CASTLEMAINE JAZZ FESTIVAL, 2019

Photography by Mark Moray, Wicked Rock Photography
Review By Ros Jason.

CASTLEMAINE JAZZ FESTIVAL offers a wonderful winter getaway over the QUEENS BIRTHDAY WEEKEND with crisp chilly days, historic surroundings and a diverse line up of splendid jazz acts to while away the hours.
The THEATRE ROYAL in the heart of the gold rush town hosted a glittering line up of big brass bands over the festival weekend including The LOW DOWN BIG BAND, an eighteen-piece powerhouse highlighting the music of MILES DAVIS, the MELBA WOMENS BIG BAND and the GOLDFIELDS JAZZ ORCHESTRA with talented vocalist MEG CORSON performing their memorable version of the classic ‘LOVE FOR SALE’.

The slick and stylish ESSTEE BIG BAND belted out Sinatra classic ‘FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE’ in grand style whilst the versatile SHIRAZZ wowed their audience with ‘WHEN YOU’RE SMILING’ featuring accomplished banjo as well as singalong favourite ‘DELILAH’ and the stunning ‘LA VIE EN ROSE’.

The gracious THEATRE ROYAL built in 1858 is the earliest known continuously operating theatre in Victoria and lots of folks jumped up to have a spin around her dance floor, especially during closing night’s energy fueled gig special guests Melbourne’s SEVEN UPS. This party band’s frenetic NIGERIAN AFRO BEAT meets STREET FUNK set left the crowd begging for more.

The intriguingly original performance of HERMETO MAGNETICO ensemble inspired by Brazilian virtuoso HERMETO PASCOAL was a standout festival highlight. The tantalizing set ‘..explores his eclectic musical voice..popular Brazilian rhythms..improvisation and otherworldly soundscapes..’ featuring exceptional flautists, guitar, percussion and classically trained OPERA singer HEATHER FLETCHER. Utilizing her extraordinary voice as an instrument, Fletcher accompanies her ensemble members and their instruments, creating a unique vocal soundscape; quite spectacular and a stand alone moment for me.

YUSUPHA NGUM and the AFFIA BAND brought a fresh note to the lineup with world jazz influences, Afrobeat and percussion and storytelling of his WEST AFRICAN origins. YUSUPHA expressed to me that he is passionate about the unifying and cultural storytelling power of music, and paid a moving tribute to African youth and the problems they are facing, dedicating his song to their plight. Another special festival moment was The ARTI SYKES QUARTET’S set, including an exquisite rendition of BOB MARLEY’S reggae classic ‘NO WOMAN NO CRY’ featuring slick guitar and keyboards. Likewise, the talented BRIDGE BAND’s exquisite vocal harmonies accompanied by piano, guitar and drums featuring an original piece, ‘WINTER’S LULLABY’ was outstanding.

There is much to enjoy in the local area such as a visit to the glorious historic CASTLEMAINE BOTANICAL GARDENS which dates from the 1860’s. There are many noted NATIONAL TRUST trees of significance and the AUTUMNAL DISPLAY was stunning as we walked around lovely LAKE JOANNA.

Nearby the MILL, a repurposed disused WOOLEN MILL is a great place to visit offering an expansive VINTAGE MARKET, GERMAN EATERY, WINE CELLAR, BREWERY and more.

The historic residence BUDA including its extensive gardens, is an interesting place to visit to learn more of CASTLEMAINE’S past through the story of the LEVINY FAMILY who first settled here in 1864. I very much enjoyed the displays of photographs and personal items such as silver pieces created by the patriarch ERNEST LEVINY who arrived from Hungary during the goldrush.

Extremely impressive is the collection of artwork held within the stately CASTLEMAINE ART GALLERY and MUSEUM. This significant regional collection houses works by TOM ROBERTS, RUPERT BUNNY, ARTHUR STREETON and FREDERICK Mc CUBBIN and I discovered that the MUSEUM downstairs has wonderful collections of porcelain, glass, silver and enamel and holds much of interest regarding the town’s history.

Castlemaine boasts a lively arts scene and vibrantly engaged community as evidenced by the exceptional talent on display at the ROTARY ARTS SHOW held over the Queens birthday weekend at the charming CASTLEMAINE TOWN HALL. Works in watercolour and oil, as well as ceramic, mosaic and silver jewellery pieces, were on sale in support of this marvellous charity. Local musical talent also graced the various stages including the impressive CASTLEMAINE SECONDARY COLLEGE students performing amongst other pieces the outstanding ‘Night in Tunisia’ on piano, saxophone, guitar and drums. CASTLEMAINE’S own trio the delightful DJANGO FRETTS entertained their audiences, setting the mood with their distinctive gypsy jazz and acoustic improvisation.

Chatting with the friendly locals is always a good way to get in on the good stuff, and we certainly struck gold … tucked away down a side street is the sensational JOHNNY BAKER’S PATISSERIE serving up possibly the best meat pie I’ve ever had. Crisp perfect pastry, delicious beef and burgundy filling .. sigh. We also had a fantastic meal at Thai Restaurant NAAM PLA right next door to the Theatre Royal, and other local dining options include VIETNAMESE, ITALIAN and traditional country pub BISTRO meals.

Closing festival act the sensational NARDIA ROSE mesmerized her audience with original jazz ballads, dedicating a touching piece to all those dealing with PTSD and anxiety having suffered this herself following traumatic life events. ROSE closed her set on a lighter note with her funky original piece ‘Fire in the kitchen’. Supported by her gifted quartet on drums, keyboard and guitar, ROSE’S rich honeyed voice soared within the cosy space of the PHEE THEATRE, one of several all indoors jazz venues dotted around town.

The JAZZ FESTIVAL lured us to CASTLEMAINE and we so enjoyed the laid back friendly vibe, easy hassle free access to fabulous gigs and great opportunities to enjoy all the town has to offer.

Can’t wait to return next year and do it all again.