Bent Notes

Andrea Keller spoke to Bent Notes about Poetry by and for the deaf and hearing impaired, accompanied by music, and using Haptics to enable the rhythms of the music to be experienced; undertaking a tour of a number of Musical Conservatoriums in NSW; and the potential for Life-Changing experiences for the Jazz and Improvisation students at Melbourne University when they participate in the Masters and Apprentices project at this year’s Melbourne International Jazz festival. The students workshop and rehearse this year with Pianist Kris Davis (DownBeat Pianist of the Year: 2020, 2022, 2025 and 2026), before taking the stage with Kris at the festival. See and hear Masters and Apprentices at Chapel off Chapel on Wednesday October 21, 2026 – all the details on the website of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Kris Davis will also perform with her Trio at The Jazzlab on Monday and Tuesday October 19 and 20. Andrea Keller was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday September 20, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Snday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post The Conservatorium’s Masters and Apprentices appeared first on Bent Notes.

Trumpeter, composer, band leader and educator Eugene Ball spoke with Bent Notes about his research into a better way of practising trumpet, and how a musician is influenced by the musc of other musicians. Eugene also spoke about a commission he has been awarded to compose a suite being a personal reflection of the enduring influence of Jazztrack – Australia’s longest running national jazz radio program.  Eugene’s work – Continuum:Jazztrack at 50 – will be premiered at The Jazzlab as part of this years Melbourne International Jazz Festival on Sunday October 18 at The Jazzlab. Checkout Eugene on his website www.eugeneball.com, and the Melbourne International Jazz Festival on their website www.melbournejazz.com. Eugene Ball was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday September 13, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Snday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Eugene’s Jazztrack Continuum appeared first on Bent Notes.

Trumpeter and composer John Montesante visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about his music, and the exhilaration of the sound of a horn section when placed over the top of a Jazz Quintet.   John was joined in-studio by his Associate Paula. John also spoke of his signature cap from his collection of caps and great-coats related to his interest in the American Civil War; and his being brought to Jazz after watching Miles Davis at the Newport Jazz Festvial. We learnt that John ‘s first trumpet leaked a lot and that he pushed soap into the gaps to seal them – which meant that occiaionally bubbles also found their way out of the trumpet in addition to the notes! Since that time John has spent much time in the industry, and runs his own quintet – the JMQ – and the exciting brassy sound of the expanded JMQ Dectet. John performs with his JMQ regularly at the Golden Gate Hotel in South Melbourne, and brings the Dectet out a couple of times a year.  Keep an eye on John’s Gig Guide for future events. Hear John chat in this Podcast from JOY 94.9 Follow John and his Quartet and Dectet on John’s socials. John Montsante and Paula were guests of Bent Notes on Sunday July 5, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Snday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member   The post The Power of a Horn section in Jazz – John Montesante appeared first on Bent Notes.

Drummer and composer Laurence Pike spoke about his latest solo album entitled Possible Utopia’s for Jazz Quintet – a title that is a red herring – because it is an album of Solo improvisation from Laurence. We learnt that Laurence is a fan of Star Trek, and as much as he has spent lots of time creating and exploring music electronically, he is also a fan of people creating music by hand – and in this case creating a solo recording that might suggest to the listener music being created in the future, or perhaps even in another galaxy! Laurence also spoke about the BELIEVE ensemble, a more traditional Jazz Quartet – and their new album called NATURE’S GOD.  BELIEVE draw their influence from a lot of free jazz from the 60’s and 70’s and European Chamber Music and Minimalism. Nature’s God is being launched in Sydney at 21 Shepherd in Marrickville on Friday July 10 and in Melbourne at The Jazzlab on Sunday July 12 – presented by the Melbourne Jazz Co-Operative. Laurence Pike was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday July 5, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Nature’s God and Possible Utopias for Laurence Pike appeared first on Bent Notes.

Tamara Kuldin chatted about her love of the romance and sophistication of the songs from the Golden Era of song when she was guest on Bent Notes, and how those songs told great stories.  Tamara referred to the ability as a performer to really tell great stories by inahbiting a great song, and the impact that has on an Audience who can see and feel the emotion from the performer. Tamara pointed out the need for a performer to be real when interacting with their audience, in order to create an atmosphere where both Performer and Audience feel relaxed and comfortable and ready to hear a great story through the song and the performer’s emotional interpretation of that song. Hear Tamara in this podcast from JOY 94.9 when she also chats about her TAM SAM TAM SAM Quartet (Double bass player Tamara Murphy, Pianist Sam Keevers, Tamara Kuldin, and guitarist Sam Lemann) performing together at the Kew Courthouse on Friday June 26, 2026.  More details from the City of Boroondara website. Tamara Kuldin was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday June 21, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Tamara’s Golden Era Storytelling appeared first on Bent Notes.

Pianist Tim Stevens visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about two new album releases that he has curated from recordings he made of the Browne-Haywood-Stevens trio in 1999/2000 when they were coming to the close of a long-standing residency on the stage at The Bennett’s Lane Jazz Club.   Tim used his DAT recorder and a single microphone on stage to record 25 gigs and has recently listened to each of them and selected a number of the pieces to feature on these two new digital albums – Enchanted Ground vol. 1: Standards, and Enchanted Ground vol. 2: Originals. The albums also feature some of Allan Browne’s unique “talks” to the audience. Tim recalls some of his early piano learnings and teachers, his move from Classical to Jazz piano, and the way the trio worked so well together as a single entity to produce their music. Tim found the name for the albums in a poem from Emily Dickinson, a favourist of Allan Browne – and read the poem in memory of Allan. Exhilaration is the Breeze That lifts us from the Ground And leaves us in another place Whose statement is not found – Returns us not, but after time We soberly descend A little newer for the term Upon Enchanted Ground – – Emily Dickinson Checkout the details of the two new albums on Tim’s Bandcamp page. Tim Stevens was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday May 3, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Enchanted Ground – Historical Recordings of the Browne-Haywood-Stevens Trio appeared first on Bent Notes.

