Phil Hatton was born to jazz, being the son of Dick Hatton, well known Perth jazz trombonist. He has been passionate about jazz all his life and, as a reed player, specializes in the early jazz, swing and mainstream styles.

He played in many Perth bands before moving to the USA where performed and taught music for 12 years, appearing as a featured artist at over 50 jazz festivals. He has a Masters Degree in Music from Portland State University and currently leads his own band, The Manhattons, is musical director of the South Perth Lions Big Band and a member of six other Perth bands.

The Western Australian Jazz Project (WAJP) is an exciting new addition to the music scene in WA, led by Adrian Kelly, Mel Skinner, and Grant Windsor.

Classical music has long held its large ensembles in high regard, acting as custodians of the literature, career pathways for musicians, and as marks of a cultured and vibrant society. Similarly, the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, Danish Radio Big Band, WDR Big Band, the Maria Schneider Orchestra, Duke Ellington’s Orchestra, and the Count Basie Big Band all hold a special place in the history of jazz and within their communities. These professional bands have a huge impact on the music scenes in which they exist by focusing attention on the music, creating new arrangements and interpretations, and acting as flagships for the jazz scene.

Australia has had very few jazz orchestras of this kind, and scenes are curated and concentrated around universities and conservatories, and youth ensembles. With our motto of “jazz done differently”, the WAJP aims to break this mould and bring a fresh perspective to the West Australian arts community in the form of a professional jazz orchestra based at the Perth Concert Hall.

The pillars of our organisation centre around excellence, transformation, and legacy. The WA Jazz Project employs the best-of-the-best jazz musicians in Western Australia with an international standard of performance; we use original musical arrangements by local composers to ensure a unique concert experience at every performance; and work with international calibre solo artists and collaborators. In exploring the possibilities of jazz and improvised music the WAJP seeks to expand audiences and place jazz at the forefront of the arts community. We are also actively engaged with educational programmes, providing opportunities for emerging talent whilst engaging with the rich history of jazz in Australia.

Jazz Band avaliable for Weddings, Functions and Events