Jazz classics, original songs, cool blues and New Orleans grooves – that’s the bill of fare when David Bentley Trio plus one deliver the third concert in Maroochydore’s Cotton Tree Jazz Sessions.
This free open air show promises a spicy bouillabaisse of everything that makes jazz joyful: an optimistic reflection on the times in we live, underscored with an abiding respect for jazz tradition.
The Jazz Session is the brainchild of impresario James Birrell whose Maroochydore Music Festivals (2015 – 2017) set a benchmark for innovative and creative group celebration.
“We’re now entering a new era of cultural offering and I’m perceiving the Cotton Tree jazz Sessions as a something that will grow and evolve with the community,“ James said.
“For the moment we’re reliant on coin-in-the-hat donations to cover expenses and hopefully leave some cash over for the Sunny Kids, a charity that looks after women and children disadvantaged by domestic violence.“
At the core of the show on Sunday 7 March is pianist/vocalist David Bentley’s jazz trio featuring stellar bassist Andrew Shaw and uber cool percussionist Nathan Goldman.
Respected reedman Mark Spencer – a frequent guest with the group – will also appear, his soaring improvisations blending with DB3’s sound with consummate ease.
Now based on the Sunshine Coast, Mark studied in New York with saxophone greats George Coleman and Chris Potter before taking up a teaching post at the Queensland Conservatorium’ s jazz course.
Renowned for his improvisational dexterity and masterly technique, Mark did the hard yards in touring bands around Australia and Asia while honing his improvisational skills.
The David Bentley Trio performs regularly at jazz clubs in Brisbane and the Sunshine and Gold Coast as well as at music festivals including Restrung and the Queensland Music Festival.
David is an award winning jazz/blues pianist, formerly based in Brisbane, now on the Sunshine Coast. He has backed touring jazz greats, including vibraphonist Milt Jackson and saxophonist Phil Woods, as well as touring with ex-Rolling Stone Mick Taylor.
His first love is jazz albeit with a strong leaning to the blues. Both genres inform his songwriting style.
In Britain, especially, he is well known as the author of In A Broken Dream. The track has been twice an international hit – initially for his R&B group Python Lee Jackson in the mid-1970s and, more recently, as a remix by Harlem rapper Rocky A$sap (retitled Every Day).
David has recorded seven albums under his own banner. His latest DB3: The Lake Sessions, celebrates jazz greats of the 50s and 60s – Horace Silver, Bud Powell, Mose Allison – as well as showcasing some of his original material.
The album was recorded at his studio on the shores of Lake Cootharaba and is available via www.davidbentleymusic.com.au