Trombone player and leader of the Mosaic Jazz Ensemble Lee Orszaczky spoke about the stories and experiences that encouraged his taking up Jazz and a sense of being ‘thrown’ into the school Jazz Orchestra in Year 7.  The school Jazz Orchestra was led by Pianist David Allen (now touring with Tones and I) for which Lee can appreciate the enormous amount of practical experience this band gave him. Lee says that the biggest learning experience he has recieved is to trust in your elders and listen to every word they say. Lee recalls enjoying a gig where he met Herbie Hancock, and the many moments of pure joy putting together this 2nd album from Mosaic – Rinse and Repeat Mosaic are touring to launch the album: May 28, 2026 – Album Launch Tour commencement – Lazybones Lounge – Marrickville NSW May 23, 2026 – Smiths Alternative – Canberra ACT May 25, 2026 – The Jazzlab – Brunswick VIC July 3, 2026 – Launch Tour Finale – Church Street Studios Camperdown NSW Lee Orszaczky was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday May 17, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Mosaic goes for a Rinse And Repeat appeared first on Bent Notes.

Huich Goh and Paul Whitword from Sahul Sakti, spoke about their ensemble’s music which integrates Martial Arts with Music, and Merinda Dias-Jayasinha spoke about her multi-disciplined career to date, when they were guests of Bent Notes. Huich and Paul are artists performing, in their ensemble Sahul Sakti, in the Half Bent Music Festival occurring over the last weekend in May, 2026 in Merribek – Merinda is both performing and a member of the organising committee, who spoke about the varied performances scheduled across the weekend – presented by Small Space Music. Hear Huich describe the manner in which Martial Arts and music work together, and how Merinda sees the great outcomes from collaborations between artists who may not have worked together before. Huich Goh, Paul Whitword and Merinda Dias-Jayasinha were guests of Bent Notes on Sunday May 10, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post What is The Half Bent Music Festival? appeared first on Bent Notes.

Chris McNulty visited the Bent Notes studio and chatted about the skill of singing with excellent diction, discussed whether lived experience is the only path to imparting the emotion and meaning of a song to the audience, and described some of the Journey of her latest project – Soul Journey. As an independant artist Chris has composed and arranged music, written lyrics, recorded with musicians locally and remotely from overseas, and arranged the catering for a face to face launch party in Ballarat! Hear what Chris had to say in this podcast from Bent Notes on JOY 94.9. Checkout the album on Chris’ website Chris McNulty was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday April 19, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post The Soul Journey of vocalist Chris McNulty appeared first on Bent Notes.

What does a Publicist and International Music Consultant do? Find out in this Podcast from JOY 94.9 where Jenny Sparks visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about her life as a Publicist and International Music Consultant in the music and entertainment industry. Jenny was a vocalist, growing up in regional Victoria in a musical family, before her career steered her to managing and mentoring commercial artists across a range of music genres – including Jazz. Hear Jenny chat about her working for vocalist Tina May in England and Aussie pianist John Foreman in America, with so many great memories of people and events over the years. Jenny Sparks was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 29, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Publicity, Music Consulting – Jenny Sparks appeared first on Bent Notes.

Jazz singer, cabaret artiste & gender transcendent diva Mama Alto, visited the Bent Notes studio and spoke about using Strength in Softness and Power in Vulnerability in her songs and other presentations; and her love of the music of Billie Holiday – one of Mama’s Idols of song who had a great ability to use Strength in Softness and Power in Vulnerabilty.  Mama notes that the power of subtlety, and subtle choices are such a core element of a Jazz Singer’s art. Hear Mama also chat about Salted Caramels! Mama first perfomed her Billie Holiday songbook in 2015, on the 100th anniversary of Billie’s birth, and has chosen to perform that show again in the David Li Sound Gallery at the Monash University Big Jazz Day Out on Saturday March 21, 2026 – remembering Billie after 110 years. Hear what Mama had to say in this podcast from Bent Notes on JOY 94.9. Mama Alto was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 15, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Mama remembers Billie Holiday after 110 years appeared first on Bent Notes.

Alma Zygier was a Music Video Star before she was born – and continues to make fabulous music. Hear Alma chat about that the pre-birth creativity; her music and getting into a song and singing with feeling so that the audience feels the emotion of the story. Alma is performing with her band on the Bandwagon at the Monash University Big Jazz Day Out on Saturday March 21, 2026. Alma Zygier was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 15, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Alma Zygier – Music from Ultrasound to Bandwagon appeared first on Bent Notes.

Freya Schack-Arnott spoke about her music playing the cello and the Nyckelharpa, and the music of The Cloudmaker ensemble.  Their music celebrates goddesses from each of the five band members cultures, sharing thier folkloric stories and interweaving their story strands in their new music. The groups genesis occurred when Te Kahureremoa Taumata, Sunny Kim and Aviva Endean met on a residency at The Banff Centre in Canada in 2019. The Cloudmaker consists of Aviva Endean (bass clarinet, harmonic flutes and electronics), Te Kahureremoa Taumata (voice/Taonga Pūoro – Māori singing treasures), Freya Schack-Arnott (cello/nyckelharpa – Nordic fiddle), Maria Moles (drums) and Sunny Kim (voice). The Cloudmaker relased their self-titled album in 2025. The Cloumaker will be performing in the David Li Sound Gallery at the Monash University Big Jazz Day Out on Saturday March 21, 2026. Freya Schack-Arnott was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 8, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post The Cloudmaker Celebrate Their Goddesses appeared first on Bent Notes.

Monique DiMattina spoke about the learnings that take place on the bandstand and the joy of watching younger musicians grow in their skills and confidence on the bandstand as they perfom. Monique also chatted about performing at this year’s Big Jazz Day Out at Monash University on Saturday March 21, 2026, where she will be performing with guitarist and vocalist Matt Kirsch in the Alexander Theatre Foyer Bar enhancing the party atmosphere of the venue during the day, with their choice of music coming from the New Orleans songbook. Monique also confirmed the upcoming Theatrical production of Stella (also at the Alexander Theatre) – a musical Monique has composed about Australian author Miles Franklin.   Monique will return to Bent Notes with more on Stella. Catch all the details and choose the acts you are going to enjoy at the Monash University Big Jazz Day Out. Monique DiMattina was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 8, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Monique’s Big Jazz Day Out appeared first on Bent Notes.

