Shimmering drum performance claims Australia’s most lucrative jazz prize

Drummer and composer James McLean has taken out Australia’s most lucrative jazz prize when he was last night named the 2016 Freedman Jazz Fellow.  McLean succeed in claiming the $20,000 cash prize against pianists Joseph O’Connor and Luke Sweeting following an epic play off at Freedman Jazz at the Sydney Opera House.

McLean’s admiration for the drums and keen kit work was on display as he opened his set with a solo piece that showcased an assortment of shimmering percussive tones entitled Every Sunday it Rains. Joining McLean onstage was band mates, bassist and 2012 Freedman Jazz Fellow Christopher Hale and guitarist Alistair McLean. The trio’s dynamic interplay swelled to clamorous heights in Uhuru, before McLean performed the energetic solo piece Boubacar which grooved and pulsated in an amalgamation of rhythmic patterns. McLean finished his winning performance with New Egypt, featuring guitarist Alistair McLean and demonstrating McLean’s ability as a composer as well as a drummer. 

2016 Judge and esteemed pianist/composer Stu Hunter presented the Fellowship prize, which also included a three day recording package at the ABC Studios courtesy of Media Partner ABC Jazz. Hunter, who spoke on behalf of the panel which included bassist Brendan Clarke and drummer Laurence Pike, said of the award “The Freedman Jazz Fellowship is a significant prize – it offers resources and the opportunity for artists to advance their careers and to explore a big idea. But it’s much more than that. The Fellowship is also a message to all jazz musicians in Australia, that your job is important, it is needed and it has value. It’s saying, work on your craft, fight for your ideas and realize your vision.  The judges unanimously believe that James thoroughly deserves this opportunity”.   

In an unusual twist, McLean also performed as the drummer in friend and fellow finalist Joseph O’Connor’s trio before leading his own winning performance. McLean has been the first drummer in the award’s fifteen year history to be named as a Freedman Jazz Fellow.

McLean, who cites his influences as Australian jazz vanguards, drummers Phil Treloar and Simon Barker, said of the prize “I’m truly honoured to join the roll call of Freedman Fellows. This award provides me an extraordinary opportunity to develop and record five new duo works with a selection of distinguished creative artists, Andrea Keller; Gian Slater; Simon Barker; Christopher Hale and Scott Tinkler”.

The Fellowship recognises excellence in the field of jazz and is awarded to a candidate under the age of 35 years who demonstrates exceptional artistic achievement. Candidates are nominated by jazz leaders from around the country. Each candidate must submit a career enhancing creative project in which their award money would be spent.