Concrete Playground

I was first introduced to jazz by Keiko Nobumoto's arse-whipping galactic epic, Cowboy Bebop, and now I feel like a frantic space privateer whenever I hear some mercurial melodies. Imagine my excitement then, when I think about the Paddington Reservoir Gardens filled with jiving notes. Already I can see myself chasing those alien criminals amongst the stone arches and swinging a few martial moves over a flowerbed - all to a 5/4 time signature.

Eccentrics aside, the Gardens will host a medley of Sydney's jazz scene as part of the Uncover Oxford Street program (another Art&About initiative). Present day musicians will be represented by the likes of Bob Bertles, Susan Gai Dowling, Ben Fink and Lily Dior, while music photographer Shane Rozario brings the past to life with his month-long exhibition of the Jazz Underground.

Feel free to schmooze the photos at your own pace, or listen to Shane's free talk during the festival for the lowdown on the world of Sydney jazz.


Video from Cowboy Bebop (1998), copyright Sunrise Inc.