Doors 6pm
Show 7pm
Immerse yourself in the scintillating artistry of three of Australia’s leading women of jazz, Bridgette Allen, Jenny Wrenn and Brenda Lee, as they collaborate with prominent jazz composer and musical director, Mike Nelson (keys) and a sensational line up, featuring Garry Howard (drums), Adam Springhetti (bass) and Paul Millard (sax), each delivering with a uniquely creative approach to jazz and rhythm ‘n blues with a twist of funk and latin.
The repertoire showcases the works of our world’s well-loved composers, including Henry Glover, Jimmy Van Heusen, Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Duke Ellington and many more…
BRIDGETTE ALLEN (vocals) “The Duchess” is a unique voice in Australian jazz, interpreting classic jazz standards and modern contemporary pieces with a soul and drive only she can deliver. A singer, dancer, musician and teacher, Bridgette is an award-winning talent with noted success in television, film, theatre, live concert performances and recordings. Her success in the music industry spans over 30 years as performing artist, educator and adjudicator in New Zealand and Australia.
JENNY WRENN (vocals) has performed regularly as a soloist with the W.A. Symphony Orchestra and sang in Sondheim’s Playhouse production, “Company” alongside Jill Perrimen. With her vocal trio Birdland and band, “Manteca”, Jenny recorded with the ABC in a 10-part TV series and was feature vocalist with the Mike Nelson Quartet, appearing by national broadcast on Jim McLeod’s “Jazz Track”, Llewellyn Hall, School of Music ANU ABC’s “Sunday Live” and Artsound FM in Canberra. A highly versatile singer, Jenny enjoyed great demand as a studio session singer and floorshow artist in London.
BRENDA LEE (vocals) is an established jazz vocalist, recording artist and songwriter, with over twenty years of experience in live jazz performance. Brenda is well known for her quiet sophistication and versatility, coupled with smooth and sultry vocals. Trained in jazz vocals at WAAPA and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Brenda has travelled and performed with prominent jazz musicians in Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, New York, Perth, Vancouver and Melbourne.
MIKE NELSON (keys) helped establish Jazz Studies at WAAPA and has a long and credible history of international touring across Great Britain, Europe, India, Southeast Asia and Australia. Many of Mike’s jazz compositions and arrangements have been recorded and broadcasted by the ABC and his commissions have been performed by WASO and the Australian String Quartet. Mike has worked with many notable international artists including the great Shirley Bassey, James Morrison and Jerry Lewis, just to name a few.
ADAM SPRINGHETTI (bass) finished his Postgraduate Diploma Of Jazz Performance at Western Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2008 and his BMUS Of Jazz Performance (WAAPA) in 2007. Adam is competent in various musical styles such as Latin styles (Cuban / Brazilian), jazz and Classical and in 2009 won the Arts WA young people and the Arts Fellowship grant and got to study with artists, John Clayton, (US) bassist for Count Basie, Dina Krall and Todd Coolman, (US) bassist for Stan Getz, James Moody
GARRY HOWARD (drums) has worked with many international artists and is an awarded Gold Recording Artist, enjoying back to back number one hits in the 70’s with his band The Mixtures ie ‘In The Summertime’ and ‘The Push Bike Song’. He moved to Perth from Melbourne in the mid eighties and was soon in demand on the WA music scene. Garry joined The Helen Matthews Quartet in 1987 till the early 90s. The HMQ toured parts of S E Asia and also recorded a one-hour TV special for the ABC. More recently, Garry toured with Sue Bluck’s “FEELING GOOD”., a dedication to the wonderful female singing piano player’s of the past six decades.
PAUL MILLARD (saxophones)
Paul has over 35 years professional experience as a freelance saxophonist, woodwind player and music arranger. He performs regularly in jazz, pop, rock and blues bands and
with backing groups for National and International tours and theatrical productions. Paul also leads his own jazz and blues ensembles Straight Ahead – The Big Band, PMQ (Paul Millard Quartet), The Three Kings Blues Revue and Unforgettable (The Natalie Cole tribute).
