Jann Rutherford Memorial Award

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http://australianjazz.net/2013/02/sirens-yes-but-the-music-always-comes-first/

2012 Jann Rutherford Mentorship Awards announced. This award pairs talented Young Women Jazz instrumentalists with a mentor who can offer technical support, encouragement, inspiration and advice to these young aspiring jazz musicians.

Congratulations to:

Elizabeth Jigalin (piano): Mentor Monique Lyziak.
Danica Hobden (guitar): Mentor Jess Green
Isabel Stewart-Kasimba (sax): Mentor Gai Bryant
Mary May Horton (sax): Mentor Sandy Evans

The Sirens Mentorship went to:
Abi McCunn (sax): Mentor Loretta Palmeiro

Ellen Kirkwood received her JRMA from Sandy Evans and Cathy Peters (ABC).
The band gave a standout performance of her original piece “Theseus & The Minotaur’.
Ellen Kirkwood – trumpet, Paul Cutlan – reeds, Tom Botting – bass, Alon Ilsar – drums, Glenn Doig – piano, Ketan Joshi – narration

Sydney Improvised Music Association will present the JRMA recipient Ellen Kirkwood with her group on Saturday September 1 at the Sound Lounge, Seymour Centre.

The Ellen Kirkwood Group features jazz musicians with an inspired mix of youth and experience in Ellen Kirkwood (trumpet, composer, leader) Paul Cutlan (reeds) Adam Ponting (piano), plus New Zealand bassist Tom Botting, Alon Ilsar (drums) and narration by Ketan Joshi.

Debut performance for SIMA

8.30 pm Saturday September 1, 2012

Jann Rutherford Memorial Award is delighted to announce that although we did not make our target at the wonderful recent fundraiser we have since secured sufficient funds for next year’s activities.

This turnaround is due to the magnificent generosity of individuals making direct donations to the award.

So many heartfelt thanks are due to:-

Margery Smith, Peter Rutherford, Grahame Campbell, Joan Spiller, Louise Denson, Beverley Garlick, Dr Barry Hodges & Caroline Webb, and Lloyd Swanton.

In addition we have a number of pledges which are yet to be received plus plans for a future crowd funding venture.

Since 2005 the Jann Rutherford Memorial Award (JRMA) has been helping to redress the gender imbalance in the field of Jazz performance. This has been effected by supporting outstanding young female instrumentalists and arranging mentorships for those with potential.

The Jann Rutherford Memorial Award was founded in 2005 to assist in the professional development of an outstanding young female jazz musician. The Award is named in honour of the late jazz pianist Jann Rutherford, and is funded by private donations.

Over the years we have had 2 generous major sponsors but now must look for alternative support. So a massive fundraising concert is planned for Thursday July 12, 2012 at the wonderful new club Blue Beat in Double Bay.

Three main groups will perform.

1. Paul Cutlan leading ‘The Jann Rutherford Quintet’.

Paul writes:- The Jann Rutherford Quintet with guest pianist Matt McMahon are privileged to have the opportunity to perform compositions from both her solo piano and quintet albums. These range from hard bop classics such as Mr Visa Man, through tender ballads and waltz numbers to songs like Expectations, bursting with optimism and joy.

Matt McMahon (piano), Roger Manins & Paul Cutlan (saxophones) Craig Scott (bass) and Dave Goodman (drums).

2. Hannah James Quartet

Jazz bassist, composer Hannah James was the recipient of the 2011 Jann Rutherford Memorial Award. Hannah’s group is a showcase for her beautiful, subtle and sophisticated compositions.

Hannah James (bass) Tim Clarkson (saxophone) Casey Golden (piano) and Ed Rodrigues (drums)

3. The Sirens Big Band

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.

As a bonus we can expect some anecdotes both from long term collaborators Paul Cutlan, Roger Manins and the rambunctious star of Beer Drinking Woman Christa Hughes. Christa also promises a sample from the show which Jann collaborated on.

8pm Thursday July 12 @ BLUE BEAT 16 Cross Street, Double Bay – $40/$25 bookings (02) 9328 4411

Also massive raffle with prizes including concert tickets, books, cds, photo sessions. $5 each or 5 for $20.

Further information direct ticket sales, interviews etc (02) 9938 2180 jrma@ozemail.com.au

We are delighted to announce that the 2012 recipient of the Jann Rutherford Memorial Award is trumpeter, composer Ellen Kirkwood.  Ellen’s wealth of curiosity, imagination and musicality has led her to take inspiration from the classic Greek tale of Theseus and the Minotaur.   Her group debuts for SIMA and records at the ABC in September. Other performances are planned for Brisbane and Melbourne.

If you are in Melbourne don’t miss the Hannah James Quintet at Bennetts Lane on Sunday December 11. You will be glad you heard this amazingly talented bassist, composer, bandleader. Very special!