Two sax players; Paul Andrews (Fremantle) and Irene de Vocht (Netherlands) met each other a few months ago and were both yearning for a regular, high quality music night in central Fremantle.

Paul Andrews recalls “We wanted to create an atmosphere where people feel at home and a place for the Freo community to sit down, have a drink and a chat and meanwhile enjoy high quality music”.

The result; Automatic Sound Series every Monday night at the Flytrap. A night to meet fellow musicians, enjoy their music and share the stage with them. Also an opportunity for the Fremantle community to discover new music and meet people in a relaxed ambiance.

The night not only provides a platform for established artists/groups, but also for new, young, talented musicians. It has been going for a month and so-far everyone who experiences this little room, loves it. The musical content is very  broad; from electronica, contemporary jazz to minimal, to soundscape, to world music. The Automatic Sound Series has so far been host to some amazing performances from Masonik, the Alex Borthwick Trio, Gemma Farrell’s Quartet, and young trumpeter Matthew McGlynn. Also, many beautiful moments have arisen during the open stage jam sessions.

AUTOMATIC SOUND SERIES on Monday nights 7.30 at the Fly Trap (Victoria Hall) on 179 High Street. Tickets are $10 at the door, all the money goes to the musicians who perform on the night.

2017 is going to be a huge year for Jazz at WAAPA!

WAAPA has announced they will have Kneebody with them for a week to give workshops and perform with the students, as well as their summer school in New York at NYU, plus loads more.

To start your jazz career at WAAPA, apply at www.ecu.edu.au/degrees/courses/bachelor-of-music.

For more information about Jazz Performance courses, visit www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/music/jazz-performance.

And don’t forget to download their Jazz Application & Audition Information. (PDF File, 498.4 KB)

Kick start your pathway to a career in JAZZ MUSIC, with three days of workshops on improvisation and ensemble playing, run by WAAPA’s internationally reknown lecturers. Students will learn how to arrange songs, play improvised solos and learn the ins and outs of small jazz ensemble playing, culminating in a concert on the final day.

Mon 18 – Wed 20 Jan
9.30am-4pm
Fee: $300
Open to ages 15+

Register now to secure your place in this exclusive school which promises to be both fun and educational!

www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/corporate-training-and-short-courses/explore-short-courses/available-short-courses/music/jazz-summer-school

Congratulations to Helen Matthews, officially inducted to WAM’s 2015 Hall of Fame at the WA Music Awards ceremony on Thursday 5 November!

“With a career spanning over half a century, Helen Matthews has undoubtedly become WA’s First Lady of Jazz. From hosting the nationally adored ABC variety show ‘Helen Matthews – With A Little Help From Her Friends’ to performing for the Queen and the Pope, Matthews’ achievements are as eclectic as her vocal sounds. The front-woman for some of Perth’s most memorable bands, including JT & The Jazzmen, A Slight Diversion, Nova Dreams and The Helen Matthews Quartet, she’s also played with some of Australia’s finest jazz artists including James Morrison, Judy Baily, Don Burrows and Kerrie Biddell. She’s served as the Director of Fremantle Jazz Festival and the Bunbury International Jazz Festival, and her continued efforts in nurturing, teaching and mentoring young local artists has also seen her receive immense community adoration and respect.”
– wam.org.au/wa-music-awards-craft-winners-hall-of-fame-inductees-revealed-ahead-of-wam-festival

Recognised as one of the strongest jazz courses in the southern hemisphere, the WAAPA Jazz Performance major produces many nationally and internationally renowned jazz musicians.

To apply for the forthcoming November auditions, visit www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/jazz-performance.