WollCon’s Jazz Series started on March 9 at Gleniffer Brae with Jo Lawry’s launch of her CD Acrobats. It was a full house, and the crowd was eager for encores.
The trio – Jo Lawrey (voice), Linda May Oh (double bass) and Ben Vanderwell (drums) – are icons of the Australian Jazz scene, musicians who have studied and performed extensively overseas.
After success in international and national jazz competitions, Jo auditioned to work with Sting in 2009 and found herself touring and recording with him over the next 10 years.
Linda was born in Malaysia and grew up in Western Australia. She has received many international awards, such as a 2022 Deutscher Jazz Preis, and the 2020 APRA award for Best New Jazz Work. In 2022 the Jazz Times selected her as Bassist of the Year.
Ben is one of Australia’s most in-demand jazz drummers and has performed with some of the greatest names in jazz. Engagement with this calibre of performers has an incredible impact on the development of young musicians.
The opening set was performed by the WollCon junior jazz combo (Tom, Daisy, Hamish, and Tilly), who were in the groove after a performance class with the pros.
We interviewed members of the combo, who all attend Wollongong High School of Performing Arts, to discover their journey with jazz.
On Piano – Tilly Cohen
Did you play other music before starting jazz?
I started classical piano with Brad Baker at WollCon and continue studying with him. I love having both genres of music; it gives me a range of things to play, listen to and enjoy.
How did you enter the jazz scene?
Eric Dunan chucked me into this jazz band and for the longest time I felt out of my comfort zone and felt ‘this just isn’t for me.’ But after pushing through and just consistently stuffing up, learning, and trying to not get mad at myself, I started to fall in love with it.
What is the most rewarding aspect of performing?
The most rewarding aspect of performing is hearing that it made someone’s day a little better or that they really enjoyed it; this is especially true with older people who come up to you and tell you how much they loved it. It’s so rewarding to hear that they enjoyed it, and it makes my heart warm.
On Saxophone – Thomas Haines
What inspired you to pursue jazz and the saxophone?
I started sax in year 4 in the school band. I loved the music, went to gigs and heard great players who inspired me. Listening to the pros playing sax is amazing and it is fun playing in bands. I also play a bit of piano and have an electric drum kit at home.
Jazz music is complex; what’s the most challenging part for you?
The hardest part is getting a good tone.
Who are your favourite jazz musicians?
John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis
Who has the most significant influence on your music?
Eric Dunan and David Reglar from WollCon.
What is your best performance experience?
Our first paid gig; it was raining but loads of fun.
What are the benefits of attending Wollongong High School of Performing Arts?
Lessons are fun, there are great teachers, and we work with different musicians and instruments.
On Guitar - Daisy Slater
When did you become interested in music?
I was about 7 and I started playing music at 10. I play the double bass and electric guitar.
What is challenging and what is rewarding about playing jazz?
The hardest part is learning the theory and putting it into practice. However, being able to play with your friends is fun. We all attend Wollongong High School of Performing Arts and WollCon, giving us lots of time to perfect our music skills and play together.
Who are your favourite jazz musicians?
Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock.
What has been your best performance experience?
Playing the opening set for Jo Lawry’s launch of her CD ‘Acrobats’
On Drums…Hamish Turnbull
How old were you when you first became interested in music?
I was born interested in music. I only remember loving it. My Mum and Dad are opera singers; my brother plays the guitar and sings. I was lucky to be born into a musical family. I have had musicality imprinted into me from the beginning.
What inspired you to pursue jazz.
I honestly don’t know. I hated jazz, but it was a new world when Eric started the combo.
Do you play more than one instrument?
Yes, I play the violin and sing. I play classical violin because jazz violin is too complicated for my drummer’s brain.
Hamish, Tilly and Daisy will perform at Music and Tea at The Gallery on July 6, the feature artists are a jazz quartet led by sax player Alec Watts who will also premier new works.
