Eddie Palmieri’s Latin Jazz Septet, Hamer Hall, Friday June 10
Eddie Palmieri has been pushing the boundaries of Latin music for close to six decades, famously experimenting with Afro-Cuban rhythms, American funk and Latin jazz. Hamer Hall will be rearranged to accommodate a dancefloor for this show as the legendary pianist brings his Jazz Septet to Melbourne.
Mulatu Astatke and the Black Jesus Experience, The Coopers Malthouse, Wednesday June 8
Ethio-jazz figurehead Mulatu Astatke has been blending elements of traditional Ethiopian music and Latin jazz since the 1960s, and his funkiness has since been embraced by younger generations. The bandleader and vibraphone king will premiere his latest collaborative album with Australia’s Black Jesus Experience at the Malthouse. We cannot wait.
30/70, The Reverence Hotel, Saturday June 4
30/70 turned heads when Cold Radish Coma dropped in December, and the local collective have continued to impress on the live front. They play funky neo-soul, with elements of Fela and Dilla also evident in the grooves. Check ‘em out at Footscray’s finest.
Esperanza Spalding Trio, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Thursday June 2
One of the highest profile artists working in contemporary jazz, Spalding’s new album Emily’s D+Evolution has been met with widespread acclaim. The bassist and vocalist will present the album in full on the opening night of MIJF. But it’s this stripped back gig at Bennetts Lane that’s got us really excited.
Snarky Puppy, Forum Melbourne, Thursday June 9
This Brooklyn collective make instrumental jazz/funk that is as exciting as it is adventurous. Clearly students of early ‘70s jazz-fusion, but with a modern sound and future-focus, these guys are built to excel in the live arena. Jump on it because this will sell out.
Robert Glasper Trio, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Sunday June 5
Although collaborations with Kendrick and Kamasi Washington have helped spread Glasper’s name, last year’s Covered album saw the pianist return to his acoustic jazz roots. The trio will sift through jazz and R&B versions of contemporary songs and original material in what is sure to be an incredible night.
The Cave presented by Wondercore Island, John Curtin Hotel, Friday June 3 – Saturday June 4
Reliable tastemakers Wondercore Island are putting on two nights at the Curtin that will focus on improvisation across a variety of forms including music, poetry, design and printmaking. Silentjay, Vulture Street Tape Gang, Sampa the Great and Swooping Duck are all taking part in this free event (registration necessary).
Wallace, Dancing Dog, Saturday June 11
Sydney’s Wallace may be one of the lesser known acts on the program, but what she lacks in notoriety she makes up for in talent. With a voice that will make you double take, Wallace and band will perform jazzy neo-soul deep in Footscray.
Gary Bartz Quartet, Melbourne Recital Centre, Friday June 3
Since the early ‘60s Mr. Bartz has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz, both as a bandleader and saxophonist. Having played hard bop, avant-garde jazz and even funk, Bartz is known for his balance of passion and elegance. Come see a master at work.
Wayne Shorter Quartet, Hamer Hall, Sunday June 12
Wayne Shorter has shifted the boundaries of jazz for over 50 years, breaking ground with Art Blakey in the ‘50s and Miles Davis from ‘65-’70 (composing some of the artist’s most celebrated pieces) before forming Weather Report and playing with Herbie Hancock and Joni Mitchell. If you can only see one show, make it Shorter.
BY ALEX WATTS
