The creative masterminds behind The Western Australian Jazz Project (WAJP) have big plans to elevate Perth’s jazz scene in the coming years.
Led by jazz industry professionals Adrian Kelly (Managing Director), Melissa Skinner (Director and Education Officer), and Grant Windsor (Artistic Director), WAJP’s vision is to ‘enrich and expand’ jazz in Western Australia.
The band comprises 17 internationally acclaimed musicians, including Adrian, Melissa, and Grant themselves. Other notable names in the ensemble include saxophonist Matthew Styles, trumpeter Marty Pervan, drummer Ric Eastman, and trombonist Bruce Thompson.
Pictured: The Western Australian Jazz Project
Photography: Nik Babic (Artshoot Media)
WAJP will perform their first ever concert, A Very Jazzy Christmas, at Perth Concert Hall on Thursday 16 December. The festive concert will feature a stunning rendition of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite – a jazzy interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s illustrious ballet score – as well as a selection of beloved Christmas songs. Joining WAJP on stage will be Australian musical theatre legend John James O’Hara and a special guest.
We spoke to Adrian Kelly about the upcoming concert, WAJP’s distinct sound, and his hopes for the future of jazz in WA.
Your slogan is ‘Jazz done differently’. What’s different about WAJP’s version of jazz?
From the way the band sets up, to the repertoire we select for each concert, to the artists we work with, the goal of the WAJP is to approach each aspect of bringing jazz to Western Australian audiences with an open mind and new perspective.
Can you tell us about WAJP’s goal to enrich and expand WA’s jazz scene? Where did this desire come from and what are your hopes for the future of jazz in our state?
We want to elevate the recognition of jazz as an art form in our state (and country) to that afforded by other musical art forms such as symphonic music, chamber music, opera, and ballet. We also want to provide a flagship for jazz in the state, and act as a benchmark for new players coming through; mentoring and nurturing emerging talent as well as sustaining the rich legacy of jazz music Western Australia has.
Jazz is about unique individuals coming together as a community (or band!) for a common goal of creating great art in the moment, which I think is an aesthetic that everyone can benefit from.
Pictured: Adrian Kelly (WAJP Managing Director and Trumpeter)
Photography: Nik Babic (Artshoot Media)
We’re thrilled to be hosting WAJP’s debut concert! What are you most looking forward to about performing at Perth Concert Hall?
The Perth Concert Hall is the premier venue in the state, and one of the finest acoustics to be found anywhere. We are excited by the prospect of sharing this music that we love with our community in such a prestigious surrounding.
Which work or song from the concert program are you most excited to perform and why?
We have a brand new piece of music written especially to introduce the WAJP to the Perth Concert Hall audience, which will introduce not only the members of our ensemble but also our vision of what jazz music is and can be. We’re also thrilled to be presenting Duke Ellington’s fascinating interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.
But personally, I’m looking forward to the amazing chemistry between our featured vocalists singing those classic Christmas songs that I grew up with.
How would you describe WAJP’s sound in three words?
Exciting. Engaging. Transformative.
Don’t miss A Very Jazzy Christmas on Thursday 16 December, 7:30pm! Find tickets and more information.