Chelsea Wilson, Senior Producer, Contemporary Music at Monash University Performing Arts, spoke with David Moyle on Bent Notes about Gender Inclusivity in Jazz and Australian Music; and producing this year’s Big Jazz Day Out at the Clayton campus of Monash University. Hear Chelsea’s perspective on progress being made with Inclusivity in the music industry in this Podcast from JOY 94.9.   Chelsea also chats about the roster of artists at the Big Jazz Day Out, performing in Jazz and Jazz-adjacent stylings across five stages from 2pm on Saturday March 21, 2026 at the Monash University Performings Arts centre at the Clayton Campus.  More than 100 musicians will be performing including Vince Jones, Mama Alto, Yunior Terry, Alma Zygier, Aaron Choulai. Mordialloc Jazz Orchestra, Mildlife and more! Checkout all the details at the Monash Uni website. Chelsea WIlson was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday February 22, 2026 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Big Jazz Day Out At Monash Uni appeared first on Bent Notes.

Jennifer Salisbury visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about reimagining a composition of hers from some years ago called Oh Muse.  Jennifer brought in the talents of Mark Morand to rearrange the accompaniment for guitar – the result being a a brighter and more engaging piece of music. Jennifer chatted about her enjoyment of singing and music in general, and spoke of the busy lifestyle needed to entertain while also maintaing a weekday job.  Of course Jennifer also spoek of those everyday things that can be muses for an artist.  Music is such an important part of Jennifer’s life that her relaxation time is often spent enjoying other peoples music at gigs around town. Hear Jennifer in this podcast from JOY 94.9, and view the video of Oh Muse on Youtube. Jennifer Salisbury was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday December 21, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Jennifer’s New Muse appeared first on Bent Notes.

Brisbane based pianist, composer, band leader and educator Callum Pask visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about his music and introduce us to a new album his trio has collaborated on from Brisbane based multi-disciplinary artist SOLCHLD. The album – Scarred and Sacred –  is a collaboration merging Callum’s Jazz Trio with the Spoken Word in the form of poetry with a message, written by SOLCHLD.  Tha album is due for release on January 15, 2026 – checkout Bandcamp for the details and to hear the singles already released. SOLCHLD is a Magan-djin based Jamaican/Arrernte artist who posesses raw, soulful vocals and a forceful poetic writing style. Callum spoke about the challenges of creating an accompaniment that supports the powerful poems of SOLCHLD, not overpowering the poems but creating an integrated work. Hear all that Callum had to say in this Podcast from Bent Notes on JOY 94.9 Callum Pask was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday December 28, 2025 Photography credit: Sooky Princess Studio Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Jazz and Powerful Poetry: Callum Pask & SOLCHLD appeared first on Bent Notes.

Melbourne based composer, arranger and Piano Accordian player Jo Abbott visited the Bent Notes Studio to chat about her musical development from Classical to Jazz inspired music.  Early in her musical education Jo discovered the beautiful French music from classical artists such as Debussy. This music has served as a basis for Jo’s more recent works blending French and Jazz music to develop the repertoire of her 5-piece ensemble – SANFONA. Sanfona will be touring Central Victoria (Bendigo,  Castlemaine, Ruffy, Bright) in late January – all the details, including a GoFundme campaign from the Sanfona website Hear Jo talk about her musical development and her joy of creating Sanfona, in this podcast from Bent Notes on JOY 94.9. Jo Abbott was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday December 7, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member   The post French & Jazz Inspired Music from Jo Abbott’s Sanfona Ensemble appeared first on Bent Notes.

International Jazz Vocalist Hetty Kate spoke with Bent Notes about her brand new album – the first in a series of four, being released on November 7, 2025 at The Jazzlab in Brunswick.  The series is called JAZZ IN FOUR SEASONS, with Volume 1 being the SPRING edition, recorded in the Spring in Prague, and being released in Spring in Australia.   In her chat with Bent Notes presenter David Moyle, Hetty talks about the skills of her chosen musicians – both as players – and as arrangers, and her intention to record each of the four albums in different cities, with Jazz musicians each time selected from those cities – Four Albums, Four Seasons, Four Cities! The musicians on Jazz In Four Season’s Vol 1: SPRING are Jiří Levíček on piano, Libor Šmoldas on guitar, Tomáš Baroš on bass, and Tomáš Hobzek on drums, with three guest musicians: Robert Fischmann on flute, Rob Millet on cimbalom, and Jan Brádač on violin. The album is released on Friday November 7, 2025 on Bandcamp Hetty also spoke of her recent experiences with golf-ball sized hailstones in Brisbane, and Gongs in China! See Hetty’s Touring schedule around Australia on her Facebook page. In Melbourne Hetty will be launching the album at The Jazzlab on Friday and Saturday November 7 and 8 2025; playing with her B2 Quintet on November 19, 2025 at The Count’s: and playing with her Quartet on November 20, 2025 at the Uptown Jazz Cafe Hetty Kate was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday November 2, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Hetty’s Four Seasons kicks off with Spring appeared first on Bent Notes.

Composer, percussionist, painter, educator and proud Kamilaroi man Adam Manning spoke with Bent Notes about his growing up with music and rhythm and their becoming then a key feature of his life.   He said that his decision to work with these skills was essentially an evolution rather than a specific decision. Adam discussed how our society seems to have forgotten how to feel and know the rhythm of the land, and how his work brings these rhythms to the forefront, with work recently in collaboration with groups such as the Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s; and in his brand new work – First Rhythms – with artists from the Australian Art Orchestra (AAO). First Rhythms was commissioned by the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Australian Art Orchestra and Songlines Music Aboriginal Corporation and will be featured in this years Melbourne International Jazz Festival.  The commision is culmination of Adam’s appointment as the First Nations Artist in Residence at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival for the 2024/25 year. In this work, Adam reimagines clapsticks — not just as instruments, but as vessels of memory, movement and deep connection to Country.  The work is described as weaving “traditional percussive language with modern instrumentation, visual art and a fluid interplay of improvisation and notation”. Adam will be performing First Rhythms with the AAO in the Primrose Potter Salon at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Sunday October 19, 2025.  Full details from melbournejazz.com Adam Manning was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 12, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Adam’s First Rhythms appeared first on Bent Notes.

