Australia’s leading jazz vocalist, Vince Jones, is also a remarkable interpreter and composer of songs in a contemporary jazz style – a style that appeals equally to listeners and his musical peers. As a vocalist he resists showing off technique to the detriment of feel – he’s confident in his musical literacy and sings like there’s nothing to prove. It’s a refreshing approach that gives us, the audience, the chance to be really moved.

Vince Jones also plays trumpet and over the years his style has developed a distinctive reserve and subtlety – he plays a little less and draws a good deal more from it than he did in earlier days. A brief, thoughtful solo from Vince is worth a hundred notes played with less discretion. Vince’s first album Watch What Happens, released in 1981, was a quiet, strong statement – showcasing his vocal and songwriting talent in tandem with stylish accompaniment. A loyal following developed and with each album and tour the Australian audience grew.

Vince went on to release 14 more albums over the years. Through the 1990s Vince Jones and his band found success on the European circuit making an impression on reviewers, audiences and promoters. They played to packed houses in Germany, London, Switzerland, Denmark and the Netherlands including the major festivals – the North Sea, Montreux, Aarhus – and a range of more intimate venues.Similar success has been found in the USA and Vince has become an artist who has set a benchmark for Jazz in Australia. Jones uses his voice as an expressive instrument and the lyric as a vehicle for story and comment – a balance found in the roots of jazz.

Particular about the musical company he keeps, he continues to enjoy playing with the best jazz musicians the country has to offer.  Matt McMahon (MD/piano), Karl Dunnicliff (bass) and James Hauptman (drums) joining him for this performance are no exception.