2011 JRMA & Sirens mentorship winners with Jess Dunn, Sandy Evans, Jess Green, Jane Irving & Harriet Harding. Pic ABCJazz.
Hear Sandy and Alex discuss the jazz scene from a female perspective… exploring some opportunities available to young female jazz musicians…
Hannah James pic Karen Steaines
We are thrilled to announce that the latest recipient of the Jann Rutherford Memorial Award is Sydney bassist Hannah James.
Hannah has recently relocated to Sydney after graduating from the ANU School of Music in Canberra where she was fortunate enough to receive the ANU Undergraduate Scholarship and study under the tutor-ledge of renowned bassist Eric Ajaye (Freddie Hubbard, Taj Mahal, Bill Cosby, Barry White, Benny Maupin and many others)
During her time in the ACT Hannah had the opportunity to play, and learn, from some of Australia’s most treasured musicians including Don Burrows, Kevin Hunt, Miroslav Bukovsky, and ANU Jazz Lectures John Mackey and Mike Price. She has also performed extensively outside the jazz genre backing up pop musician Jessica Mauboy, triple J Uncovered winner Cathy Petocz and others.
Hannah James Group
The Hannah James Group is a showcase for her beautiful, subtle and sophisticated compositions. Hannah’s exciting take on Jazz is influenced by the music of young American and Scandinavian musicians including Aaron Goldberg and Tord Gustavsen.
Since moving to Sydney in 2010 she has been fortunate enough to find likeminded musicians in Tim Clarkson (saxophone) Casey Golden (piano), Dave Rodriguez (guitar) and Ed Rodrigues (drums).
The Jann Rutherford Memorial Award was founded in 2005 at the instigation of a private benefactor who recognised a need to support young female jazz musicians at the beginning of their professional careers. The award is a professional development opportunity worth up to $8000 to the recipient.
The Award is named in honour of the late jazz pianist Jann Rutherford, and is funded by private donations in partnership with Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival (MWIJF), Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA), Jazz Queensland and ABC Radio National.
In 2010 the award recipients were Jessica Dunn and Harriet Harding. It enabled them to launch The Sirens all woman big band. They have had exceptional success including a season in the Sydney Festival re-creating the days of the famous Trocadero.
HANNAH JAMES GROUP PERFORMANCES
Friday 8 July Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre for Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA).
Saturday 20 August, Turbine Jazz Series, Brisbane Powerhouse
Sunday 9 October, Kinetic Jazz Festival, Sydney
Further information, interviews, photographs etc please contact
Jane March
Administrator Jann Rutherford Memorial Award
T/F | 02 9938 2180 | M | 0407 220 380 | E | jrma@ozemail.com.au
