It's now old news that the oldest jazz and blues club in Australia, The Basement closed its doors last month.
It's not the first time a music venue has closed, particularly in recent years, nor that a jazz club has moved. Galapos Duck original Willy Qua has reminisced about relocations. Still a band member, he was an early under age drummer at the Rocks Push.
Galapagos Duck who played at two Rocks Push locations, has become one of the best-known jazz bands in Australia. The band appears in the pages of many jazz history books and has received awards both in Australia and internationally, and not only become a household name, but has had a significant influence on young musicians over the years through its many recordings, original music scores, performances and music workshops here and overseas.
In 1973, The Duck opened the renowned Sydney Basement Jazz Club and were the house band for years. This month, Galapagos Duck perform in Cafe Woodworks in a show titled From the Basement to Bungendore. And the music lives.
For our lifetimes, The Basement has been the quintessential jazz venue for five decades showcasing local performers from Renee Geyer, to James Morrison, Kate Ceberano and more. Including an amazing array of international and renowned guests. The sound, as well as the vibe was keen, and only three years ago The Basement underwent a major renovation.
Now, musical entrepreneur and property developer, Albert Dadon has acquired the name and assets of Sydney’s jazz club The Basement and plans to reopen it as soon as possible. Mr Dadon is now examining possible CBD locations for the club. And he is appealing to the public and others to suggest a suitable venue.
"I was saddened to see The Basement close its doors. It was a loss to the cultural health of the city and Australia" Dadon said.
“I hope that with the help of those who are committed to retain and reinvigorate Sydney’s music scene we will find an ideal new location of The Basement.’
A leading jazz guitarist himself Dadon (stage name Albare) has long demonstrated his vision and passion for live music. He rescued the Melbourne International Jazz Festival when the City of Melbourne cut its funding in 2000. Under his leadership the Festival grew from 5,000 visitors in 2001 to more than 200,000 by the time he stepped down in 2009.
In 2002 Mr Dadon established the annual Australian Jazz Bell Awards (named after Australian legend and patron of the event the late Graeme Bell, AO) to celebrate excellence in Australian jazz scene. Today ‘the Bells’ are the most prestigious awards in the Australian jazz calendar.
Mr Dadon opened Bird’s Basement, below his Jazz Corner Hotel at 350 Williams St. in Melbourne’s CBD in March 2016 and committed himself to make it one of the world’s most renowned. Today, the club, a sister venue of Manhattan’s Birdland, regularly features world class musicians and is recognised internationally as Australia’s premier jazz venue.
As Albare, he often performed at the Sydney Basement. He has recorded 11 albums. With his long time pianist companion Phil Turcio, their band, Urbanity, and their album Urban Soul album, this year enjoyed Billboard chart and critical success in the United States. Urban Soul is distributed in Australia by MGM.
Mr Dadon is determined to make The Basement a must stopover for tourists and a regular experience for Sydney and regional jazz enthusiasts.
“I would love to provide Sydneysiders with a wonderful 21st century experience, similar to what we've created in Melbourne at Bird’s Basement’ he says. And The Basement lives on.
