JAZZGROOVE FUTURES FESTIVAL

This summer sees the debut of the Jazzgroove Futures Festival. Showcasing 23 bands in Surry Hills over three days at three venues, it aims to promote music created right on our doorstep. While this all sound exciting, if not overwhelming, you may be wondering: “What does Jazzgroove Futures mean?” And especially, “What is Jazzgroove?” I know. I know. Obviously, it has something to do with jazz. But does ‘groove’ morph it into something obscure? Or is it a separate style or sound in its own right? It turns out, I was completely off track. Kerri Glasscock, the General Manager of Jazzgroove Association (JG) and the main organiser of the festival says the term was chosen because one of Jazz’s main elements – apart from improvisation – is a focus on groove or rhythm.

“At the time JG was founded in 1998, the first members were playing jazz infused with funk or dance rhythms and it was a great description of the music played by them. These days Jazzgroove doesn’t really describe an actual style as such. The association has grown significantly and the number of musicians and styles played has become as diverse as jazz itself. So now Jazzgroove is basically a brand of the association.”

Diversity will certainly be a key element in the festival. The line-up includes both emerging and established musicians from a range of genres or styles. Performing at The Macquarie Hotel on the opening night will be the Tina Harrod Quartet. Touted as Sydney’s queen of soul, Ms Harrod says she is participating in the festival because she cares about the kind of music it was trying to promote. Her band encompasses Jazzgroove because she has been influenced by folk, jazz, rhythm, blues and soul. However, Harrod believes there is no set instrument, band or sound that best represents this music.

“There are so many different combinations that can achieve that sound. The sky is not even the limit.”

Towards the end of the festival, Jeremy Rose will play Alto Sax as part of the band, The Vampires. When asked if they played Jazz or Groove, he stated he didn’t like to categorise his music.

“To be honest I am not sure if there a style of music called ‘groove’ – the groove is how the music feels to people,” says Rose. “The Vampires take their inspiration from old school reggae artists like The Skatalites and Bob Marley, as well from jazz figures like Ornette Coleman. There is groove throughout our music as well as leaning on a lot of jazz.” Rose has been part of the Jazzgroove Association for about four years and has released a CD with their label. He hopes the festival will increase the exposure of artists to the wider public. “Sydney has one of the country’s vibrant underground jazz scenes and deserves a festival to celebrate it.”

Okay. So it seems Jazzgroove can’t be defined. What about the meaning behind ‘Jazzgroove Futures’? Glasscock replies that it refers to the festival’s focus on upcoming sounds from the community, particularly for young and emerging artists. This is one reason there will be many free gigs with bands like Cope St Parade, Glitch Jukebox and the Melbourne-based, Shannon Barnett Quartet.

“Many festivals and gigs are out of reach for young students financially, so we have tried to not only offer as many free gigs as possible but also keep our ticket prices down,” says Glasscock. “Also as one of the main focuses of the festival is the local community, it was really important for us to have as many free events as possible to help create a fun, festival vibe and get people out of their houses. Many people are tied firm to a preconception of what jazz is all about and are often hesitant to take a chance and experience new musical adventures.”

Along with a free BBQ and Vinyl Jam, where Jazzgroove members can play their favourite jazz vinyl as they eat, two workshops will be held over the weekend at Redfern Town Hall. Free to High School and Tertiary students; and Jazzgroove members, the bands Baz and Greg Coffin Trio will talk about their creative process. Each workshop is followed by a concert, which is open to the public.

Jan 15 -17, The Excelsior Hotel, 64 Foveaux St; The Macquarie Hotel, Cnr Goulburn & Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills, $15–100. mostix.com.au or 1300 438 849 or jazzgroove.com