The Kate Wadey Quartet Jazz in the Valley!
Description
Arts in the Valley is delighted to present our first jazz concert of 2026 - an entertaining and sophisticated selection of well-known and original jazz featuring Sydney vocalist Kate Wadey supported by some of Australia's top jazz musicians.
Kate’s music celebrates both classic and contemporary jazz styles. Expect to enjoy well-known standards from the American Songbook as sung by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, as well as her own compositions - while her band will showcase the very best of Australian jazz musicianship. Her toe-tapping interpretations will leave you with a spring in your step and a song in your heart.
"Kate Wadey highlights two essential pillars of the jazz tradition: the immortal swing feel; and the slow ballad exploring life and love … Wadey represents the generation under 30, and she assembles some formidable talent." Eric Myers, The Weekend Australian.
Doors Open at 4:30pm
Two sets with a 20 minute intermission. Drinks and light refreshments available.
Lineup
Kate Wadey (vocals)
Kate is one of Sydney’s favourite jazz singers, gaining national recognition for her sweet, sure, and rich voice that exudes effortless charm and sophistication. She has performed at the Sydney Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival, WOMADelaide, Sydney City Recital Hall, Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival, Manly Jazz Festival, to name a few. Kate has released three albums: Forever Like This, Moon Songs and A Hundred Years From Today. Kate regularly is invited to perform at the Bennelong Sydney Opera House Restaurant, Quay Restaurant, Restaurant Hubert; and for designer brands such as BVLGARI, and Van Cleff Arpels. She performed at Russell Crow’s New Years Eve party. Kate regularly performs and records with the cream of Australia’s jazz musicians, including Andrew Dickeson, Dan Barnett, Matthew McMahon and Craig Scott. Kate’s musicians are recognised as some of Australia’s biggest talents.
Matt McMahon (piano)
Matt McMahon is one of Australia’s most outstanding jazz pianists. He has worked with many leading international and national jazz musicians and led his own renowned ensembles. Over the past three decades he has won many accolades and awards – including the Australian National Jazz Award (1999) and a Freedman Jazz Fellowship (2005). Based in Sydney he is now a teacher in the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Jazz Program. Matt has performed with many of Australia’s most distinguished musicians and groups including Vince Jones, The Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO), Dale Barlow, Joseph Tawadros, Gurrumul, Bernie McGann, Katie Noonan, Jonathan Zwartz, Steve Hunter, Jamie Oehlers, Emma Pask, Simon Barker, Andrea Keller, Sandy Evans, Carl Dewhurst, and Phil Slater. He has performed with many international stars including Wynton Marsalis, Veronica Swift, Bobby Previte, Greg Osby, Sharon Shannon, Bob Hurst, Aaron Goldberg, Mary Coughlan. He has acted as musical director for many shows/performances which have included artists such as Vince Jones, Kate Miller-Heidke, Wendy Matthews, Melinda Schneider, Iota and Ella Hooper.
Samuel Dobson (bass)
Samuel Dobson is an improvising double bassist and composer. Samuel has collaborated with an eclectic range of ensembles including performances with Monica Trapaga, Wadada Leo Smith, Geoff Bull, Cope St Parade, Prophets, Cor Fuhler, The Pocket Trio, Bob Henderson and many more. In recent years, Samuel has performed at many of Australia’s most renowned music festivals including WOMADelaide, Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Melbourne Jazz Festival, Sydney Fringe Festival, MONA Dark Mofo, and Adelaide Fringe Festival. He has toured extensively in Australia and abroad, including performances in New Zealand, Japan, Mali, Ethiopia, and Italy.
Tim Geldens (drums)
Tim Geldens is based in Sydney and is a graduate of The Sydney Conservatorium of Music Jazz Program. Tim has performed alongside many of Australia’s finest jazz musicians including Dale Barlow, James Morrison, Emma Pask, Brendan Clarke, David Panichi, Brett Hurst, Errol Buddle, Matt McMahon, Jonathan Zwartz and John Harkins. In recent years he has spent time in the US and enjoyed learning from some of his favourite drummers such as Kenny Washington, Lewis Nash, Pete Van Nosetrand and others. Tim has performed on many occasions at the Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Recital Centre, Sydney, Wangaratta and Melbourne jazz festivals, as well as at numerous international jazz festivals including Konsberg (Norway), and Tauranga and Waiheke Island (New Zealand).
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