MelbinNoir

Dizzy’s Jazz Club

Stefanie — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 05:28:17 +0000

Slow Food, Cool Jazz

Dizzy’s nook has a long and textured history in Melbourne. But the new Dizzy’s Jazz Club has only been around for less than two years. For the discerning listener, it offers a unique jazz experience.

Australia’s only purpose-built jazz club is architecturally designed to boast a warm atmosphere, soft lighting and good sightlines for 100 or so patrons. From the long marble-topped bar to the purpose-built smoking deck, it is an inviting club. Fine entertainment spans jazz-standard musicians, feature artists like Michelle Nicole, interstate guests and populist contemporary jazz and diverse genres from Wilbur Wilde to Mike Brady.

A medium-size stage can be adapted to suit a big band, and Dizzy’s has an established schools program. It also welcomes young artists with a ‘jazz idol’ initiative where aspiring singers can join the Dizzy’s Big Band for a few tunes. Musicians can ‘jam’ free to public in early evening sessions.

Catering to more than jazz purists in matched drinks and food, it has a busy bar and an extensive if a tad expensive a la carte menu (Mains $20 – $30). This is where the experience falters, even for the well-heeled patrons – the food simply takes so long to arrive. And when it does it’s unremarkable despite promising modern Australian and international flavours.

Dizzy’s is actively trying to promote a ‘members’ group with a suite of benefits including half-price entry. But to really cultivate its audience it needs to match fine sound with sound service.

by MelbinNoir

Dizzy’s Jazz Club

Where: 381 Burnley St (nearby) Richmond
Who’s on: Upcoming shows include jazz to pop and groove
When: from 8pm

Getting there:
Train, Burnley station
Tram, 70 from Bourke St, Docklands to Wattle Park; destination corner Burnley St and Swan St

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Daniel Gassin Sextet

suzanne — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:40:39 +0000

If Daniel Gassin’s name is not seductive enough to lure you, his lyrical contemporary sounds are. Catch this inventive French influenced pianist and composer’s Sextet.

At: Uptown Jazz Café
Date: 12th June
Time: 8.30pm
Price: $12

Joe Chindamo

suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:53:43 +0000

If you haven’t already caught internationally acclaimed pianist Joe Chindamo (trio) at the relaxed Uptown Jazz Café or at Bennetts Lane, don’t miss his performance with Dizzy’s acoustics.

At: Dizzy’s Jazz Club
Date: 20th June
Time: 9pm
Price: $20

Mike Brady

suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:48:15 +0000

Mike Brady (of Up There Cazaly fame) promises to prove a versatile singer/songwriter in concert.

At: Dizzy’s Jazz Club
Date: 13th June
Time: 9pm
Price: $20

Raleigh Williams

suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:42:18 +0000

Raleigh Williams with Roger Clark quintet. This up and coming vocalist has trained with the likes of Julie O’Hara and Michelle Nicole and influences include Katie Noonan! in her jazz, funk repertoire.

At: Dizzy’s Jazz Club
Date: 12th June
Time: 9pm
Price: $16/12

Combo La Revelacion

suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 03:21:36 +0000

An opportunity to enjoy Combo La Revelacion, well-known for Latin including salsa, cha cha and merengue, away from the festival charge.

At: Manchester Lane
Date: 26th June
Time: 9pm
Price: $10/free for diners

Frankie Wants Out

suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:56:59 +0000

Gangster swing at it’s most sizzling, Frankie Wants Out’s original SWING will have you leaping to the dance floor.

At: Manchester Lane
Date: 22nd June
Time: 9.30pm
Price: $10

Andrea Marr

suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:40:11 +0000

Look out for Andrea Marr’s sassy soulful blues. 2009 Female Vocalist of the Year (Australian Blues Music Awards).

At: Manchester Lane
Date: 11th June
Time: 8.30pm
Price: $10

Julie O’Hara Sextet

suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:31:12 +0000

Bringing back compositions from jazz and horn masters of the 40’s and 50’s, established Melbourne vocalist and songwriter Julie O’Hara (Sextet), features her original lyrics, jazz standards and the supreme art of voice. Line-up includes talented pianist Ben Winkleman.

At: Bennetts Lane
Date: 21st June
Time: 8.30pm
Price: $20/18

Yvette Johansson

suzanne — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:19:26 +0000

Seasoned young Melbourne performer, Yvette Johansson, offers refreshing vocals with the Joe Roberto Trio.

At: Bennetts Lane
Date: 20th June
Time: 8.30pm
Price: $20/18