Thad Jones formed the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Orchestra with drummer Mel Lewis in 1965. The band played in its original incarnation for 12 years until Jones moved to Copenhagen and in that time the band (and Jones’) legacy was cemented. Jones’ writing influenced a huge range of later composers including Bob Brookmeyer, Jim McNeely, Bob Mintzer and Maria Schneider and the band maintained a Monday night residency at the Village Vanguard for over 5 decades.

Jones’ music is pure joy for both performer and listener, and we warmly invite you to join us for this very special event.

The Paris Cat Big Band features some of Melbourne's finest musicians paying homage to the great composers and musicians of jazz history and is under the direction of local arranger Toshi Clinch. For more information about Toshi Clinch please visit the link below...

LINE UP TBC....

Three masters of orchestral jazz—Gershwin, Jobim, and Chick Corea—brought together for a very special evening at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, with Orchestra Victoria and a remarkable line-up of Melbourne and Tokyo’s finest musicians. Orchestra Victoria are joined in this exclusive program by GRAMMY-nominated Japanese piano virtuoso Makoto Ozone and local Brazilian music exponents Panorama Brasil, as they take you on a journey through the 20th century’s most iconic works.

When a 26-year-old George Gershwin put pen to paper 100 years ago, he couldn’t have imagined that his concerto Rhapsody in Blue would be selling out concert halls a century later, much less that his work would change the way the world thought about orchestral music and viewed the concept of the American Composer. A true pioneer, Gershwin’s masterpiece moves seamlessly between the disciplines of classical music and the then-emerging sounds of jazz.

Composed half a century later, Chick Corea’s beloved composition Spain undeniably grows from the groundwork laid by Gershwin. Leading the orchestra through the sounds of Spain, New York and Latin America in this GRAMMY-winning masterpiece will be Japanese pianist Makoto Ozone—a friend and collaborator of the great Chick Corea himself, and featured soloist with orchestras around the world including the New York Philharmonic.

Like Gershwin, Antônio Carlos Jobim reimagined the sound of a nation, merging the Brazilian samba tradition with jazz to create the distinctly Brazilian sound of bossa nova—earning him the nickname “The Godfather of Bossa Nova”. Performing selections of his vast repertoire, Panorama Brasil join forces with Orchestra Victoria and conductor Jessica Gethin, to saunter through the clubs of 1960s Rio De Janeiro.

Presented in partnership with Orchestra Victoria.

Trumpeter Mat Jodrell is one of the most exciting voices in Jazz today. He has recently returned to Australia after having lived in New York City for the past eight years, performing around the city and teaching at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music.

During his time in the States, Mat was a regular member of many ensembles, all of whom he has recorded with. They include Miguel Zenon’s ‘Identities’ Ensemble, Ryan Truesdell’s Gil Evans Project (both Grammy nominated in 2016), Lucas Pino’s No Net Nonet, the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Miho Hazama’s M-Unit, Kenny Werner’s ‘No Beginning, No End’, Pedro Giraudo’s Expansions Ensemble, Jon Batiste Band, the Birdland Big Band, the Bill Mobley big band, the Dan Jamieson big band and many others.

Since re-locating to the US Mat has had the opportunity to perform with the likes of Benny Golson, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis, Buster Williams, Hubert Laws, Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Mingus Big Band, James Spaulding, Carl Allen, Terri-Lyn Carrington, Bill Watrous, Gary Bartz, Terence Blanchard, Darcy James Argue, Josh Roseman to name but a few. Between 2008 and 2012 Mat has performed regularly on Broadway with the shows ‘Hair’ and ‘After Midnight’ and continues to work with legendary singer Paul Anka with whom he has toured throughout Europe, Russia, Asia, South America and the Middle East.

He has performed in many of the world’s most famous jazz clubs in New York City including the Vanguard, Blue Note, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Birdland, Smoke, Smalls, Zinc and the Iridium, as well as touring to many of the largest festivals including the Newport Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, the Detroit Jazz Festival and many others.

Carl Mackey returns to the Uptown stage with a killer lineup!
Mackey - saxophones, will be joined by the formidable talents of Brett Williams - piano, Harry Morrison - double bass, and Felix Bloxsom - drums.
Come on up and hear some of the country's finest in full flight!

Doors at 7:30pm, music from 8:30pm.
Bookings recommended... email@uptownjazzcafe.com.au

Photo by Pia Johnson

Carl (Snowy Egret) Mackey – Sax
Hugh (The Leopard) Stuckey – Guitar
Ben (Pops) Hanlon – Bass
Felix (Dirt Eater) Bloxsom – Drums

Barney McAll is a Grammy-nominated, ARIA-winning composer and pianist. He has 29 solo albums and has played on countless albums as a side person. He has assembled for this night, the finest musicians in Australia or anywhere.

