Southern Gazette, article 15/07/2008 – “Singer Lines up with Morrison”

Victoria Park singer Shameem Taheri-Lee will share the stage with world-renowned trumpet player James Morrison when he performs with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra at the Perth Concert Hall in August.

Ms Taheri-Lee, 20, is a second year Bachelor of Music student at the WA Academy of Performing Arts and auditioned for WAYJO earlier this year.

She was excited about having a chance to perform with Mr Morrison, which she said was the opportunity of a lifetime.

The line-up for the show, ‘WAYJO present James Morrison and Friends’, includes piano player and scholarship winner Konrad Paszkudzki.

John Morrison, voted Australia’s best big band drummer, will join his brother in the show, as will WAYJO’s musical director, Mace Francis.

Also on stage will be successful past WAYJO members, such as jazz diva Libby Hammer and saxophonists Troy Roberts and Graeme Lyall.

WA Youth Jazz Orchestra chief executive officer Gayle Cargill said it was a treat to have James Morrison back in the Perth performing with them.

“His very presence, with all that energy and vitality, brings a whole different level to the band who love working with him,” she said.

“He’ll have a trumpet in one hand, a trombone in the other and might even reach over and play something on the piano.”

The event takes place at the Perth Concert Hall on Friday August 1, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are available from BOCS Ticketing on 9484 1133 or www.bocsticketing.com.au