Generations in Jazz

BLOG ENTRY 18/05/10

I’ve been away! Spent a weekend in Mt  Gambier participating in the finals for the James Morrison Generations in Jazz Vocal Scholarship. It was awesome to be back in Mt Gambier (having participated in last years’ finals too) and so amazing to meet the other finalists – all these talented young musicians not unlike myself, but so diverse at the same time. Sorry fans, no win, but I’m very happy to say that the competition was stiff and that the winner (one Kate Kelsey-Sugg) was very deserving. A highlight was being able to rub shoulders and play with such fantastic Australian musicians as Phil Stack (of Thirsty Merc), James Muller, Emma Pask, Graeme Lyall, The Idea of North and of course, the man himself, James Morrison. This guy is so generous – after a full weekend of adjudicating not only the finalists for the vocal AND instrumental scholarships, as well as adjudicating division one of the National Stage Band Competition; at our celebration dinner on the last night, instead of sitting back and enjoying the good food and wine, he takes all 12 finalists into an adjoining room, one by one, and gives us all individual feedback plus a chat about music and life in general. What a champ… it’s good to know that the big people still care about the little people.

Checking out Mt Gambier's famous Blue Lake.