‘Jazz in the Park’ to hit the right tune

Local jazz musician Emma Pask has had November 4 marked down on her calendar since Leichhardt Council announced the return of ‘Jazz in the Park’, as part of the Sunset Series.

A renowned jazz singer, Ms Pask hopes to capitalise on the recent rise of ‘Jazz Jam’ nights in Sydney and draw a large crowd on Sunday.

“If people can walk away from this event having a renewed appreciation for jazz, then that’s awesome,” Ms Pask says.

“There are more and more local venues getting behind ‘Jazz Jam’ nights in Sydney, where anyone can come along with their instrument and play with experienced players. It’s nothing but a positive strengthening attribute to jazz in Sydney.”

This year’s event is set to give the Inner West community a taste of what Australia’s very own jazz scene has to offer, with Australian jazz icon James Morrison headlining.

On having Morrison and Dale Barlow added to the line-up this year, Ms Pask says “it is a fantastic treat getting to work alongside two of Australia’s greatest musicians, [and] is certainly going to be inspirational for me, for everyone.”

An internationally acclaimed jazz star, Dale Barlow hails from the Inner West and is a local attraction for the event. Also included in the lineup are internationally recognised jazz contemporary group, The Catholics, and local 19-year-old jazz musician, Will Lyons.

After witnessing firsthand the success of last year’s event where headline act Vince Jones entertained a crowd of over 1,500, Mr Lyons is hoping this year’s event “will establish a strong jazz scene within the Inner West”.

Bandleader of The Catholics, Lloyd Swanton says if it is “a beautiful Balmain afternoon, [with a] harbour breeze, top line entertainment, all free … why wouldn’t there by a big crowd?”

‘Jazz in the Park’ will begin at 4pm at Balmain’s Gladstone Park.

By Jonathan Mimo