Twilight Jazz In The Woods - Nights To Remember

The Twilight Jazz Sessions on Friday 3rd September and Saturday 4th September are a feature of this years' Noosa Jazz Festival held on the main stage in Noosa Woods.

Friday night is Big Band night and it doesn't get much bigger than the Ralph Pyl Big Band featuring Australian icons Monica Trapaga, Doug Parkinson and Frank Bennett.

Ralph has performed and recorded with many artists both in Australia and overseas including international stars K.C and the Sunshine Band, Shirley Bassey, Ronnie Corbett, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Ralph Carmichael, Buddy Greco and since 1998 has been lead trumpet with Tom Burlinson's "Frank - The Sinatra Story in Song".

His world renowned 'Sydney All Star Big Band' has won four Australian Entertainment Mo Awards for best jazz ensemble of the year.

Monica Trapaga is one of Australia's most versatile entertainers and preeminent ladies of Jazz. She started singing at age 19 and has been performing with various jazz bands for over 20 years.

Multi-ARIA nominee Frank Bennett will lend his incredible voice to this line up. He has sold over 40,000 albums. His unmistakable talent, personality and panache have led him to become one of the most popular and sought after entertainers in Australia today.

Lending his legendary velvet voice to this Big Band is Doug Parkinson, a part of our music heritage. His imposing physique and stage presence holds your attention in a vice-like grip. A superstar with a string of hits including Dear Prudence, Without You and Everlasting Love, a show stopping icon of the stage in award winning musical theatre roles in everything from Tommy to stage spectaculars Jesus Christ Superstar and Grease.

Next to hit the stage is renowned Australian pianist Paul Grabowsky along with Niko Schuble and Philip Rex.

The Paul Grabowsky Trio was established in 1985, led by Grabowsky's innovative arrangements in classical and jazz music. Drummer Niko Schuble won the Australian Jazz Award for best drummer. Bass player Philip Rex is one of Australia's most in demand musicians, being a leading exponent of the Double Bass, and playing Tuba as his second instrument within the Australian Art Orchestra. Musicians and critics everywhere have noted his musical skill and versatility, both as an instrumentalist, bandleader, and producer.

The Paul Grabowsky Trio has played in major Australian venues including the Sydney Opera House, and with the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra and international jazz acts including Johnny Griffin, Scott Hamilton and Richie Cole.

Rounding out the evening is one of the true legends of Jazz, the supremely accomplished and versatile Warren Vach. A versatile and rare performer, Warren has been astounding audiences worldwide for decades with his superb cornet, trumpet and flugelhorn stylings. He conveys incredible warmth through his burnished tone and intelligent improvisations.

Saturday is the Festival's premier night and will be one to long remember featuring the best of Australian and US Jazz.

A trio of Australia's finest musicians featuring vocalist Diana Clark and long time collaborator, master guitarist Doug de Vries perform lyrical and fiery originals combining the spontaneity of jazz with the rhythm, romance and intricacy of Brazilian popular song.

Be inspired as they bring good feeling, humour and passion to an original repertoire through cultivating the great traditions of choro, bossa nova, samba and jazz in their compelling performance interplay.

You will be enchanted with capella quartet The Idea of North who defy categorization. As a quartet of musicians, their voices are their instruments: soprano, alto, tenor and bass, with a bit of vocal percussion thrown in. Their sound and style is distinct, yet they cross many musical genres: jazz, pop, folk, gospel, even comedy. Their arrangements are extraordinary. They take songs you know and songs you don't and create songs you'll love. But it's not just about the music.

The evening will be completed with the brilliant New York Trio The Bad Plus who will enthrall jazz buffs with their energetic and powerful performance.

Noosa Jazz Festival Event Director, Mr Rod Lockwood says the festival is recognised as one of Australia's most popular industry gatherings, with over 150 Australian and international artists making their way to Noosa.

"It's great that the Noosa Jazz Festival continues to attract jazz icons to the festival and we believe our 'Twilight evenings in the park' will be no exception," said Mr Lockwood.

6.30-10.00pm, Friday 3rd September & Saturday 4th September, 2010
Noosa Woods, Hastings Street, Noosa Heads
COST:
General Admission: $45 per night or $70 two-night package
No seat provided
Seated: $65 per night or $100 two-night package
Tickets include non-allocated, undercover seating

For ticket enquiries or bookings call1300 797 723 or go to noosajazz.com.au

Permanent Link: Twilight Jazz In The Woods - Nights To Remember
Publish Date: 17 Aug 10

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