Dear CJC members

We had an amazing start to ‘Jazz at Jamison’ for 2023 and while we most likely won’t host the Gatsby Orchestra until next year now, we do have a lot of great jazz lined up for the remainder of the year. 

Our next gig is scheduled for Sunday 12 February with a new band to Jamison, John Smith’s Little Big Band. John Smith is very proud of his relatively new little big band and excited to play for a Canberra audience. While it is swing jazz and we do try to vary the jazz styles each month, John tells us that his band is quite different. Hopefully we see a good many of you there and hopefully everyone enjoys the afternoon.

Unfortunately for our members who love to dance, still no dance floor but the Jamison manager is seeking quotes at present so that’s a start. The room set-up at Jamison is outside of our control but we do always ask for some dance space – where and how how much is the surprise each month. Please do bear with us.

The latest CJC newsletter is attached. Thanks to our Vice President for his report on the annual Australian Jazz Convention. President John mentioned that we are chasing that magical 200th member. We are currently at 198 members so thank you everyone for your continued support of our Club. We haven’t seen a membership greater than 200 for many years – we came close in 2020/21 with 194 members – so your Committee is looking forward to welcoming our 200^th member in the not too distant future.

Yours in jazz

Linda Wiese

Secretary/Editor

Making their first appearance at ‘Jazz at Jamison’ is the John Smith Little Big Band. A collection of seasoned big band musicians formed a new band in 2021 to fill a residency at the Fraternity Club in Wollongong. Leader John Smith is thrilled at the success of his new little big band, now enjoying great popularity throughout the Illawarra region. 

This 8-piece group consists of 5 talented horn players & a full rhythm section playing a combination of big band styles with the addition of vocals from time to time as is the tradition of big bands. 

The John Smith Little Big band plays a variety of well-known jazz favourites using arrangements written specifically for their smaller big band format. Expect to hear music from composers and artists such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Benny Goodman, Milt Jackson, Charlie Parker, Kenny Dorham, Irving Berlin, Sonny Rollins, Miles Davis, Hoagy Carmichael, Richard Rogers, Morgan Lewis and Henry Mancini, to name a few. 

If you love that swinging big band sound, you are in for a great afternoon of entertainment with the John Smith Little Big Band.

Link to Flyer for more Info

Please find the link to our latest Newsletter below.

Yours in jazz

Linda Wiese

Secretary/newsletter Editor

CJC Newsletter – Dec – Jan