With the return of Jazz High Tea at the Arts Centre we can again experience sweet treats, bubbly and smooth jazz on a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
We were welcomed at the door with a glass of bubbly before arriving at our table covered with a luxurious spread of house-made cakes, sandwiches, savouries and scones. The food was complemented with freshly brewed tea and coffee throughout the afternoon.
This session of the high tea featured the jazz ensemble Andrew Swann Trio paying homage to the great Oscar Peterson. Starting with a range of blues music, the trio moved through gospel jazz to classical jazz with poise and ease. Oscar Peterson himself would have enjoyed the interpretations and variations of his music made by the Andrew Swann Trio. The Trio captivated the audience with their music and the high tea stood still in time while they played.
The entire high tea session lasted around 105 minutes. In the intermission, black-and-white footage was shown on a screen displaying some of the greats playing jazz. It was amazing to see this footage as one doesn’t often get the opportunity to see this. It added to the ambience and uniqueness of the afternoon.
The Trio provided some of the most beautiful jazz music with some insightful anecdotes of Oscar Peterson’s life. As the jazz played in the background it was easy to get lost in the moment, forgetting that there is life outside of the room.
I would strongly recommend coming here and experiencing this. Each Sunday has a different musician so in theory one could come every time it is on and listen to something new.
Arts Centre Melbourne’s Jazz High Tea was one of the most relaxing and most beautiful afternoons I have spent in Melbourne.
– Angela
Angela is a lover of fine food and all things jazz.
Jazz High Tea at Arts Centre Melbourne runs the first Sunday of the month until August 2017. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is accessible.
