Three-time ARIA award winner Vince Jones will perform for a lucky Canberran audience this October, for one night only. Photo: Mish Photography.
In the heart of 1960s Wollongong, a young boy grew up in a music-filled home. Keyed in to his father’s passion for jazz and classical music, he soon developed a prolific love for singing, songwriting and trumpet playing.
Almost five decades later, Vince Jones is a local jazz legend who has won three ARIA awards, released no less than 22 albums, and performed for packed venues worldwide. His 1990 album recorded with Grace Jones, Come In Spinner, remains the best selling Australian jazz album of all time, and original music just keeps on coming.
Amassing a loyal following of passionate listeners along the way, Vince has remained humble, human, and unafraid, often using music to evoke reflection on societal change.
This October, Tuggeranong Arts Centre (TAC) hosts the Vince Jones Quintet in concert for the first time. Vince will be joined by Matt McMahon on piano, Karl Dunnicliff on bass, James Hauptmann on drums and Canberra’s John Mackey on saxophone.
Expect compelling original material performed alongside jazz classics by the likes of Ray Charles, Donny Hathaway and Curtis Mayfield.
“I’ve been playing with some of these guys for 20 years,” Vince says.
“Bands take time to carve out their own sound, and this band has transcended the tests of generation and genre, time and time again. I’m lucky to be surrounded by such talented musicians.
“We have some interpretations planned as well as original work that both celebrates the brightness in humanity and comments on its shortcomings.”
National Jazz Awards double/electric bass finalist Karl Dunnicliff alongside renowned Australian saxophonist John Mackey. Photo: Mish Photography.
Vince enjoys performing in intimate venues such as the one TAC provides, recalling his days on Melbourne’s club circuit fondly.
“We had a small room packed with people until three in the morning, night after night,” he says.
“It just feels more personal – it makes us feel loved, which makes us play better.
“The audience becomes part of the performance, interacting with each other as well as the musicians and creating a connection that is especially important to jazz.”
TAC has also organised an exclusive master class which will run earlier in the afternoon. For 90 minutes, quintet musicians Matt, Karl, James and John will provide their unique insight into the diverse genre.
John began his professional saxophone career at just 14 years of age. As well as touring nationally and internationally, he has lectured at the ANU School of Music since 2000.
Ever passionate about education, John says the upcoming masterclass is a chance to impart some wisdom and connect with budding musicians, students and members of the local jazz community.
“This masterclass is about inviting the community to workshop their confidence and skills in musical improv, composition, and performance, and talk about our industry in depth,” he says.
“If the world didn’t have music, what kind of place would it be? Music is one of the purest forms of communication – it allows us to connect, express, experience and share all at once.
“Music is an incredibly varied profession populated by diverse individuals, each with their own story to tell. What better place to do all that, than an intimate lakeside venue in the nation’s capital?
Come along to 137 Reed St, Greenway on Saturday 14 October to see the Vince Jones Quintet.
Vince Jones Quintet in Concert: Concert 7:30 pm, meet and greet 9:30 pm. Tickets from $50.
Jazz Masterclass: 3:30 pm to 5 pm. Tickets $20. School and community group bookings available on request.
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