“Playing all new music and embracing all new maps & trying to recognize outmoded maps before they recognize us. Forgetting our memories so they’ll remember us”

Bebop Wednesdays at Uptown continues unchallenged!

February features me. ME ME ME ME ME! Oh yeah, and also my incredible band!… Carl Mackey on saxes, Harry Morrison on double bass and Danny Fischer on drums.

Music from about 8.30pm. Love to see ya's!

bookings - uptownjazzcafe@email.com

Featuring Mat Jodrell & Carl Mackey

No matter how familiar you may be with James Morrison, you haven't heard him play until you've heard him with this group. It is a testament to their energy and sheer brilliance that James says his favourite way to play is with his Sextet - this coming from a man who has played with many of the greats of jazz, including Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Ray Brown, Wynton Marsalis and more.

What makes the Sextet so special is the joy they create when they perform. James says, "This is what can happen when you have four musicians who all have a will to swing and are of one mind when it comes to the reason they play".

"Patrick is one of the most exciting drummers on the scene today - inventive, virtuosic, and always so musical. Harry is a powerhouse on the bass, reminiscent of the Ray Brown approach, swing at all costs - his energy underpins everything the band does. William not only plays beautiful classic jazz guitar but also writes much of the original material performed by the group and this compositional aspect is always present in his playing".

With his three colleagues covering guitar, bass and drums, James plays anything from trombone, flugelhorn and saxophones to piano, and of course the trumpet.

If you love jazz that swings and music that makes you smile, don't miss the James Morrison Sextet.

Featuring Mat Jodrell & Carl Mackey

No matter how familiar you may be with James Morrison, you haven't heard him play until you've heard him with this group. It is a testament to their energy and sheer brilliance that James says his favourite way to play is with his Sextet - this coming from a man who has played with many of the greats of jazz, including Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Ray Brown, Wynton Marsalis and more.

What makes the Sextet so special is the joy they create when they perform. James says, "This is what can happen when you have four musicians who all have a will to swing and are of one mind when it comes to the reason they play".

"Patrick is one of the most exciting drummers on the scene today - inventive, virtuosic, and always so musical. Harry is a powerhouse on the bass, reminiscent of the Ray Brown approach, swing at all costs - his energy underpins everything the band does. William not only plays beautiful classic jazz guitar but also writes much of the original material performed by the group and this compositional aspect is always present in his playing".

With his three colleagues covering guitar, bass and drums, James plays anything from trombone, flugelhorn and saxophones to piano, and of course the trumpet.

If you love jazz that swings and music that makes you smile, don't miss the James Morrison Sextet.

Featuring Mat Jodrell & Carl Mackey

No matter how familiar you may be with James Morrison, you haven't heard him play until you've heard him with this group. It is a testament to their energy and sheer brilliance that James says his favourite way to play is with his Sextet - this coming from a man who has played with many of the greats of jazz, including Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Ray Brown, Wynton Marsalis and more.

What makes the Sextet so special is the joy they create when they perform. James says, "This is what can happen when you have four musicians who all have a will to swing and are of one mind when it comes to the reason they play".

"Patrick is one of the most exciting drummers on the scene today - inventive, virtuosic, and always so musical. Harry is a powerhouse on the bass, reminiscent of the Ray Brown approach, swing at all costs - his energy underpins everything the band does. William not only plays beautiful classic jazz guitar but also writes much of the original material performed by the group and this compositional aspect is always present in his playing".

With his three colleagues covering guitar, bass and drums, James plays anything from trombone, flugelhorn and saxophones to piano, and of course the trumpet.

If you love jazz that swings and music that makes you smile, don't miss the James Morrison Sextet.

Ministry of Sound Classical - A day to night festival extravaganza featuring The Ministry of Sound Orchestra, Sneaky Sound System + more!

MINISTRY OF SOUND CLASSICAL
✨ MELBOURNE | NAARM ✨
3-11pm on Sat 16 Dec

With 30 years as the global authority on dance music, nobody does the classics like Ministry of Sound. Come and re-live all the greatest club anthems as you’ve never heard them before in a day-to-night festival experience!

With an ALL NEW set list and show, expect to hear more of the songs you know and love completely remixed, rearranged & reimagined by the Ministry of Sound Orchestra alongside DJ Goodwill. Led by award-winning conductor Vanessa Perica - experience incredible live vocals from some of the country’s most acclaimed vocal talent including Reigan (ARIA Nominee "Dreams"), Miss Connie (Sneaky Sound System), Karina Chavez ("Show Me Love"), Rudy(feature artist on Dirty South “In The Air”), along with powerhouse mainstay of the Classical tour Lady Lyric and new addition, Luke Antony (The Voice).

