Sydney and all that jazz

Sydney and all that jazz

Appreciators of jazz and soul music will have plenty to look forward to this summer as the annual Kinetic Jazz Festival kicks off.

Running from January 25 to 29, the Festival will take place at St Luke’s Hall in Enmore and promises an eclectic range of musicians for audiences of all ages.

Festival coordinator, Jepke Goudsmit said: “Kinetic Jazz gives musicians the opportunity to perform their work in an acoustic concert environment – a place for exploration and experimentation.”

“Audiences can expect something new, as well as something more familiar each day.

“We also seek to inject the scene with a vital impulse toward cross generational exchange, interdisciplinary development, and recognition of female talent.”

Acts include experimental duo The Hurtbeats and microtonal band Clocks and Clouds, who use newly invented tuning theories constructed by band member Kraig Grady on a range of instruments.

Young Cats and Kitties are set to perform jazz improvisations as a platform for exploring sound, word and image.

The Festival also boasts one of Australia’s most established jazz and soul artists, Lily Dior.

“I’ll be choosing an eclectic mix of music that’s more moody and exploratory than a straight up festival gig,” Ms Dior said.

“The great thing about the Kinetic Festival is they invite you to think outside the box which gives you a lot of freedom to take a different angle with repertoire and approach.

“I’m looking forward to interacting with my band in a more organic way and delving deeper into the songs.”

Ms Dior has spent the last two years building her reputation overseas, touring in New Zealand, London, Japan, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

“Jazz is a very broad term, much the same as Classical; it can cover so many types of music from traditional to experimental but the main thing it embodies for me is spontaneity and improvisation,” the musician said.

“I love the freedom of singing a song or melody differently every time. It keeps the music and performance fresh.”

Jazz lovers can also look forward to Sydney Ports Jazz on the Water concert, at Pyrmont Point Park this Australia Day. Acts including Gerard Masters Wes Carr and the Royal Australian Navy Band will grace the stage from 3pm.