Perth Voice Interactive

MISSING out on Barnett government funding last year was the spur to action for incoming Perth Jazz Society president Gemma Farrell.

“[The Department of Culture and the Arts] said we had to reinvent ourselves, and we listened,” she says.

The society focussed on mentoring fresh, young jazz artists to create a new wave of talent with its own community and audience ­— just as  it did when it kicked off in 1973.

Coupled with a membership drive and fresh marketing, numbers shot up from 30 to 130, and they’re still rising.

Moving to regular Tuesday night sessions at the Rosemount Hotel’s Four5nine bar was the icing on the cake: “We were averaging 18 people, now we’re getting 30 to 40,” Ms Farrell says.

WA Academy of Performing Arts students and the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra are amongst the growing band of regulars: “It’s become a bit of a ‘hang’ as they say.”

The old Hyde Park Hotel was home for decades, but when the pub was taken over by Woolworths five years ago the PJS was turfed out to wander the jazz wilderness.

The society tried a few inner-city venues on Sunday night, but members griped about having to pay for parking.

“People wanted a more accessible venue,” Ms Farrell says.

They also wanted more original music and overseas acts.

Perth muso Kate Pass’s Kohesia Ensemble filled both roles in a recent performance, fusing jazz, Persian and Middle Eastern music.

“We are trying music influenced from other countries,” Ms Farrell says.

Next Tuesday (May 24) The Persuasion will unleash a selection of original fusion jazz due to be released later in the year.

In encouraging original music the PJS has moved to foster closer relationships with WAAPA, WAYJO and the Ellington Jazz Club.

There’s also PJS’ Young Lions sessions on the last Wednesday of the month at the Canton Bar, Perth.

“We’re very keen on encouraging young artists and making as many opportunities for them as possible,” Ms Farrell says.

Get along to the Four5nine bar any Tuesday, from 10pm, to hear for yourself the ever -changing face of Perth jazz.

For the upcoming program go to http://www.perthjazz.com 

by JENNY D’ANGER