Jazz

In June 1959, singer Nancy Wilson hopped on a train and went to New York City to pursue her dream. By the end of the year, she got a regular gig at the famed Blue Morocco, was signed to Capitol Records, and had recorded her first album, Like In Love. She’d go on to become the most successful “song stylist” ever to emerge from Columbus with three Grammys, an Emmy, over 100 albums, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Her career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on jazz, blues, R&B, and pop music. Often described as a “song stylist” rather than merely a jazz singer, Wilson had an unparalleled ability to bring each lyric to life with emotional depth, elegance, and a warm, honey-toned voice with just enough bite! Her phrasing was impeccable, and she could convey a story with such subtlety and nuance that listeners felt every word as if it were meant just for them.

Wilson’s versatility allowed her to effortlessly transition between genres, blending influences and styles to create a sound uniquely her own.
 Her 1964 hit “(You Don’t Know) How Glad I Am” showcased her crossover appeal, while albums like *Nancy Wilson/Cannonball Adderley* displayed her jazz chops alongside some of the greatest musicians of the time. Beyond her musical brilliance, Nancy Wilson was a trailblazer for African-American women in the entertainment industry, exuding grace and sophistication throughout her career. Her legacy is one of timeless artistry, where every note she sang remains a testament to her extraordinary talent and enduring influence on generations of vocalists to come.

On the 5th of December 2024, The Melaleuca Jazz Orchestra is proud to present 'The Music of Nancy Wilson' featuring Australia's own Trish Delaney-Brown.

About Trish Delaney-Brown:
As soprano with The Idea Of North (1993- 2008) Trish’s passion & talent for song writing was well utilised within the group, along with her arranging, & other contributions to the groups recordings and live shows. During her time with the group, The Idea Of North was the recipient of a number of awards and established a national and international reputation that saw them traveling widely and often throughout Australia, the USA, Asia and Europe for concert performances, festivals, workshops and master classes. In 2003 they were the first non-US act to win the worlds largest a cappella competition (The Harmony Sweepstakes) in its then 20 year history. Since retiring from The Idea of North in 2008, Trish has returned as a guest for celebratory concerts, and more recently returned to the soprano chair for a 6 month deputy contract (2017).
 Trish’s recording credits include numerous radio and television jingles; live television performances both with The Idea of North and as a solo artist; featured solo and backing vocals on a number of CDs for other artists; her own debut CD of original material ‘Only the Beginning’; and a cappella quartet ‘The Idea of North’s’ six CDs along with their live concert DVD released in 2007. Trish was named Songwriter of the Year by the Australian Songwriters Association (2003) ; was awarded ‘Best Jazz Song” in the 2005 CARA’s (USA); “Best jazz Fusion/Gospel Song” and “Best Gospel Lyric” in the 2007 Australian Gospel Music Awards as well as being shortlisted for Jazz Songwriting in the 2009 and 2017 APRA Development Awards. Trish is also an ABC Jazz Digital artist, her 2017 release ‘The Game’ being shortlisted for the ARIA’s Best Jazz Album 2018.

The Melaleuca Jazz Orchestra are a Sydney based big band featuring some of Australia's leading jazz musicians and big band musicians. Led by Elsen Price and co-directed by James Ryan and Stu Vandegraaff, the band has performed consistent sold-out gigs in the Sydney area, with a band featuring some of Australia's most respected music veterans and highly talented emerging players.

Personnel:

Trish Delaney-Brown - Vocals

Flynn Poppleton, Josh Hunter and Lachlan McKenzie - Trumpets

Lee Orszacsky, Rhys Moore and Molly James - Trombones

Stu Vandegraaff, James Ryan, Stephan Schafer and Tom Spencer - Saxophones

Casey Golden, Elsen Price and Nic Cecire - Rhythm

**First in Best Dressed so get there early to grab a seat**

7pm Doors/ Restaurant 🍹 🍕
8.30pm band 🎵