The South Coast Big Band has a new collaboration – and it’s full of energy!
Featuring the incredible jazz pianist Matt McMahon, the 19-piece South Coast Big Band will bring a powerhouse of energy to his specially orchestrated compositions. An all-star line-up of soloists — along with originals and arrangements by Des Cannings, Deven Rahan, and Kyle Eardley — will have you on the edge of your seat for the entirety of the performance.
Matt McMahon is one of Australia’s leading jazz pianists and composers. Winning the Wangaratta National Jazz Piano Award’ in 1999, and the Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2005 established his place in Australian jazz. In 2010 his trio supported the Wayne Shorter Quartet at Sydney Opera House. McMahon is also the musical director for vocalist and trumpeter Vince Jones. He has performed at music festivals in Australia and Asia, including the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and JazzNow Festival. He teaches in the jazz department at Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Musically directed by trombonist and composer Des Cannings (pictured below), the South Coast Big Band has progressed to being one of the premier jazz orchestras in the country. In 2019 the band celebrated their 10th anniversary by recording and releasing their first album “Alma” which was made up exclusively of music written and arranged by band members from Wollongong as well as musicians from the Wollongong community.
“Matt is a truly virtuosic player. He’s played with almost every musician you can think of, and is most notably known for his work as musical director for Vince Jones. Matt’s compositions offer a real insight into his musical mind and I’m really looking forward to this concert and bringing his music to life. The arrangements will feature some of the SCBB’s incredible soloists, Tessie Overmyer, Mariela Mulder, Paddy Kelly and vocalist Tiana Young.”
The South Coast Big Band is supported by Wollongong City Council through a live music performance grant. Also supported by the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and Southern Highlands Jazz.
This is a WollCon Jazz Series event.
