Friday Duos: Claire Patti & Jem Challender

THE COOLROOM  DYNAMIC DUOS SIXTY MINUTE SESSIONS
Claire Patti & Jem Challender
Friday 25 October at 8pm

Claire Patti of The Velvetones joins Jem Challender of The Anticlinal Fold for an intimate duo concert on piano, bringing together two distinctive musical voices for an evening of texture, melody and improvisation. Presented as a part of The Coolroom Dynamic Duos 60 Minute Sessions, the performance promises a point between Patti’s atmospheric, song-driven sensibility and Challender’s exploratory approach to sound and form.

Known through The Velvetones for music that balances warmth, emotion and cinematic colour, Claire Patti brings a graceful instinct for phrasing and a strong connection to the music. Jem Challender, the creative force behind The Anticlinal Fold, complements on the piano with a restless curiosity: rhythmic frameworks, unfolding harmonies and unexpected spaces that invite close listening.

This is a special night  for listeners who enjoy piano and vocal music with personality, atmosphere and a sense of adventure. Join Claire Patti and Jem Challender for a one-night duo performance: Friday 25 October, 8pm. Arrive ready to listen closely and let the music take its own course.

BIOS

Claire Patti

With her hauntingly beautiful voice and elegant harp accompaniment, Claire Patti draws on classical, jazz, folk and contemporary popular influences in her performances of original songs and pieces, traditional Irish and Scottish songs, jazz favourites and classical repertoire.

Claire sings and plays the harp and horn with various ensembles including rising stars Co-cheòl, who were crowned State Champion at the 2014 A Cappella Victorian State Champions. They placed 1st runner up at the 2014 National A Cappella Championships, winning additional awards for “Best Band” and “Best Comedy Song.”

She has featured as a solo performer and with Scottish band Taliska at folk festivals throughout Australia, and was awarded the “Female Vocalist of the Year” at the 2014 Australian Celtic Music Awards.

As a passionate conductor and choral singer, Claire performs with The Consort of Melbourne and was a long time member of internationally acclaimed ensemble The Australian Voices. She has worked with conductors of international acclaim, and her choirs are regular award-winners in competitions. 

Jeremy 'Jem' Challender

Jem a past winner of the Australian Songwriters Competition and a grand finalist in the UK Songwriting Contest. Jem studied improvisation and piano at the AIM under George Golla and Dave McRae. Jem then moved to the UK, spending 15 years playing and touring around the UK. Jem returned to Castlemaine seven years ago with a determination to collaborate with local musicians.

Jem is a musician and pianist whose work is shaped by curiosity, attentive listening and a love of musical discovery. Performing both independently and collaboratively, he creates music that moves between melodic intimacy, expansive texture and spontaneous improvisation.

Jem's band The Anticlinal Fold is a regular creative force in The Coolroom program and his generosity extends to his annual fundraising concert for Asylum Seekers. Gem has three daughters, Thomasina, Mary and Bertie who all contribute to The Coolroom program from time to time.