With live entertainment throughout the day from an all star lineup including the adored  Sneaky Sound System (ARIA Award winners plus hits like "UFO."), legendary Australian DJ John Course + sets from esteemed DJ's Dirty Laundry (Live), Sunshine, Andy Murphy and Minx, expect a non-stop party from start to finish. And as if that weren't sufficient, we're spicing things up further with the fan-favourite Silent Disco! Stay connected with your pals while switching between Cara Murphy, Danni B, Funky Col, Chardy, Katie Hill and Jay Ramon. Alternatively, lock into your favourite channel and have your very own dance party! 

The James Morrison Sextet ft. Mat Jodrell and Carl Mackey – Friday, 15th of December 2023:

Join us for an evening of jazz with multi-instrumentalist James Morrison.

Performing over two huge nights, this intimate concert is an exceptional opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most talented and versatile jazz musicians, with a brand new group featuring Mat Jodrell (trumpet) and Carl Mackey (alto sax) performing for the first time here in Sydney!

Renowned globally as one of the finest jazz players of his generation, James Morrison is not only a trumpet virtuoso, but a complete showman.

James started playing professionally at age 13 and has a stellar professional career behind him: he has performed alongside the best jazz musicians of our generation and has had the privilege of performing for the President and First Lady of the United States.

Known throughout the world for his sheer brilliance as a jazz musician, educator, and all-round entertainer, James is also the founder of the James Morrison Academy of Music in Mount Gambier, he is constantly on the move, performing wherever fine music has an audience.

Ray Brown called him ’The Genius’ but Wynton Marsalis said it best: “Man, James Morrison can play!”

When asked about his extraordinary career, James declared, ‘This is just the warm-up!’.

Grab your family and friends and prepare to be blown away!

The James Morrison Sextet ft. Mat Jodrell and Carl Mackey – Thursday, 14th of December 2023:

Join us for an evening of jazz with multi-instrumentalist James Morrison.

Performing over two huge nights, this intimate concert is an exceptional opportunity to experience one of Australia’s most talented and versatile jazz musicians, with a brand new group featuring Mat Jodrell (trumpet) and Carl Mackey (alto sax) performing for the first time here in Sydney!

Renowned globally as one of the finest jazz players of his generation, James Morrison is not only a trumpet virtuoso, but a complete showman.

James started playing professionally at age 13 and has a stellar professional career behind him: he has performed alongside the best jazz musicians of our generation and has had the privilege of performing for the President and First Lady of the United States.

Known throughout the world for his sheer brilliance as a jazz musician, educator, and all-round entertainer, James is also the founder of the James Morrison Academy of Music in Mount Gambier, he is constantly on the move, performing wherever fine music has an audience.

Ray Brown called him ’The Genius’ but Wynton Marsalis said it best: “Man, James Morrison can play!”

When asked about his extraordinary career, James declared, ‘This is just the warm-up!’.

Grab your family and friends and prepare to be blown away!

The unique sonic texture of saxophone, bass and drums in a chordless trio format, presented by Sonny Rollins in the 50's & 60's, was coined by Sonny himself as 'Strolling'.

Tonight, Carl Mackey - saxophone, Ben Hanlon - double bass, and Danny Fischer - drums, will get strolling through some famous trio repertoire from this period and beyond.

But don't let the laconic title deceive you. They will be digging in!

Bookings: uptownjazzcafe@email.com

Doors at 7:30, music from 8:30pm.

Barney Mcall -piano
Carl Mackey -tenor sax
Hugh Stuckey – guitar
Felix Bloxsom -drums
Blakely McClean – bass

Playing All New Music

Moonlit riddles in the river’s quiet flow, Harmony and dissonance, an eternal woe. Pulses of qi, where East and West entwine, In the tea-stained echoes, a secret sign. Through the misty guqin, echoes of the past, musical codes sprout like cryptic seeds. Astralese ballet of the paradoxical. New music sprouts a spectral dread.

Award-winning composer, arranger and conductor Vanessa Perica has quickly become one of the most exciting voices in Australian jazz.

Premiering her new album at MIJF 2023, Perica’s dynamic and exhilarating 18-piece ensemble features some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians – hailing from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth – and including Jamie Oehlers, Julien Wilson, Ben Vanderwal, Mat Jodrell and Andrea Keller. Together, this formidable jazz orchestra unites to bring to life original compositions by one of the country’s most innovative jazz talents.

Perica’s debut album, Love is a Temporary Madness, was met with widespread acclaim – named one of the best Australian albums of 2020 by The Guardian, winner of the Best Jazz Album at the Music Victoria Awards, ‘Work of the Year’ at the APRA Art Music Awards and Australian Jazz Bell Awards, and nominated for the prestigious Australian Music Prize.

