SIMA Jazz Cool for School: July 26 Concert

The third in our 2012 jazz education series, this is one not to miss!

BE-BOP and BEYOND: Bernie McGann Quartet + Sean Coffin Brothers

Characterized by fast tempo, instrumental virtuosity and improvisation based on the combination of harmonic structure and melody, bebop goes a step further with these two key Australian bands, one led by alto legend Bernie McGann, who celebrates his 75th birthday this year and the other by high-energy tenor player Sean Coffin.

Saxophonist Bernie McGann is considered one of the most important modern jazz musicians in Australia. His tough, yet very lyrical sound and unique style where every note presses the listener with meaning, have enthralled audiences in Australia and overseas. McGann, whose ability to reinvent and re-imagine something fresh from familiar material is almost peerless, turns 75 this June and continues to inspire many younger artists, so come along and ask him anything about jazz - he knows it all!

Bernie McGann (saxophone) Warwick Alder (trumpet) Brendan Clarke (bass) Andrew Dickeson (drums)

The Coffin Brothers are a hard-driving, exciting hip, local group. With two fine albums behind them, including recent release Living In Apocalyptic Times, they combine technically brilliant playing with deeply expressive and soulful compositions, which showcase a love of the jazz tradition (with nods to many greats from Coltrane to Mehldau) while generating a strong contemporary sound.

Sean Coffin (saxophone) Greg Coffin (piano) Brett Hirst (bass) Simon Barker (drums)