Concrete Playground

Jazz. What does it even mean? Some theories say the word was derived from “jass”, which meant “with vigour”, a popular term in early 20th century America. It’s certainly come a long way, because now you’re just as likely to hear jazz in Storyville, New Orleans as you are in Vaucluse.

Sunday 22nd November means the Historic Houses Trust’s annual Jazz in the Garden event, held at one of our most historic of houses, Vaucluse House. This year, performances will be by one of Australia’s leading jazz vocalists, Vince Jones, rock-bluegrass band Zoe and the Buttercups, and singer-songwriter Katie Noonan.
Noonan’s latest effort, the ARIA-winning Blackbird, is a collection of jazz covers of John Lennon and Paul McCartney songs. It includes ‘Across the Universe,’ ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Norwegian Wood’. The album was recorded in New York, and features double bass from Ron Carter, a former accompanist to Miles Davis.

In December, Katie Noonan will be touring Blackbird all over Australia, including some Sydney dates at the Opera House, so it’s not half bad to be able to watch her perform with a glass of wine in hand, from the comfort of your picnic rug — and learn about jazz first hand.