Wednesday, 3 June

It is a clear sign of a strong festival program when you find yourself wracked with indecision about what to see. Fact is, on this night, I was spoilt for choice. On offer was the première of Paul Grabowsky’s multi-part suite Nyilipidgi, performed by the Monash Art Ensemble, the Australian Art Orchestra, and the Young Wagilak Group from South East Arnhem Land. Previous collaborations, which yielded the Crossing Roper Bar recordings, were milestones in Australian jazz. Then, there was the première performance of pianist Barney McCall’s new album Mooroolbark. In the end, however, it was the one-off opportunity to hear American sax player Ellery Eskelin that decided the issue.