More talk than usual...

There was a bit of a different feel to the show this week with two interviews taking up most of the first hour of the program. I think it was justified though, with Kaz Mitchell from The Women Zone bringing Ann Vriend to the attention of Bent Notes. I have to admit that I didn't know much about Ann before the show but her music is great (it has a real fusion feel to it) and her gig at Manchester Lane on January 22nd will be well worth going to.
The second interview was with Sophie Brous, Program Director of the 2009 Melbourne Jazz Festival. Sophie is one of the most interesting (and busy!) people that I have interviewed and her energy and passion for music gives me a real sense that this year's festival may well go far to redeeming the disappointment of last year's. No news on the artists yet (even off air) but Sophie will be back as soon as the program is launched to talk in more detail. Apart from all that, Sophie has a gig this Saturday (24th January) at Bennett's Lane with the Stephen Magnusson Trio. The sample she played on the show was beautiful and I look forward to hearing more.
Apart from the interviews on the show, I managed to catch up with Tina Harrod earlier on on Sunday evening, so listen out this Sunday for that interview and the chance to win tickets to her Melbourne gigs.

When I finally did get around to playing some music I had a bit of a Mulgrew Miller theme which allowed me the chance to play some Robert Glasper, Cassandra Wilson and Oscar Peterson - it's amazing where jazz can take you...