No other genre conjures the sweet feeling of romance and sentimentality quite like jazz.
From the moment those warm chords hit your ears, you're instantly transported to a cozy bar in Upper Manhattan sipping on a martini as you watch a trio or quartet onstage.Fortunately, Sydneysiders won't have to buy a red-eye ticket to experience the magic, as The Concourse in Chatswood brings all the warmth of those feelings to Sydney's north shore all year long.
The programme bursts with talent new and beloved, from vocalist Gregg Arthur to world music phenomenon Marsala, to the iconic trumpeter James Morrison.
From those eager to experience jazz's sweet dissonance for the first time to those who can't live without it, there are finely curated events for every taste. The intimate Lounge ensures the music is experienced in the best way jazz should be – up close and personal.
Vocalist Gregg Arthur and trumpeter Warwick Alder start proceedings (13 March), appropriately playing Chet Baker's classics. The innovative and charismatic Baker forever changed jazz live performance through songs such as 'My Funny Valentine' and 'Let's Get Lost'.
Gregg and Warwick keep with tradition, innovating their own approach to a set list brought to life alongside Peter Locke on piano, Craig Scott on bass, and Andrew Dickeson on drums.
Early April will witness an extra special evening as Marsala World Music take to the stage, inciting the crowd to dance, sing and everything in between (3 April).
Joseph Zarb leads an ensemble performing the music of over a dozen countries from Serbia to Spain. Guest vocalist Viktoria Bolonina's angelic notes have carried a career from opera to 'The Voice', ensuring she will impart a special energy into this once in a lifetime performance.
The May instalment sees Australian singer, trombonist and bandleader Dan Barnett's 14-piece big band of world-class musicians perform all the classic standards – from Sinatra to Ray Charles, Ellington to Miller – through the lens of a modern take (8 May).
Barnett has performed and recorded with greats from James Morrison to INXS, Jack Johnson, and Culture Club, among many more. Patrons who come for the power that big band provides will leave awed by the soloists' skill and dexterity.
A celebration of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers will be conducted under Andrew Dickeson's able hands (5 June). Fast and furious, swing never sounded so good as it does with Simon Ferenci on trumpet, Hugh Barrett on piano, and Jacob Graham on bass.
Evolving over 35 years, the Jazz Messengers became a rite of passage for young jazz musicians under Blakey, and Dickeson keeps with tradition, incorporating rising star Justin Yeo on the saxophone for an evening sure to keep every toe tapping.
Acclaimed jazz vocalist and double bassist Nicki Parrott will commandeer The Lounge (3 July), paying tribute to the legendary women of jazz with her trio. Ella Fitzgerald, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and Dinah Washington changed not only jazz music, but performance for women forever.
After headlining New York, Japan and Europe for 30 years, Parrott will emulate these signature voices with her own grace and touch in an inspirational evening of celebration. Peter Locke on piano and Andrew Dickeson on drums close out a trio of excellence that is sure to handle these songs with the respect they deserve.
One of Australia's premiere musical showmen will make his Lounge debut (21 August). Multi-instrumentalist jazz icon James Morrison has been critically acclaimed the world over as one of the jazz world's finest, beginning his defining career at the tender age of 13.
Morrison's talent and touch has seen him perform alongside Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis, and even play for the President and First Lady of the United States. Playing in his preferred format, Morrison has recruited three players on guitar, bass and drums, as he traverses trombone, flugel horn, saxophone, piano, and of course trumpet for an evening of prodigious talent.
Mystical vocalist Emma Pask will also debut at The Lounge in 2025 (4 September). The award-winning singer joined the aforementioned Morrison's big band at only 16, touring the world for the next 20 years.
Pask's presence and heart-piercing vocals created a steadfast following, as she emotes a touch of traditional jazz. After her iconic performance at Sydney Opera House's Australia Day celebrations, Pask won more than a few new fans to the fold. This performance will be accompanied by Pask's jazz trio band.
Gregg Arthur returns (2 October) tracing his sultry baritone through a collection of his own award-winning compositions and jazz standards from his closest influences, including Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé and Tony Bennett.
Arthur's album 'Jazz And Cocktails' was released last August on ABC Music. Peter Locke on piano, Craig Scott on bass and Andrew Dickeson on drums ensure the backing is as sublime as the baritone, which could truly melt the hardest of hearts.
Hetty Kate brings her stunning vocals to The Lounge (13 November) with classics from her new release 'Spring In Prague', featuring favourites from Duke Ellington, Frank Loesser, Tommy Wolf and more.
The Paris-based Australian musician has toured internationally for over 20 years, garnering acclaim for her stage presence and elegant, smooth vocals. A quartet will provide lush backing for Kate's truly unique performance.
Closing out the year (4 December) The Lounge appropriately hosts The Great American Songbook as interpreted by trumpeter Mat Jodrell, pianist Simon Tedeschi and bassist Cameron Undy. The supergroup sees Jodrell's decade of influence from playing in the Big Apple meet Tedeschi's fusion of classical and jazz then merge with Undy's renowned groove and energy.
Simmering through the songbook, the trio will flow from mesmerising blues tunes to swinging standards in a synergy for the ages, closing out Australia's own entry into the evolving history of jazz.
Jazz At The Lounge 2025 Programme
Thu 13 Mar - Gregg Arthur & Warwick Alder play Chet BakerThu 3 Apr - Marsala World Music
Thu 8 May - Dan Barnett Big Band
Thu 5 Jun - Andrew Dickeson: Celebrating Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers
Thu 3 Jul - Nicki Parrott Trio
Thu 21 Aug - An Evening with the James Morrison Quartet
Thu 4 Sep - Emma Pask with her Jazz Trio Band
Thu 2 Oct - Gregg Arthur: Up Close
Thu 13 Nov - Hetty Kate: Spring
Thu 4 Dec - Tedeschi - Jodrell - Undy: The Great American Songbook
