The Ben Winkleman Trio take centre stage at the Knox Community Art Centre.By Tania Martin
FOR a night of fabulous jazz don’t miss the Ben Winkleman Trio at the Knox Community Art Centre next month.
One of Melbourne’s hottest jazz acts, the trio’s repertoire consists entirely of original compositions.
Foothills people will be treated to the band’s modern interpretations of stride and early jazz and a range of Brazilian and African-Cuban rhythms on Saturday 16 February.
Trio frontman Ben Winkleman first started playing the piano when he was 10 but he soon found a passion for the drums and joined an anarchist punk band at 14.
Winkleman then went on to study with Paul Grabowsky and former Jazz Messenger Mickey Tucker.
After completing a degree in music, Winkleman spent time travelling around Europe, which is where he formed his Brazilian and Cuban musical influences.
On his return to Melbourne, Winkleman began exploring other musical interests that had previously been sidelined for jazz.
He started playing Cuban music using the drums and bass and had some success with the pioneering ‘live electronica’ group Ping, which he played with at many Australian festivals.
But Winkleman never lost his passion for jazz and continued to play and refine his talent.
In 2003 he travelled to New York to further his study of music before returning to his jazz roots and forming the Ben Winkleman Trio.
The trio will entertain foothills residents with their unique jazz combination at the Knox Community Art Centre on the corner of Mountain Highway and Scoresby Road, Bayswater, on Saturday 16 February.
Tickets are now on sale and cost $20 for adults, $14.50 for concession and $12.50 for students.
To find out more or to make a booking call 9729 7287.