Emerging Melbourne based Cello player, composer and educator Darcy Gilkerson spoke with Bent Notes about his Debut album – Acteon, and his music which works to build a bridge between contemporary classical composition and the jazz improvisatory tradition.  His first memory of music is of playing some very basic piano at around 4 years of age – likely to be a sliding up and down the keyboard! Darcy is a trans man who uses his music to explore themes of self-discovery, empowerment, trans love and the ever-present ebb and flow between pain and joy.  Darcy talks about how some of his compositions reflect his life experience at various times and how some of these compositions have made it onto his debut album. More details about the album – Acteon – are available on Bandcamp. Darcy will be performing at the Kew Courthouse on Friday October 11 with his Jazz trio.  More details from the City of Boorondara. Darcy Gilkerson was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 5, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Darcy’s World of Cello appeared first on Bent Notes.

Guitarist Robbie Melville, Cello player Zoe Knighton and Actor Richard Piper performed excerpts from Robbie’s latest creation – The Village Square – LIVE from Studio A at JOY 94.9. Robbie talked about his writing a short story in response to a request from Zoe, but that it became somewhat bigger and more complex than he had originally thought; and the joy that he, Zoe and Richard have experienced themselves and from their audiences to date when performing the work. The Village Square is a work that combines live music and storytelling – with a story that is set in an imaginary town.  The work presents stories of love and loss, misfortune and mirth, the graceful and grotesque. Robbie has produced a book and an album of the work, featuring the artwork of David Frazer. Robbie spoke about the images from the story that have been created by David Frazer in his hand made engravings on end grain wood, hand printed on an antique printing press. Robbie, Zoe and Richard will be performing The Village Square as part of The Melbourne Fringe Festival. For more details about Robbie, The Village Square, and to see David Frazer’s artwork for the project, head to the website of Robbie Melville. Robbie Melville, Zoe Knighton and Richar Piper were guests of Bent Notes on Sunday September 21, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post The Village Square – Live from Studio A appeared first on Bent Notes.

Saxophonist Jason Bruer spoke with Bent Notes about his being taken with the music of John Coltrane and Weather Report in London for the first time when he was 16 years of age.  Jason’s only previous musical experience had been when he learnt the Recorder at school! Within a few short years Jason was practising hours every day and well on the way to establishing his identity in the music scene across a range of genres, where Jazz has remained his goto. Hear Jason talk about his amazing experiences over the years in both Australia and London, and his most recent project – HAMMERHEAD – a band described as playing High Calibre, Exhilarating Contemporary Jazz, coming out of Jason’s love of Hard Bop. Jason Bruer and Hammerhead will be performing in Melbouren at the Paris Cat Jazz Club on Friday September 12, 2025. Jason Bruer was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday September 7, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Jason’s Hammerhead Jazz appeared first on Bent Notes.

Serge Carnovale, Artistic Director of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about this year’s festival, providing his guidance for your Wang Hang!  This is the 2nd festival that Serge has artistically directed, working with the new board establilshed to resurrect the festival and put it back on the map. Serge spoke about the achievements made last year and had great joy in his voice as he spoke about the venues and artists for this year’s festival, including the opportunity thay have taken to introduce a number of international artists. Artists this year include Emma Pask. Clayton Doley, Luca Ciarla, Marlene Cummins, Black Jesus Expoerience, Dale Barlow, Amelia Evans, Leigh Barker, Tom Olloendorf amongst others. For the complete programme, checkout wangarattajazz.com Hear what Serge had to say in this podcast from JOY 94.9 Serge Carnovale was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday August 3, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Serge’s Wang Hang Advice for 2025 appeared first on Bent Notes.

Hamed Sadeghi asked his mother for a TAR when he was 14 years of age, after hearing it played on the radio and falling in love with the sound of the instrument.  He decided that Music was to be his career when 18 years of age then started his university studies into Persian Classical music. Hear Hamed talk about his classical musical education in Iran before moving to Australia where he commenced fusing his Persian classical music with Western Jazz – creating his East-West fusion through his EISHAN ENSEMBLE – and how his music is founded in the Earth.  Their recent release – Northern Rhapsody – explores themes of connection, transformation and belonging – and was composed during a creative residency in regional Australia – where the earth contributed to the work. Hamed’s ensemble – the Eisham Ensemble will be performing his “Persian Chamber Jazz” at the Hawthorn Town Hall on Saturday September 6, 2025. Hamed Sadeghi was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday August 24, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Hamed’s East-West Fusion appeared first on Bent Notes.

When Paul Grabowsky and Michelle Nicolle visted the Bent Notes studio they spoke about the feelings, emotions and memories they recall after gigs and projects, and their consideration of the history of songs and music in their projects. Paul spoke especially about his memories and experiences working with first nations people for many years and the learnings he has made about their music and history, and how that has impacted his other musical work. Michelle spoke about her memories of a gig many years ago in Siberia, where not only was there a language barrier, but a different approach to music than had been her prior experience in the Jazz world.  Both Paul and Michelle spoke with much enthusiasm for their new debut project together – NOIR – a collection of Sad Songs, reimagined as duets with deep meaning, meaning that comes from the lyrics, from the artist’s past experiences with the songs, and from Paul and Michelle’s and listeners memories of when they heard these songs in the past and what they may have been  experiencing at the time. Hear Paul and Michelle in this Podcast from JOY 94.9 when they spoke with David Moyle and Chelsea Wilson in the Bent Notes studio. And See and Hear Paul and Michelle launch the album NOIR on Saturday August 30, 2025 at the Melbourne Recital Centre. Michelle Nicolle and Paul Grabowsky were guests of Bent Notes on Sunday August 10, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock every Sunday night JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Paul and Michelle’s Sad Songs appeared first on Bent Notes.

