Double Bill: Blaine Whittaker – Andrew Dickeson Quintet + Steve Barry Quartet feat. Will Vinson (UK/USA) – 25th of May 2022:
Steve Barry Quartet ft. Will Vinson (UK/USA):
“One of Australia’s most inventive and accomplished composer/improvisers.” — Loudmouth Magazine
“Dazzling in his harmonic adventurousness, melodic resourcefulness, switchback rhythmic ideas and non-bombastic sense of drama.” — Sydney Morning Herald
“Audiences listen and above all they smile as the music unfolds. Picking the references and enjoying the journey beyond. Those with a sense of history will hear Monk and Strayhorn; others will hear new music and neither is wrong. – JazzLocal 32
Steeped in the tradition of the standard with a distinctly modern bent, Barry’s music reflects a fascination with lyrical melody and the influence of 20th-century classicism – brought together through the infectious energy and fizzing interactions of jazz quartet format. Featuring internationally acclaimed saxophonist Will Vinson (UK/USA) and one of Sydney’s infamous all-star rhythm sections, tonight’s show offers a glimpse of an album to be recorded next month.
Dr. Steve Barry is a multi-award-winning pianist, composer, improviser, and lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Born & raised in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and now living and creating on Gadigal land, Barry works across the music industry as a performer, accompanist, educator, and consultant. His 2018 album Blueprints & Vignettes received a 4-star review in the Sydney Morning Herald and was longlisted for the 14th Australian Music Prize. He was the winner of the 2021 APRA Professional Development Award for Jazz.
- Steve Barry – piano
- Will Vinson – alto & soprano sax
- Thomas Botting – bass
- Tim Firth – drums
Blaine Whittaker – Andrew Dickeson Quintet:
Blaine is an Australian saxophonist who has paid his dues by playing all around the world. Along with his longtime musical partner Andrew Dickeson, he was one of the “young lions” of the late 80s early 90s in Sydney. He went to New York in the 90s
to hone his craft with Wynton Marsalis, George Coleman, and Vincent Herring. Back in Australia, he became a member of James Morrison’s touring band for almost 8 years, as well as leading his own groups, Blaine has spent the last 10 yrs living and playing in Asia residing in Hong Kong where he has had a successful playing and recording career
For one special night at Foundry616, he reunites with drummer Andrew Dickeson for a night of high energy, hard-grooving jazz – joined by Simon Ferenci on trumpet John Harkins on piano, and Jacob Graham on bass.
