Melbourne’s newest night club, Bird’s Basement has announced a stellar line-up of talent for its second month of operations.
The program is highlighted by the appearance of John Scofield, one of the most distinctive and influential electric guitarists of the past 40 years. Scofield is a stylistic chameleon who has forged a consistent, rock-solid aesthetic identity and he has collaborated and played with musical greats such as Miles Davis, Chet Baker, Charles Mingus, Pat Metheny, Mavis Staples and Billy Cobham. The recipient of multiple Grammy nominations John Scofield was named the winner of the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Jazz Album for his album ‘Past Present’; he was also nominated this year for Best Jazz Solo Performance. John Scofield travels to Australia to perform exclusively at Bird’s Basement from 3-8 May.
Continuing the theme of international exclusives is the Australian debut appearance of contemporary Jazz icons Spyro Gyra. Over the last 40+ years, the Buffalo NY natives have performed over 5000 shows, released 31 albums (not counting “Best Of…” compilations), selling over ten million albums while also achieving platinum and gold albums. Best known for their chart topping instrumental hit ‘Morning Dance’ the band will release a ‘Best Of The Heads Up Years’ compilation ahead of their Australian Shows. Spyro Gyra perform exclusively at the venue from 19-24 April.
Legendary Australian jazz musician James Morrison performs Friday 1 April. Known throughout the world for his sheer brilliance as a jazz musician and an all round entertainer James is constantly on the move, touring everywhere and anywhere fine music has an audience. James’ special guest for his debut Bird’s Basement appearance is Grammy nominated U.S Saxophonist Jeff Clayton.
Familiar names such as Ross Wilson (appearing with his Quartet, Friday 14), the resurgent Russell Morris (Friday 8) and Pop Princess-cum-Queen of Cool Grace Knight with the Daryl McKenzie Big Band (Saturday 2) will take to the stage throughout April. Joining them will be a stellar, world class line-up of Australian talent including Nicky Bomba’s Caribbean flavoured outfit Bustamento, Daniel Susnjar with his Afro Peruvian Project, Joe Chindamo & Friends playing tribute to Burt Bacharach, Frances Madden, the intriguing Mingus Amongst Us and Bird’s regulars Albare’s Urban Grooves Project, Phil Turcio’s Grooves Oddities & Electronics, Melbourne Jazz Co-Op and Bird’s Big Band.
To make bookings or to view the full program please visit: www.birdsbasement.com
Bird’s Basement
11 Singers Lane
(Off William and Latrobe Street)
Melbourne Victoria