May days at SIMA: a month of top shelf music at the Sound Lounge

SIMA at the Sound Lounge is pulling out all the stops to bring Sydney jazz lovers a vibrant and exciting program all through the month of May.

With a solid reputation for providing the best live jazz that Sydney has to offer, the Sydney Improvised Music Association has booked a raft of talented artists and singers for their twice-weekly gig at the Sound Lounge within the Seymour Centre.

Eastside FM’s very own Lily Dior kicks things off this Friday May 10 with her trio. Pianist Matt McMahon, bassist Brett Hirst and drummer Hamish Stuart fall in behind Lily’s warm, lyrical voice; equally capable of the most passionate soul and the coolest jazz. A constant and energetic performer, Lily and her band have been described as a “shimmering and wonderful soul funk act,” and their captivating live show is not to be missed.

On Saturday the 11^th, My Goodness McGuiness will team up with modern chanteuse Miss Little for an evening of melody-focused modern jazz and gentle pop. Miss Little is a unique songwriter who is unafraid to dabble in electronic rhythms, noise and vocal layering, while retaining a deep-seated affection for classical music. Joining her at SIMA will be modern quintet My Goodness McGuiness, led by enigmatic trombonist Lucian McGuiness, who’s clean, clear sound will provide the perfect stripped-back accompaniment.

Bringing their unique blend of soulful jazz, old-school reggae and South American groove, Sydney’s own The Vampires will take the Sound Lounge stage on Friday May 17. Fronted by trumpeter Nick Garbett and alto saxophonist Jeremy Rose, The Vampires have been hailed for their fresh sound. Coupled with the surprising grooves emanating from double bassist Alex Boneham and drummer Alex Masso, this exciting modern quartet are making irresistible music.

Saturday the 18^th sees Freedman Award and National Jazz Award winning pianist Matt McMahon bring his accomplished trio to SIMA. Close collaborators Jono Brown (bass) and Simon Barker (drums) have developed an incredible synergy with McMahon over 15 years playing together, and this outstanding energy will be on show at the Sound Lounge. With a sound that has been described as ‘ravishing’ and ‘essential’, the Matt McMahon Trio is a must-see for lovers of the rhythm trio.

Returning to his native shores from a long sojourn in the UK, talented jazz singer Josh Kyle will share his new album ‘Possibilities’ with Sydney audiences on May 24. Having been identified as a rising talent, Josh has spent the past several years developing his voice and his craft with the best of the London jazz scene. London’s premier jazz publication, Jazzwise magazine, described him “standing out in a town full of singers,” and now it is time for home grown audiences to get a taste of Josh’s silky smooth vocal abilities.

On Saturday the 25^th, Sydney vocalist Briana Cowlishaw will bring her quintet to SIMA for the first time. At just 23, Briana has been described as “a young vocalist with a strong vision and a voice to match.” Her second album was completed on a trip to New York late last year and her new compositions find a common ground between the language of jazz and pop, rock and folk. With a group of superb musicians in tow, Briana is sure to captivate and enchant the Sound Lounge audience.

Rounding out a month of vibrant jazz performances, the Jackson Harrison Trio will be joined by multi-award winning trumpeter Phil Slater on Friday May 31. Harrison and his longstanding musical partners, bassist Ben Waples and drummer Tim Firth, have developed an intuitive understanding of each other’s playing and they will bring this strong rapport to the Sound Lounge.

Check out SIMA’s website here for more info and get along for some top shelf music through the month of May!