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Due to budget cuts, ABC Radio National has axed a number of it’s music programs.

It’s a sad day indeed.

As of today, these programs will no longer be aired via the analogue signal broadcast.

The programs include; The Daily Planet, The Inside Sleeve, The Live Set, The Rhythm Divine and Jazztrack.

Without these programs, how will ABC Radio National possibly “reflect the cultural diversity of the Australian community”?

My inspiration

Watching the amazing bassist Marcus Shelby (video below) play Jitterbug Waltz, evokes childhood memories of my Mum playing the same tune on piano many years ago.

My mum, a former jazz piano player, is my greatest inspiration! She is the reason why I chose to be a jazz musician.

As a jazz lover, mum avidly listened to Mal Stanley’s Jazztrack on ABC.

It is sad that my mum and others like her, particularly those in Regional Australia, will not be tuning in any more to Jazztrack on Radio National.

You can help out by signing the petition on Save RN Music.

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Rejuvenate, celebrate, this is Spring!

I’m excited about all my upcoming Spring and Summer gigs, indoors and outdoors!

First up… Smiths on Thursday!! Then the lovely Rodney’s Garden Cafe this Sunday!

I think the term Spring Fever really resonates with everyone in Canberra.

There is a certain vitality in the air. Flowers, blossoms a plenty, an abundance of outdoor activities, arts and live music!

We are also not quite sure if we’re ready to leave the comfort of our home. The evenings and morning are still cold… and will I need a jacket if I venture out?

Will that outdoor gig be on? Will the rain stop?

Then we get a whiff of that spring air and energy abounds.

We don’t care about the weather.

We spring into action!

“Whether the weather be cold or
Whether the weather be hot
Whatever the weather, we’ll weather the weather whether we like it or not!”
– Anonymous

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Bella Groove is playing at Pheast Manuka this Sunday March 15th, we’d love you to see you there!

Come on down for a laid-back afternoon at Pheast with fine food, great company and some cool grooves!

Peter Barta will play bass with some groovy effects pedals. Jonathan Mao will play some bluesy licks on his guitar.

Last but not least, drummer Jon Nourse from The Black Hats Band will set the blues & swing rhythms for the day!

 

 

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Thanks to Eric Pozza of Canberra Jazz blog for his complimentary post.

Bella Groove certainly had a great time playing at the Hippo Co on the 14th January. It was great to see people get up and dance to our Latin & Jazz blues numbers in the last set!

We tried some new tunes this time, including: Beatrice by Sam Rivers, Stolen Moments by Oliver Nelson, a jazzy interpretation of Temptation by Tom Waits.

Joe Taylor, tenor sax player was an added bonus. He was called in short notice and did a fantastic job.

We look forward to our next gig at the fabulous Hippo Co bar!