By Kath Gannaway
BENNETTS Lane Jazz Club will co-present “The TarraWarra Jazz Club” at TarraWarra Estate as part of the Yarra Valley Grape Grazing Festival.
Jazz singer Rebecca Mendoza will perform for the first time at TarraWarra Estate on Friday 13 February.
Australian Stage Online described Ms Mendoza as having “ … everything one may wish for in a jazz singer”.
The reviewer said: “One can tell that gospel and Billie Holiday had been an influence in the formation of her technique; the sound is, however, unique and thrillingly jazzy.”
Australian jazz singer Yvette Johansson makes a return to TarraWarra on Saturday 14 February. She, too, has had rave reviews.
“Yvette Johansson, inspired by Barbra Streisand, Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald, is Melbourne’s most exciting and versatile performer,” is how ABC Melbourne described Ms Johansson.
“Yvette has been wowing local and international audiences with her dynamic style and vocal excellence for many years. Yvette channels Ella Fitzgerald like no other.”
TarraWarra Estate has strong jazz history.
“We have been partnering by way of sponsorship, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival for some years,” said spokeswoman Leah Keath.
“This was originally brought about by the Besen family connection with Albert Dadon, former artistic director of the International Jazz Festival, and this partnership has continued to thrive.”
The relationship between TarraWarra Estate and Bennetts Lane Jazz Club is also long-standing with TarraWarra Estate wines regularly featured on its wine list. Bookings are essential. Phone Darren Fraser on 5957 3510.