Quinn Knight visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about his musical upbringing, developing musical career, and the debut album of his father’s TL;DR project.  The album is called Too Long;Didn’t Read – an album described by Quinn as music for the listener to interpret as they wish. The 4-piece project was founded by Trumpeter Peter Knight, and includes Peter (Trumpet, Electronics, Live Signal Processing), his son Quinn Knight (Drums), Theo Carbo  (Guitar, Electronics) and Helen Svoboda (Double Bass, Voice). Quinn noted that Peter set one rule only for the quartet – when introducing a new phrase it must be played at least ten times before the next change or next improvisation proceeds. Hear Quinn talk about his starting drumming when very your and his view for his future, and the enthusiasm in his voice for his music and TL;DR. TL;DR is released on the Earshift Music label and is being launced on tour through Mallacoota, Orbost, Bruny Island, Hobart, Thebarton (SA), Newtown (NSW), Port Kembla (NSW) and Seddon (Vic).  More information from peterknightmusic.com. Quinn Knight was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday July 13, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Quinn Knight talks about TL;DR – Too Long;Didn’t Read appeared first on Bent Notes.

Mina Yu spoke on Bent Notes of starting her classical piano education at a really young age and of taking up the Jazz mantle when the concept of Jazz was introduced to her.  Mina has not become a Jazz musician, but rather a musician who plays in the Classical and Jazz spheres. Three years in the making, this new album from Mina – A Day and Life – results from her cross- genre musical skills, and is a solo piano album providing musical interpretations of those everyday things that happen including – Waking up, Being Alone in The Tram, Walking Along The Stream, and Sleeping at the End of the Day. Hear Mina talking about her musical life and this new album, in this podcast from JOY 94.9. Mina Yu was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday June 1, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Music of your day – Mina Yu appeared first on Bent Notes.

Melbourne based vocalist and composer Michelle Nicolle visited the Bent Notes studio upon the occaision of the release of her 11th album – THE SILENT WISH.  Michelle was about to leave Australia for a visit to America to launch the album in the country where she had recorded it with guitarist Larry Koonse. The album is a collection of 10 songs including one composed by Michelle herself. Hear Michelle discuss the sense of awe in the recording studio, and the attention to detail of her production team, as well as the care taken to put together a playlist for an audience so that the conviction in the vocalists interpretations due tio their understandiong of hte songs content can be heard and experienced. Read more about Michelle and the new album – THE SILENT WISH at Michelle’s website – www.michellenicolle.com Michelle Nicolle was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 9, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Michelle’s Silent Wish appeared first on Bent Notes.

Perth based Pianist and composer Austin Salisbury spoke of his musical journey to date and bringing his piano trio to the Eastern States to launch their new album – OUTLINES – at the Church St Studios in Camperdown (NSW), and The Jazzlab in Brunswick (VIC) Austin recalls his earliest musical memories which include watching the movie “The Blues Brothers” and marveling at the music of Ray Charles and knowing that the Piano was to be his instrument. Austin graduated from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2017 and has been building his career ever since, composing, performing and working on projects including MELVE(contemporary Australian Jazz) and Mejadra(Afro-Cuban inspired Jazz with Imogen Thompson). Austin’s piano trio released their latest album in 2024 and are launching it in the eastern states on Monday April 14, 2025 at the Church Street Studios in Camperdown NSW, and on Wednesday April 16 at The Jazzlab in Brunswick (VIC). Stephen Hornby in the Dingo Jazz Journal said of the trio – “Exciting and accomplished young players who seem to have found kindred spirits in each other.” Hear Austin in this podcast from JOY 94.9. Checkout Austin’s website for more information about. Austin Salisbury was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 23, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Austin Outlines his Piano Trio appeared first on Bent Notes.

Pianist and composer Paul Grabowsky chatted about emotion in music, from composer, arranger, engineer, performer and the listener; and how vocalists have the greateast opportunity to imbue their vocal works with emotion. Paul will be accompanying American countertenor vocalist Reginald Mobley with his Gospel and Spiritual repertoire on his Australian Tour during March & April 2025.  This repertoire was featured in Reginald’s 2024 album BECAUSE.  Paul spoke of some of the history of this African-American music and the emotional potential built into each piece, and his enthusiasm for these concerts with Reginald. Reginald and Paul will be performing the Gospel and Spiritual repertoire in Melbourne March 30, Warragul Victoria April 17, Ukaria Cultural Centre Mt Barker South Australia, and Canberra ACT April 16. Paul Grabowsky was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 23, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Emotions and the Gospel & Spiritual Jazz of Reginald Mobley appeared first on Bent Notes.

Andrew Harrison is a musician who composes to order.  His new EP – Time Is Truth – is a work he was commissioned to create by a gay couple wishing to celebrate 20 years of relationship committment in a very special way. A couple who love music, their chioce was a musical suite to celebrate deeper truths about love and committment, through contemporary Jazz arrangements and intimate vocal performances.  Andrew sought to capture the many aspects and the unexpected twists and turns of a two-decade long journey shared between two people. Hear Andrew talk in this podcast about the process, the interactions between him and the couple, and some of his past experiences that supported this creation. Andrew is launching his “TIME IS TRUTH” EP at the Cross Street Music Hall at 3pm on Sunday March 16, 2025. More details about Andrew from his website.  Checkout Andrew’s music at his bandcamp page – including his soundtrack for The Laramie Project – composed for an Australian production of ‘The Laramie Project’, a play written in 2000 by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project. The play looks at the aftermath to the horrific 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay student at the University of Wyoming at Laramie. The murder was later declared a hate crime.  Andrew has used a component of this music in the ‘TIME IS TRUTH’ work Andrew Harrison was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday March 9, 2025 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Time is Truth appeared first on Bent Notes.

