New York Times described her playing as “astounding, flawless and captivating” and the magazine The New Yorker was just as enthusiastic: “A forceful, energetic, fireballing pianist who has no problem entertaining an audience." She will play four concerts where the emphasis will be on the music that swings. Two will be with London-based Australian guitarist David Blenkhorn, a trio set with Blenkhorn and Sydney trombonist Dan Barnett and a septet gig which she will jam on a few Benny Goodman numbers in a swing-orientated finale. Judy is one of the finest exponents of the classical stride piano style. Don't miss her at Thredbo 2009.
Celebration of Benny Goodman’s Centenary
The centenary of the birth of Benny Goodman (May 30, 2009) will be celebrated at Thredbo 2009 by a special band, Shades of BG, led by Andrew Dickeson featuring Melbourne clarinettist Michael McQuaid. T he rest of the line-up is Peter Locke piano, Dave Blenkhorn guitar, Glenn Henrich vibraphone and Alex Boneham bass. The sextet will concentrate on the Goodman small group repertoire from 1935-40 and Howler's Australian All Stars has a number of Goodman numbers in its "new" book. Returning to Thredbo for the first time since 2006 is that swinging Sydney violinist George Washingmachine accompanied by his 17-year-old guitar playing son Arthur Washington. George is presenting a number of gigs and jams including his George Washingmachine’s Big Spin with young vocalist Kristilee. His groups will include London-based Australian guitarist Dave Blenkhorn, Sydney trombonist Dan Barnett and clarinettist Michael McQuaid.
The emphasis at Thredbo is on quality
Melbourne trumpeter Eamon McNelis will be making his first appearance at Thredbo. One of Melbourne’s most exciting traditional jazz bands , Virus, also comes to Thredbo led by clarinettist Chris Tanner with McNelis, guitarist/banjoist John Scurry and drummer Lynn Wallis. Its brand of hard-swinging classic jazz should appeal to festival guests.
Fans of the Bogalusa Strutters led by drummer Anthony Howe will be back with its blend of contemporary New Orleans funk. Anthony’s penchant for more classical jazz sounds will be heard with his Howler's Australian All Stars, a group ideal for both listening and dancing. The Swing Dances which proved so popular in 2008 will be back including Free Swing Dance Classes by Canberra’s JumpTown
Winner of the 2006 BBC Best of Jazz Award, vocalist Anita Wardell comes to Thredbo and vocalist Lisa Michel, formerly with EtypeJazz returns as a soloist backed by The Jazz Mechanics.
Rounding out the 2009 Thredbo line-up are three bands from the Australian Army: The New RMC Steamboat Stompers from Duntroon plays an entertaining spirited brand of New Orleans and Dixieland music. Scrim, a five-piece group drawn from the Australian Army Corps in Sydney that gets its musical kicks from more modern sounds crossing a range of genres. The Duntroon Lounge Club completes the trio of bands.
Other special groups featuring Australian and International
Guests at Thredbo Jazz 2009
Three Plus One
Intimate sounds from Mark Sganga, Kristilee Ransley, Eamon McNelis and Mark Elton.
Dan Barnett Five Plus
A musical blend of experience - Dan Barnett and Michael McQuaid - and youth teamed with the members of Jazz Workshop All stars- Eamon Dilworth, Harry Sutherland, Gene Taylor and Jodie Michael.
Two Free Swing Dance Classes by JumpTown from Canberra
Brush up in the Alpine Hotel Keller Bar from 11:00 - midday Saturday and Sunday and then get into the swing at many of the festival dance-friendly gigs!
Plus new Thredbo Innovation for up & coming young jazz musicians:
“Thredbo Showcase” - Jazz Workshop All Stars
The best of the nation’s young talent will be given the opportunity to take centre stage each year at Thredbo. The 2009 quartet - Jazz Workshop All Stars, will be led by 21-year-old trumpeter Eamon Dilworth, a student at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music who has already toured Europe and the United States with the Australian All Star Big Band and played at such major world festivals as the North Sea, Montreux and Monterey. The other musicians are pianist Harry Sutherland (17), bassist Gene Taylor (20) and drummer Jodie Michael (19).
The Young Guitars
Teenage guitarists Luke Chapman and Arthur Washington draw their inspiration from early and classic jazz. Both share an affinity for the music of Django Reinhardt. Arthur is already gigging with his father, the popular violinist and vocalist George Washingmachine and Luke has played with Sydney’s famed Unity Hall Band in Balmain and such mainstream giants as cornetist Bob Barnard. They have put together a program especially for the festival.
“Support your local Sherrif!” - Jindabyne Jazz Students
Eight jazz students under the tutelage of local school teacher and jazz-man Paul Dion, will present a program of jazz standards composed by the likes of Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and many more.
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