OzManouche

by Cameron Jones

TN158 – P38

OzManouche, Australia’s premier gypsy jazz festival, is set to make its triumphant return from 23rd to 26th November, at the iconic Brisbane Jazz Club, Qld.

This annual event celebrates the captivating world of jazz manouche, featuring an outstanding lineup of Australian and international artists.

Dedicated to promoting and honouring the vibrant Australian gypsy jazz scene, OzManouche is thrilled to announce that Denis Chang will be joining us this year.

Hailing from Japan, this Taiwanese/Canadian guitarist and educator has graced the stage with luminaries such as The Rosenberg Trio, Joscho Stephan, Gonzalo Bergara, Paulus Schäfer, and Tcha Limberger.

Denis Chang promises to deliver a spellbinding performance infused with his unique brand of humour, making it an unforgettable musical experience.

Returning to the OzManouche stage after a prolonged absence is expat guitarist, Caley Groves, known for his work with Duck Musique and Remi Harris.

Joining him is the UK violin sensation, Ben Holder, along with a formidable Melbourne-based rhythm section featuring Adam Russo (Catfish, La Mauvaise Réputation) and Tom Flenady (Furbelows, Remi Harris).

Adding a touch of French elegance to the festival, Melbourne based chanteuse Noria Letts will captivate the audience with her band, The Parisians, featuring master guitarist, Peter Baylor (Ultrafox), violinist Esther Henderson (Ultrafox, Tilly Bébé), accordionist Dave Evans, and bassist Tom Flenady.

OzManouche is also proud to present the much anticipated premiere of the Twin Fiddles Project.

Conceived by Tasmanian based violinist and improviser, Charlie McCarthy (Jane Morris Quartet, Django’s Tiger), this project also features Brisbane violinist Gareth Mewes (Cigany Weaver), David Squires on guitar, and Isaac Gee (Django’s Tiger) on bass.

This performance has long been a goal for the festival and we are thrilled to finally bring it to OzManouche this year.

Returning by popular demand, Tasmanian vocalist, Jane Morris will grace the festival stage with her timeless style, deep swing sensibility, and fervent admiration for the hot club style.

She will be accompanied by fellow Tasmanians, Charlie McCarthy on violin, David Squires on guitar, and Isaac Gee on bass.

Festival patron, Ian Date, will once again assume the role of MC, and will hold court with a selection of guest artists for the finale of each evening.

In addition to the main stage performances, OzManouche will host emerging artists, jam sessions, and community groups on the scenic river deck of the Brisbane Jazz Club.

This performance space draws inspiration from the Luthiers Stage at Festival Django Reinhardt in France, aligning with the vision of the late festival founder, Ewan MacKenzie, who aimed to provide a platform for emerging artists and foster an inclusive community of gypsy jazz musicians in Australia.

Performing on the River Deck stage this year are The Gypsy Jumbucks from Toowoomba, the Sydney-based collective, Sydney Gypsies, and two open and community friendly jam sessions scheduled for Thursday evening and Sunday afternoon, hosted by New Zealand based guitarist Sam Cooke and French born, Noosa based guitarist, Florent Devos.

Lastly, OzManouche is delighted to offer two instrumental workshops this year.

Denis Chang will host a guitar workshop, while Charlie McCarthy will lead an improvisation and soloing workshop, providing aspiring musicians with valuable insights and skills.

Don’t miss this extraordinary gathering of world-class talent at OzManouche 2023.

Get ready to be transported into the enchanting world of gypsy jazz from 23rd to 26th November at the Brisbane Jazz Club.

For more information and workshop details, visit the OzManouche website.