Popular jazz singer and drummer add gloss to Mackay concert
Published on 19 May, 2008
Popular Sydney-based jazz singer and recording artist Kristin Berardi will join jazz drummer Paul Hudson, a renowned Brisbane-based performer and session recording artist, as featured artists for this year's first big night of jazz music in Mackay on Friday, May 23 (from 8pm).
The Conversations in Improvisation concert hosted by the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music will also be a welcome back for Kristin, who studied at the Con in Mackay when she was a fledgling performer and has since performed at international jazz events and released CDs featuring her own compositions. She's also been a popular guest lecturer for CQCM in recent years.
Kristin Berardi will feature with staff and student jazz musicians
Paul Hudson is a respected perfomer on the Australian jazz scene and has underpinned many recordings in support of major artists.
Jazz program spokesperson Glen Hodges said the audience would also see the cream of up-and-coming talent among jazz students currently enrolled at CQCM, performing in tandem with staff members and the guest artists.
"There will be something for all tastes in this concert, with a range of works including original compositions," Mr Hodges said.
"Familiar standards and more modern pieces will mean there is a balance of swing and groove! The always popular CQCM Jazz Orchestra will feature some new repertoire."
Tickets at a cost of $20 Adult, $15 Concession, $10 Friends, $5 Student can be purchased via CQCM on 4940 7800 or at the door.
This year, Kristin has performed at 2 international festivals - one in Jakarta, The Java JazzFestival, and the other in Western Australia at the Bunbury International Jazz Festival.
In January 2007, Kristin mesmerised audiences in her New York performances at the Hilton Hotel and Dizzy's at the Lincoln Centre.
Her duo CD with master guitarist James Sherlock on the Pinnacles Music label, was a finalist for the Best Australian Jazz Vocal Album at the renowned Bell Awards.
After being nominated for the Jazz Freedman Fellowship and then performing at the Sydney Opera House's 'The Studio', Kristin was named the winner of the 2007 Music Council of Australia Freedman Jazz Fellowship, which provides opportunities to enhance careers of outstanding Australian jazz artists.
Kristin and James Sherlock completed a successful European Tour in July 2007, including a performance at the world-renowned Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. The duo performed in the Stravinsky Hall, opening for stars George Benson and Al Jarreau, upon request by the multi-Grammy award winner Jarreau (The previous year, Kristin had been announced winner of the Shure Montreux Jazz International Voice Competition at the 40th Montreux Jazz Festival after impressing a jury led by Jarreau).