Drummer, Composer and Educator Sonja Horbelt, the Artistic Director of the Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about the challenges experienced by Women in Jazz and the progress for them becoming featured artist and working musicians; and the fabulous women artists performing in this year’s Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival. The festival cponcert series will be held agaon at The Jazzlab in Brunswick. Hear about the Improvising Symposium and Equity in Tertiary Education discussion, the new Lumina Award, and so many talented Women featured across 9 days of festival, including Abi Lee, Mia Barham, Jess Green, Andrea Keller, Nat Bartsch, Holly Moore, Coco’s Lunch. Lucy Clifford. Kennedy Snow, Naked Raven, Ame;lia Evans, Genevieve Kuner and Louise Rankin! All the festival details are found at mwijf.org. Sonja Horbelt was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday November 24, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Sonja’s Artistic Bent to the Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival appeared first on Bent Notes.

Lee Orszaczky, co-leader of the Sydney based music collective MOSAIC, spoke with Bent Notes about his family musical upbringing, including exposure to a broad range of great music; as well as some of his experiences as a music student at the Sydney Conservatorium of music – where he has co-created the MOSAIC collective – a group with an objective to play as much original music as they can.  Lee was inspired towards creating Mosaic when he participated in a workshop led by Sydney based group Ten-Part Invention. Album artwork: Lee Francis-Evatt (@blonde_pigeon_) Mosaic released their debut album on October 13, 2024 – called Where We Are Now.  Lee talks about the significant amount of work and emotional investment in the project and the nice feelings to have it released. Lee talks through the pieces of the album describing each piece with such great enthusiasm, and talking of the storytelling that takes place. Mosaic was formed at the Sydney Conservatorium by Trombone player Lee Orszaczky and Saxophone player Chiara Minotto, and features the musical voices of Braden Clarke, Sarah Morrison (Tpt), Leo Marland. Lachie Eggert, Aidan Wong (saxes), Matt Simmonds (Drums), James Watt (Bass) and Ravi Trachtenberg Ray (Pno.) Mosaic will be launching the album in Sydney on October 24 at the Lazybones Lounge followed by a performance at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues at 1pm on Saturday November 2, 2024 at the Wangaratta Club.  More information from wangarattajazz.com. Mosaic Band Photo: Blake Holden (@blakeholden_13) Lee Orszaczky was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 13, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Lee’s Mosaic Storytelling appeared first on Bent Notes.

Alastair Kerr, one of Australia’s leading exponents of Brazilian percussion and jazz drumming, visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about his love of Brasilian jazz, the wonderful music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, and his addiction to Brasilian Jazz! Alastair told us that Antonio Carlos Jobim was perhaps the most important composer of the 20th century, becoming known for his Bossa Nova music, as well as orchestral works and art music.  The Stan Getz / Jao Gilberto album –  Getz/Gilberto, was the first internationally massively successful Bossa Nova album which featured music by Antonio Carlos Jobim – it was also the very first album of Jobim’s music that Alastair Kerr heard. Panorama Brasil is the ensemble put together by Alastair to perform the music of Jobim and Brasil – a group based in Melbourne who will be performing music of Antonio Carlos Jobim with Orchestra Victoria as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival at Hamer Hall on October 26, 2025.  This feature concert of the festival pays tribute to the 100th anniversary of  Rhapsody in Blue, and the music of Chick Corea featuring Japanese pianist Makoto Ozone, and the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim featuring Panorama Brasil. Hear what Alastair had to say in this podcast from Bent Notes at JOY 94.9. Alastair Kerr was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 13, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Alastair’s Jobim Panorama appeared first on Bent Notes.

Saxophonist Jamie Oehlers spoke with Bent Notes about the inspiration he received from hearing and seeing the saxaphone in popular music of the 80’s; and starting his musical journey at school with a year of learning and practicing the flute before migrating to the sax.  Jamie recalls the inspiration he recevied from his instrumental teachers along the way. Jamie described pushing musical boundaries alongside guitarist Stephen Magnusson and drummer Ben Vanderwal.  Those boundaries are in part due to the instrumentation of their trio which does not include drums or bass, giving them their own sonic world to collaboratively explore and expand. The trio, Paper Tiger, released their self-titled first album in 2014, and will be debuting their followup album Between The Lines Of Stillness at The Jazzlab on October 22, 2024 as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Jamie Oehlers was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 13, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member   The post Paper Tiger pushing the boundaries appeared first on Bent Notes.

Saxophonist, Educator, Researcher and Educational Author Rob Burke visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about how the definition of Jazz has changed ove the years, and how that change has been driven in part by the different diaspora’s  around the world . Rob talks about the challenges of collaborating with the music of other cultures, maintaining the character and life of the music, whilst blending it with the Western approach to improvisation. Barlines and Beyond released their debut album, recorded at the Sir Zelman Cowan School of Music at Monash University,  on the Jazzhead label in 2015. Rob will be performing with the Barlines & Beyond project, a project where Indian Classical music on the Slide Guitar played by Debasis Chakroborty, is blended with the Western approach to Improvisation from Rob (Tenor & Soprano Saxaphones & Alto Clarinet), Stephen Magnusson (Electric Guitar), with rhythm from Sam Evans (Tabla), as part of this year’s Melbourne International Jazz Festival.  More details from melbournejazz.com Rob Burke was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 6, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member   The post Rob’s Approach to Jazz, Research and Barlines & Beyond appeared first on Bent Notes.

