By Michael Burt
Bellingen’s bumper live music scene is blessed to include Australian jazz royalty this month with the return of Vince Jones to the Bellingen Memorial Hall on 20 November.
Known locally for his dazzling headline performances at Bellingen Jazz Festivals, Vince is coming back to one of his favourite places as part of a tour celebrating 50 years of songwriting, recording and live gigs.
His distinctive blend of jazz, blues, soul and contemporary songwriting spans 25 albums and has earned a devoted following and established him as one of the country’s most respected musical performers. An iconic voice and enthralling trumpet have helped create fans across generations with songs like, Trustworthy Little Sweethearts, Nature of Power and Rainbow Cake.
Bellingen has appeared many times along that musical journey, including some of Vince’s early touring days with a band more than 40 years ago.
“There was time many years ago that I seriously wanted to move up to Bellingen and set up camp. Nearly did, but the kids were born and we stayed down here,” Vince said.
“Bellingen has a great vibe. It’s earthy and healthy and that’s what I love about the town and the area.”
Vince said he was preordained to become a musician after growing up in a musical family near Glascow in Scotland and then Wollongong.
“I grew up in a bohemian family. My mum was a painter and a really good singer, my dad was a great piano player and big band conductor. So, I grew up listening to Jazz from a very young age and that planted the seed for a long career.”
“My dad got me start playing the trombone when I was 10 years old and I could barely hold it up. The first band I was in was the Miners Federation Brass Band, where my dad was the part-time conductor.”
“I started listening to more and more jazz and as I grew up and included some of the good rock music that was around at the time.”
Vince rates Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Charlie Parker and Sarah Vaughn as some of the key influencers for his jazz journey.
“It is a great experience being a musician. It’s a wonderful life.”
Vince will be accompanied by a world class group featuring long time pianist and MD Matt McMahon, John Mackey on tenor sax, James Hauptmann on drums and guest double bassist Ben Robertson.
“These are musicians all at the top of their game.”
“Matt has been playing with us for over 25 years and Ben has been playing bass with me on and off for 40 years. We’ve got a young drummer in James, who is fabulous, and John is the finest tenor player in the land.”
Vince said the return to Bellingen Memorial Hall will be an evening of seductive memories, emotions and musical indulgences.
Audiences will enjoy his mellifluous timeless tones, as he performs much loved original material such and tracks off his forthcoming new album. There are whispers of a rare golden treat in Vince performing a couple of cherished classics of his Double Platinum Soundtrack ‘Come In Spinner’, which still remains the highest selling Oz Jazz album to date.
As someone who thinks deeply about the state of the world, Vince’s passion for social consciousness shines through in his lyrics and life.
He is never shy about sharing his views on the human condition, world affairs and the environment, and his intriguing observations and inspiration to the music performance.
“I watch people’s faces; and sometimes it looks like strange things are happening in their souls when they listen,” Vince said.
“Jones’ effortless, sublime voice and command of his beloved trumpet will have you swooning under his captivating spell.” The Australian
“A magical performance by Vince Jones, who now has one of the best in a long line of exceptional bands.” Sydney Morning Herald
