DEC 11 - Janine Maunder and the Flying Cowboys

The Music of Rickie Lee Jones

early show 6.30PM support Grace Robinson w/Brett Williams

late show 8.30PM support Amethyst Jane w/Brett Williams

early show doors 6pm Show 6.30pm

Tickets HERE $39/35

late show doors 8.30pm Show 9.00pm

Tickets HERE $39/35

Bookings essential

Janine Maunder and The Flying Cowboys:

The music of Rickie Lee Jones.

Janine Maunder is one of Australia’s most in demand and experienced contemporary singer songwriters. From writing, recording and touring out of Berlin for a decade with chamber-pop band naked raven, to releasing her own recordings in Australia and internationally, while also working constantly as a session singer, Janine’s voice has been described as “clear and fragile like glass, soft, powerful, touching. Somehow full of magic which everybody will fall victim to. Defence is useless.”

Her latest project “Flying Cowboys” was born out of a love and respect for the song craft, arrangements and performances of the early album recordings of Rickie Lee Jones. From 1979-1989, Rickie Lee Jones recorded four albums of purely original material, collaborating with artists and musicians such as Donald Fagen and Walter Becker (Steely Dan), Randy Newman, Michael MacDonald, the Brecker Brothers and Steve Gadd.

Playing a selection of songs from her self-titled Grammy nominated debut, plus “Pirates”, “The Magazine” and “Flying Cowboys”, this 9-piece band shines a light on these particular four albums, honouring the arrangements and performances captured on these recordings.

This show is not just for the Rickie Lee Jones fans, but for anyone who appreciates timeless, well-crafted music.

The band features a stellar line-up of Melbourne’s finest.

Janine Maunder – lead vocal

Kathleen Halloran – guitar

Brett Rosenberg – piano

Gavin Pearce - bass

Darryn Farrugia – drums

Harriett Allcroft – backing vocals

Sean Donehue – backing vocals

Andy O’Connell – saxophone

Kellie Santin - saxophone

Grace Robinson

Grace Robinson returns to the Jazzlab for her first solo show since lockdowns farewell, accompanied by her friend and mentor Brett Williams (Lauren Hill, Mac Miller, Robert Glasper). Performing a combination of originals and interpretations, the duo will explore the nuances of jazz harmony, and the ways in which it manifests in contemporary pop and folk music. Grace’s vocal abilities are versatile and demonstrate stylistic clarity beyond her 21 years. Her innovative ability to navigate through multiple genres in order to showcase her voice to its greatest extent is a testament to her curious mind and musical creativity. After recent years working and writing alongside luminary Barney McAll, sharing the stage with those such as Sam Anning and Julian Wilson, she is beginning to solidify her voice and vision as a young woman in jazz.

Brett Williams

Brett Williams began his journey as a pianist at the age of four. At this time, he was also playing the drums and improvising. Williams was influenced by and brought up on funk, gospel and jazz music. At nine years old, Williams was performing locally in his home town Pittsburgh; by his teens, he was making a name for himself on the jazz scene nationally. In 2013, Williams was invited to work with the multi-Grammy-award-winning bassist Marcus Miller (Miles Davis, Luther Vandross). Williams continued to tour with Marcus Miller for six years and is featured as a performer and writer on the latest Grammy-nominated recording, Laid Black.

Williams has performed with artists and musicians including Stevie Wonder, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Mumford and Sons, Billy Joel, Chris Thile, Mino Cinelu, Kevin Garrett, Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper, Jose James, Sean Jones, Keyon Harrold, and Charles Haynes. He has also performed regularly with Jon Batiste on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Williams has already accomplished a significant level of experience on the bandstand and more recently in the studio as well. It is Williams’ openness to a wide range and myriad of musical styles and genres, his “old soul”, and his musical honesty that have helped him create and mold a dynamic sound and voice as a pianist and composer. He released his debut EP S3asons in July 2019 and a new single “Belief” in December 2020, co-written with Kate K-S. Williams and K-S (B+K) are releasing their debut duo record in November 2021.

Amethyst Jane

With her rich voice and compelling storytelling, Melbourne based singer-songwriter Amethyst Jane intertwines jazz, folk, and funk influences into her melodies.

Under the guidance of top Melbourne musicians, Amethyst is exploring her style and sound as she pursues a Bachelor of Jazz and Improv at VCA, and will be accompanied by the incredible talent of Brett Williams (USA),

Amethyst Jane’s music is threaded with inspiration from the likes of Erykah Badu, Nelly Furtado and Bjork, extending into the fields of heavy metal and rock, lovingly forced upon her by family since childhood.

Currently receiving formal training at VCA under the guidance of Nina Ferro, Brett Williams and Andrea Keller, Amethyst continues to experiment with the spaces of her voice and her thoughts to create honest and compelling music.