Michael Tortoni, Artistic Director of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, visited the Bent Notes studio to talk about the team working with him to curate and activate the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, and the superb roster of artists creating music during the 2024 festival. Michael spoke about over 400 artists representing 12 countries, performing in 109 events across 34 venues in and around Melbourne, with a collective tally of 34 Grammy award wins and 99 Grammy award nominations.  The festival also sponsors over one third of the program to be a range of free events for the entire community to enjoy – from toddlers to the more mature age! Artists coming to Australia inclde Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, Esperanza Spalding, Antonio Sanchez and the TBC Brass Band. Events include a major party on opening weekend at the Sydney Myer Music Bowl featuring Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller and Australia’s own Bumpy; a 2nd line street parade featuring the TBC Brass Band and Free jazz at Fed Square. Hear Michael chat about the festival in this podcast from JOY 94.9’s jazz program – Bent Notes. The Melbourne International Jazz Festival runs from October 18 to October 27 with all the details on their website melbournejazz.com. Michael Tortoni was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday September 1, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member   The post Michael’s International Festival Preview 2024 appeared first on Bent Notes.

Serge Carnovale visited the Bent Notes studio to chat about his new role this year as the Artistic Director of the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues. Serge spoke about the range of artists appearing  across the many venues in and around Wangaratta and the venue-based ticketing system introduced this year, as the festival is re-born alongside the National Jazz Awards – this year for Saxophone. This years artist roster includes Vince Jones, Hetty Kate, Mark Fitzgibbon, Ilaria Crociani, Kellie Santin, Tamara Kuldin, Julien Wilson, Jack Earle, High Society and lots more! Find more details about the 34th festival at the website – www.wangjazzblues.com. Serge Carnovale was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday July 21, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Serge talks all things Wangaratta Festival! appeared first on Bent Notes.

Harry Mitchell described the philosophy behind his latest album – NOON – when he spoke with David Moyle and Chelsea Wilson on Bent Notes. NOON is created as a collection of songs inspired by Harry’s observations of society’s collectively diminishing attention spans.  The inspiration said to Harry that he should create someting long-form – that can’t be consumed quickly. (recalling the days when you would put a vinyl record on the turntable then sit down to listen for 22 minutes for each side.) Harry would like us to listen to the entiure album from start to finish in one sitting to receive the best appreciation.  Harry has composed the pieces reflecting each other in a Pallindromic fashion, including both longer and shorter composistions to tell the story. Find NOON on Bandcamp, and read, see and  hear more about Harry at his webiste – harrymitchell.net Harry Mitchell was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday July 21, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member   The post Harry Hits NOON and stays listening appeared first on Bent Notes.

The Take Note Leader of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival for 2024 is Jazz flautist and composer Erica Tucceri.  Erica visited the Bent Notes studio to chat all things Take Note – an impportant role that addresses the underrepresentation of women and gender diverse musicians in jazz by celebrating and promoting women and gender diverse leaders on stage and in high schools across Victoria. Erica spoke of the joy of meeting so many young musicians when visting secondary schools as part of the role; her thrill at being commissioned to write a major new work to be debuted at the festival, enabling Erica to write for an ensemble including a String Quartet; learning the drums, and making percussive sounds in her music that surprises the secondary school students! Hear Erica in this podcast from JOY 94.9 Erica Tucceri was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday September 1, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Erica Takes Note appeared first on Bent Notes.

Violin player, artist, songwriter and entertainer Xani Kolac described her path to become a professional violin player and entertainer when she was guest on Bent Note recently. Xani reminisces about causing her violin teacher to cry from the beautiful interpretation she gave of Dvorak’s Humoresque, and auditioning for the VCA with her sister playing the bass. Xani spoke about the focus on improvisation and using the effects pedals and other equipment to produce her style of music using her electric violin – calling upon her skills in the worlds of Pop, Rock and Jazz to create interesting and entertaining sounds and musical sequences to keep her audiences enthralled.  Xani has described her music as exploring the spaces between Pop, Jazz, Electronic and Chamber music. Hear Xani recall her first gigs along Fitzroy Street St.Kilda and how so many amazing jazz artists are taking part in the FUSION ON FITZROY event across so many Fitzroy Street St.Kilda venues on Satuday August 31, 2024.   Xani Kolac was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday August 18, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Xani talks Violin, Improvisation and Fusion on Fitzroy Street appeared first on Bent Notes.

Australian born musicians Jody Sternberg (Voice, Sax) and David Lewis (Trumpet, Piano) have lived in France for some years and spoke with David Moyle and Chelsea Wilson on Bent Notes when they visited the JOY 94.9 studios recently as they commenced their 2024 Aussie tour. Jody Sternberg & David Lewis in-studio at JOY 94.9 Jody recalled her journey from Australia where she played sax in her primary school band, to Japan where she was discoverd by an American blues pianist who advised her to audition to study at the Berklee College, before moving to America to do just that!  Jody finally settled in France where she discovered that her voice would be her primary instrument.  David recalled his opportunity to study in Europe included Sweden, before settling in France.  Both recalled the joy of studying and performing with the major players of the day. Jody and David will perform during their Aussie tour in Perth (The Ellington Jazz Club), Sydney (Camelot Lounge, August 8), Hobart (MONA, August 19), Melbourne (Beleura House August 23, and The Jazzlab August 24) before returning to France. Jody Sternberg and David Lewis were guests of Bent Notes on Sunday July 28, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Jody & David’s Aussie Return ’24 appeared first on Bent Notes.

When trumpeter and band leader Travis Woods and sousaphone player Jay Scarlett from The Horns Of Leroy visited the Bent Notes Studio they spoke about the way they as a band are inspired by the music and the musicians of New Orleans.  They recalled the immense energy they picked up from watching, listening, jamming and performing with these bands and how this changed their outlook and musical creativity in their own projects, whilst still being conscious of their music being filtered through their Australian heritage and experiences. The new album, Monster In Your Head, features 12 brand new pieces written fresh for this project around the experiences of break-ups.  The music was so fresh to the recording studio that Travis had not heard them all completely until the album mixing was taking place!  Checkout the album on Bandcamp. The Horns of Leroy are Ben Harrison & Travis Woods – Trumpet, Chris Vizard & Nick Pietsch – Trombone, Jay Scarlett – Sousaphone, Daniel Berry & Tim Clifton – Percussion. The Horns of Leroy are performing together with Thando and Sydney based brass band The Hot Potato Band at the Fitzroy Brass Party on Friday July 26, 2024 at The Night Cat – celebrating 30 years of Night Cat. Travis Woods and Jay Scarlett were guests of Bent Notes on Sunday July 14, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Leroy’s Monster In Your Head appeared first on Bent Notes.

