The Jazz Singers’ Jam Nights’ philosophy is to celebrate diversity of the artform; to showcase and cultivate a genuine and generous listening presence between audience and local artists, giving voice to all who are brave enough to explore their own vocal practice and human connection through the art of jazz and improvisation. We value kindness, shared empowerment and community.
ABOUT THE JAZZ SINGERS’ JAM NIGHT (Community at it’s best)
The longest-established source of mentoring and encouragement for jazz singers in Brisbane – the iconic Jazz Singers Jam Night – has been running continuously since 2001 (over 2 decades) and is currently based at the equally iconic Brisbane Jazz Club. Brisbane can proudly boast the synergy between these two established enterprises and lay claim to a love and loyalty for jazz which has nurtured them over the years. Ingrid James created Jazz Singers Jam Night, which was resident at a number of other venues, before finally gravitating to its natural home at the BJC.
As one of Australia’s leading jazz singers herself, Ingrid has re-invested her talent and experience in building up these nights to capacity houses on many occasions. This is indeed a labour of love for Ingrid who demands no payment for her leadership and organisation of these events.
A typical night will see around a dozen singers – some veteran performers, others making their first public appearance anywhere – appearing on the program to sing two numbers each, backed by a professional jazz trio. These trios are often augmented by other jazz musicians who come along just for a ‘sit-in and a blow’.
There is no rehearsal, which demands great proficiency from the trio – just a quick talk-through on stage during the time it takes Ingrid to tell the audience about the singer’s background and experience. It could easily be argued that presenting such an almost impromptu performance is artistically risky and smacks of ‘amateur hour’ …..strangely enough nothing could be further from the truth, and some of the most magical moments I can recall at the BJC have been during Jazz Singers Jam Night. One of the endearing aspects of JSJN is that it is almost a club within a club, many friendships are formed between singers and musicians and the audience attention is fully supportive of every kind of performance. We have seen talented 12 year olds almost trembling with nerves coming on stage to wow the crowd; we have seen those same children growing in confidence and absolutely taking the crowd by storm at the age of 15. Age is no barrier in jazz, and the style and stature of some singers who have had 40 year careers as entertainers gives tremendous insight to all the young hopefuls into how to choose material and present a song. In this vastly commercial world, through Ingrid, Jazz Singers jam Night has demonstrated an example of selflessness which is rare these days, and shows what community spirit can be engendered between people with the common purpose of promoting jazz. Alan Western, Chairman of Music & Events/Vice-President, Brisbane Jazz Club
“The Jazz Singers’ Jam Night at The Brisbane Jazz Club
is a critical part of the jazz scene in Queensland, and
one of the highlights of Queensland’s musical history.
The musical stories is can tell are important and
should be preserved, but just as important is its
place in the future of Queensland Jazz.
“The Jazz Singers’ Jam Night at The Brisbane Jazz Club
is a critical part of the jazz scene in Queensland, and
one of the highlights of Queensland’s musical history.
The musical stories is can tell are important and
should be preserved, but just as important is its
place in the future of Queensland Jazz.
“Across the last nine years, I have been fortunate enough to see the great opportunity the Jazz Singer’s Jam Night provides singers and musicians, as run by the incomparable, Ingrid James. She is a bright light for the jazz scene of Brisbane, bringing the finest of musicians in as the house band and providing the opportunity for vocalists and musicians from beginner to a professional level, play jazz music on a regular monthly basis.
This performance opportunity provides the singer with real life experience in communicating and improvising with the band in the moment, without previous rehearsal. I have been very fortunate to participate and perform multiple times at the Jam Nights starting out as a jazz student at university and now continue to attend as it is a great night to go and sing with the highest calibre of musicians.
I have also appreciated Ingrid’s continued support of the Jam Night as I continue to introduce my voice students to the night. They have reaped the benefits of performing at the Jam Night at the Brisbane Jazz Club. Thank you Ingrid for your amazing work!”