Supported by NY-based pianist Matthew Sheens, whose genre-bending style and limitless technique has seen him showered in accolades worldwide, this is an evening not to be missed.

'Friendly Fire'

The tradition of duelling saxophones was born long ago in the early battle grounds of jazz.

From the early pairings of Lester Young and Coleman Hawkins, the likes of Illinois Jacquet and Flip Phillips, Gene Ammons and Sonny Stitt, Johnny Griffin and Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis, and countless others have come together to engage in friendly fire.

Tonight, Paul Williamson and Carl Mackey will join forces to celebrate some great swinging sounds from this wonderful tradition, and deliver a night of hard hitting music.

Joined by the swinging rhythm section of…Mark Fitzgibbon - piano, Sam Anning - bass, and Ollie Shute - drums, this is going to be one you don’t want to miss!

https://pariscat.checkout.roller.app/product/656505?date=20230630#/sessions

Photos by Roger Mitchell and Laki Sideris

Carl Mackey takes to the stage with an exciting lineup comprising long time musical comrades, Mat Jodrell on trumpet, and Grant Windsor at the piano. Filling out the rhythm section is the hard swinging Harry Morrison on bass, and young lion Ollie Shute on the drums.
Mackey, Jodrell and Windsor are co-leaders of award winning group, Speedball.
This will be a night of hard hitting, hard swinging music. Don’t miss this one!

Ministry of Sound Classical is a celebration of the greatest moments in dance music. Join us on Saturday 18th March at the Entertainment Quarter and experience your favourite dance floor anthems, reimagined by the sensational Ministry of Sound Orchestra with guest vocalists Miss Connie, Lady Lyric, Karina Chavez, Rudy, Nat Conway, and Solomon Pitt.

https://youtu.be/vqM_qprhIbU

This special concert is a celebration of the 83rd birthday – and ongoing career - of the highly regarded pianist/composer/educator Dr. Tony Gould, the 2011 Australian Jazz Award “Hall of Fame”. Joined by long-time colleagues Ben Robertson (double bass) and Tony Floyd (drums), he will play two sets with different combinations of guests, who include Angela Davis (alto saxophone), Michelle Nicolle (vocals) and Carl Mackey (alto saxophone), as well as the masterful veteran John Hoffman (trumpet and flugelhorn), who is based in northern N.S.W.

Carl Mackey Quartet Live at Uptown Jazz Cafe.

Carl Mackey - saxophones, Mark Fitzgibbon - piano, Harry Morrison - bass, Dave Beck - drums.

Doors at 7:30, show at 8:30

Tony Gould & Carl Mackey launch their new duo release, ‘To begin at the beginning’. They will be joined by the brilliant guitarist, Stephen Magnusson.

Groove Terminator and the Ministry of Sound Orchestra celebrate 30 years of dance music in a reimagined orchestral spectacular! Featuring guest vocalists Miss Connie, Reigan, Lady Lyric, Rudy, Karina Chavez and Solomon Pitt.

This Saturday night features a brand new lineup!
Saxophonist, Carl Mackey takes to the stage with a world class rhythm section to deliver a night of hard hitting jazz.

Carl Mackey - saxophones
Brett Williams - piano
Sam Anning - double bass
Sam Bates - drums

Music from 8:30pm
Booking recommended:
uptownjazzcafe@email.com

Groove Terminator and the Ministry of Sound Orchestra celebrate 30 years of dance music in a reimagined orchestral spectacular! Featuring guest vocalists Miss Connie, Reigan, Lady Lyric, Rudy, Karina Chavez and Solomon Pitt.

In 1947, trumpeter Miles Davis, saxophonist Gerry Mulligan and composer Gil Evans went into the studio to record the classic Nonet album “The Birth Of The Cool”. The unusual instrumentation (French horn and tuba included), and original arrangements produced a unique, lush sound not really heard before.
In 2006, Melbourne trumpeter Gianni Marinucci formed his nonet for a performance of this wonderful music at the Melbourne International Festival of Brass. After the success of that concert, the Gianni Marinucci Nonet has gone on to delight audiences with its performances of this classic repertoire from the life of Miles Davis.
Exclusive to the Paris Cat, and fresh from a sold out performance at the 2013 Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Nonet features the best players in Melbourne playing the classic arrangements from the Birth Of The Cool, plus new material composed by members of the group, all inspired by the original Lush, Swinging sound of Miles’ original group.
You will not hear another sound like this!

Vocals: Emma Gilmartin
Trumpet: Gianni Marinucci
Alto Sax: Lachlan Davidson
Baritone Sax: Carl MAckey
Trombone: Nick Mulder
French Horn: Rosie Savage
Tuba: Dan Gordon
Piano Darrin Archer
Bass: Ben Robertson
Drums: TBC