Michelle Nicolle visited the Bent Notes studio to chat with David Moyle and Chelsea Wilson about her brand new album – 10 Live At The Jazzlab. The album was recorded at the Jazzlab by the ABC during the 2023 Melbourne International Jazz Festival and has now been released to the world. Michelle talks about the thrill of performing in ALL RISE with the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis and the MSO at Hamer Hall during 2023; the scat syllables that we hear in scat singing and how one should not try to think about them; and performing a gig with her quartet with a set list made up entirely of her own compositions. Michelle launches the new album of her own compositions at The Jazzlab on Saturday July 20, 2024. Michelle Nicolle was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday July 7, 2024 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Michelle Achieves a 10 – LIVE appeared first on Bent Notes.

Melbourne Drummer, Composer and Artistic Director of the Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival, Sonja Horbelt visited the Bent Notes studio to chat all things 2023 Festival with David Moyle and Paul Gardner.  The festival runs from December 3-10, 2023 with most events schedueld at The Jazzlab. Sonja spoke about the legacy and the memory of the late Lynnette Irwin, for many years the backbone of the artistic direction of the festival, and the person to whom this years festival has been dedicated. Hear about the amazing female musicians performing in the festival this year including Teri Roiger, Peggy Lee, Elly Hoyt, Mim Crellin, Nina Ferro, Ilaria Crociani, AURA, and so much more – including an industry panel, perfromance workshop and a singers symposium. Checkout the festival at www.mwijf.org. Sonja Horbelt was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday November 19, 2023 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Sonjas’ Artistic Outcomes for 2023 appeared first on Bent Notes.

Cheryl Durongpisitikul Cheryl Durongpisitkul spoke with David Moyle on Bent Notes about the work involved in preparing for the debut of her new suite for 12-piece improvising ensemble that channels her own personal experiences of loss, grief  and healing. As the Take Note leader for 2023 for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Cheryl was commissioned to compose this work as well as visit secondary schools across Victoria, as part of the festival’s activities to address underrepresentation of women and gender diverse musicians in jazz by celebrating and promoting women and gender diverse leaders on stage and in high schools across Victoria. Cheryl debuted the work – I Still Miss You – to an enthusiastic and appreciative capacity audience at the Jazzlab as the official openeing gig of this years festival. Hear what Cheryl had to say in this podcadst from Bent Notes on JOY 94.9 Cheryl Durongpisitkul was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 15, 2023 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Cheryl’s work of Loss, Grief and Healing – Take Note 2023 appeared first on Bent Notes.

Zac Hurren, Katie Noonan, Ben Hauptmann Katie  Noonan‘s ELIXIR project kicked off in 1997, with their goal to explore the relationship between text and sound and celebrate great Australian poetry. The current line-up for the trio is National Jazz Award, ARIA Award winning and Freedman Jazz Fellowship finalist saxophonist/composer Zac Hurren, Freedman Jazz
Fellowship winning and National Jazz Award finalist guitarist Ben Hauptmann and 5 x ARIA, AWMA, AIR and APRA award winning musician Katie Noonan. Album Cover: A Small Shy Truth   Their new Album – A Small Shy Truth – the 4th album for the trio, is based upon Poetry of Michael Leunig – whose unique poetry was featured on the trio’s 3rd album – Gratitude and Grief (KIN Music 2018) Hear Katie talk about the need for vulnerability when composing music, the wonderful poetry of Michael Leunig, and Sassy The Staffie! Elixir, featuring Katie Noonan, launches A Small Shy Truth at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday night, October 28, 2023 as part of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Katie Noonan was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 22, 2023 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station   Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Katie’s Elixir of Poetry appeared first on Bent Notes.

Emma Pask Emma Pask was discovered at a school concert gig by multi-instrumentalist and entertainer James Morrison – a week later Emma was invited to tour with the James Morrison Big Band – and the rest is history! Hear Emma talk about that amazing experience and much more in this podcast from Bent Notes, including Trombone player, arranger and band leader Ed Wilson, the necessity to get on with achieving items off your bucketlist without undue delay, performing with wonderful musicians, all with a main aim of making everyone happier. Emma will be performing standards from the great American Songbook, with some raucus Blues and Latin feels too – with pianist Grant Windsor, Sydney drummer Tim Firth and bass player Harry Morrison (son of James and someone who Emma used to babysit when he was young) at The Count’s at Monash University on Saturday October 28, 2023 Emma Pask was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 22, 2023 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Morrison, Wilson and Music – amazing parts of Emma Pask’s musical career appeared first on Bent Notes.

Vanessa Perica. Photo: Pia Johnson Award winning composer Vanessa Perica is launching her 2nd Jazz Orchestra album as part of the lineup for this year’s Melbourne International Jazz Festival. The 1st album, Love Is A Temporary Madness, was named one of the best Australian albums of 2020 by The Guardian, winner of the Best Jazz Album at the Music Victoria Awards, ‘Work of the Year’ at the APRA Art Music Awards and Australian Jazz Bell Awards, and was nominated for the prestigious Australian Music Prize. Vanessa spoke about the opportunities that have arisen for her since that 1st album, and the joy she has experienced in spending time with the amazing musicians of her Jazz Orchestra once again in recording the 2nd album – The Eye is the First Circle. Album Cover: The Eye is the First Circle The Eye is the First Circle features the same musicians augmented by a couple of new faces, and will be launched on Thursday October 26, 2023 at the Melbourne Recital Centre.   Vanessa Perica was guest of Bent Notes on Sunday October 15, 2023 Bent Notes – 2 hours of Jazz and Improvised Music – 7 o’clock Sunday nights JOY 94.9 – Out.Loud.Proud – Your Voice – Your Radio Station Support this podcast, Donate to JOY; Become a member The post Award winning composer launches 2nd album for her Jazz Orchestra appeared first on Bent Notes.