Report – WALSH BAY JAZZ FESTIVAL – Feb 5-7 2010
The inclement weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the adventurous jazz-hungry public over the inaugural weekend of Sydney’s newest jazz festival.
Producer, Ch
ristopher Waterhouse of the STC (Sydney Theatre Company), had only several weeks to organise the lineup of Australian talent and coordinate venues for this interesting and rewarding musical weekend.
Australian Jazz legend Vince Jones launched the first ever Walsh Bay Jazz Festival, which also boasted Mark Isaacs Resurgence Band, Michelle Nicolle, James Valentine, Tom Vincent with George Washingmachine, Kelly Ottaway’s Modern Operative, James Muller, The Idea of North, Doug de Vries & Diana Clark, Craig Scott Quintet, Nat Bartsch Trio, Julien Wilson Trio and Cary Lewincamp whose performances at a number of the Walsh Bay precinct’s restaurants and performance spaces attracted, in many cases, sell-out crowds.
In a post-festival radio interview conducted by Georgina Reed with Christopher Waterhouse last Wednesday, he expressed his delight at the positive response from the public, commended the musicians for their performances and everyones willingness to do whatever necessary to assist with future events.
His favourite artists amongst the many memorable performances included Kelly Ottaway’s Modern Operative, The Idea of North, and Taswegian guitarist Cary Lewincamp whose exquisite interpretations left audiences in awe.
Christopher enthusiastically advised that the Walsh Bay Jazz Festival will return next February. He also said that he intends to present other jazz music events within the Walsh Bay precinct throughout the year.
Stay tuned to Eastside Radio for further information about future performances.
Georgina Reed.