The Jazzlab Thursday Dec 11 Doors 7pm Show 7.30pm

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Barnett/Anning/Anderson (Germany /Aus)

Shannon Barnett: Trombone, Voice

Sam Anning: Bass

Kyrie Anderson: Drums

Internationally acclaimed trombonist Shannon Barnett returns to Australia to perform with this new trio of old friends. Currently based in Germany after a stint in New York, Barnett is one of Australia's best known jazz exports, having performed as a member of the WDR Big Band, as well as with a wide variety of local and international artists. She will join two kindred spirits in Sam Anning and Kyrie Anderson for a set of delicate and deep explorations. 

Shannon Barnett is an Australian trombonist and composer, currently based in Cologne, Germany.

She established herself as an important voice in the Australian scene by performing in ensembles including Vada, The Bamboos, The Vampires, and as a guest with the Andrea Keller Quartet, on the 2004 ABC Jazz release Angels and Rascals. Barnett has also appeared with the Australian Art Orchestra, Charlie Haden, Barney McAll's Mother of Dreams and Secrets feat. Kurt Rosenwinkel, and from 2009-2010, she worked as a multi-instrumentalist and composer with the contemporary circus group Circus Oz.

In 2010, Barnett released her debut album as a leader, entitled 'Country', on the Which Way Music label. After attending a workshop at the Banff centre in Canada in the same year, Barnett was inspired to relocate to New York City, where she completed a Master of Music degree. There she performed with the likes of Darcy James Argue's Secret Society, Pedro Giraudo, Cyrille Aimée and the Jon Faddis Jazz Orchestra of New York and was a regular member of the Birdland Big Band. 

In early 2014, she moved to Cologne, Germany, to take up a position with the WDR Big Band, which gave her the opportunity to perform with guests including Vince Mendoza, Ron Carter, Joshua Redman, Maria Schneider and Paquito D'Rivera. She has also become very active in the local scene. Her quartet, featuring Stefan Karl Schmid, David Helm and Fabian Arends released their debut album 'Hype' in 2016 on Double Moon/Challenge Records, followed by 'Bad Lover' (2022 - Toy Piano Records) and 'Alive at Loft' (2023 - klaeng records). 

In addition to her work as a trombonist she has composed and presented the work 'Dead Weight' for musicians and fitness studio, and released the album Wolves and Mirrors, for voice, trombone, trumpet, cello and drums.  She released her debut album as a singer-songwriter, 'How Much is the Moon?' in June 2025 and performed it live together with the EOS Chamber Orchestra as an invited artist at the Monheim Triennale.

Since April 2019 she has been Professor for Jazz Trombone at the Hochschule für Musik und Tanz in Cologne, Germany.  

In 2020 she received the WDR Jazz Prize for Improvisation and in 2022 she received the German Jazz Prize in the brass instrument category.

The Wardells

Lauren Henderson - conductor

Sopranos:

Ruby Zoontjens

Isobel Richardson

Willow Rist

Lauren Logozzo

Altos:

Grace Northam

Amy Harriott

Sienna Vacca

Maisie Aitken

Ciara Ferguson (piano)

Lachlan Durrans (drums)

Emerging from South Australia's prestigious Elder Conservatorium, The Wardells, named in honour of the great Anita Wardell, are a dynamic vocal jazz ensemble comprised of eight exceptional young vocalists. With a passion for innovation and tradition, they deliver an inspiring mix of jazz standards and original works by local and international female composers and arrangers.

Born in 2025, The Wardells, an SSAA only jazz choir, is a tribute to the exceptional career of Anita Wardell, one of Australia’s leading jazz vocalists. Named in her honour, The Wardells were established to inspire and showcase Australia’s next generation of female jazz voices, fostering a deep appreciation for jazz and its rich traditions whilst embodying the spirit of innovation and excellence that Wardell herself represents.

Anita Wardell, the choir's namesake, made history as the first vocalist of The Elder Conservatorium to achieve international acclaim, paving the way for future generations of jazz vocalists. Her distinguished career as a jazz singer, renowned for her mastery of improvisation and vocal dexterity, earned her recognition both in Australia and abroad.

Wardell’s legacy is reflected in The Wardells commitment to pushing musical boundaries while maintaining a deep respect for the traditions of jazz. With a focus on ensemble work and individual artistry, the choir provides a platform for young singers to develop their skills in a collaborative and dynamic environment.

The Wardells’ repertoire spans classic jazz standards to contemporary arrangements, both accompanied and a cappella, showcasing their versatile vocal prowess. The choir’s arrangements highlight intricate harmonies and complex grooves, allowing each member to shine both individually and as part of a unified ensemble.

The Wardells continue to honour Anita Wardell's enduring influence on the jazz world, celebrating creativity, musicianship, and the power of voice in jazz, ensuring that her spirit lives on through the next generation of jazz performers.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewardells.adl/?hl=en