Jade Lumbewe

THE VANGUARD (27/2/08) Jade Lumbewe cut an impish figure in a red dress and tousled hair. The fresh bossa of ‘You’re Always With Me’ opened her set with verve and confidence. Backed by four solid musicians who responded to her direction as if connected via ethereal touch screens, Lumbewe’s compositions dove around time signatures and tempos whilst still maintaining an accessible jazz-pop aesthetic. ‘Little Spoon’s Love Story’ was a perfect example of this, with the changes seamless and the song instantly familiar, even for a first listening. ‘Autumn’ was captivating. Played as a trio, it showcased both Lumbewe’s capacity for vocal improvisation in a jazz style, Hugh Barrett’s propensity for choosing luminous and apposite harmonic colours. Less captivating were her two cover choices. The Beach Boys’ ‘God Only Knows’ and Kermit’s ‘Rainbow Connection’ felt a bit Karaoke for my liking - especially within the Japanese themed context of the night. However, Lumbewe’s original music, reminiscent of a jazz inspired Fiona Apple, has sophistication beyond her years. It was performed with humour, grace and sincerity. - Donne Restom, Drummedia 11/3/08.



"… Jade Lumbewe is a tremendous song writer; her compositions are sophisticated and reminiscent of the best of Joni Mitchell meets Stephen Sondheim. A stylish vocalist, her performance is always compelling and engaging." – Craig Scott (bassist, educator, Head of Jazz Studies Sydney Conservatorium)



Graduating from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music with Jazz Vocals in 2008, Jade Lumbewe has performed at Sydney’s most notable live music venues including The Basement, The Vanguard, The Brass Monkey, Candy’s Apartment and Soup Plus.



Her music is lyrical and harmonically rich with clever narratives throughout her songs. Incorporating interesting compositional techniques, her songs allow improvisation within defined structures while still appealing to lovers of popular music.



The 5-piece band, who have been together over two years, are working toward an album recording at the end of the year; exploring different instrumentations, structures and timbres to give the ensemble and compositions a unique flavour.



Jade is also involved in "Dub-Hop" outfit Sunset Retirement Club and arranging her original material for Judy Bailey’s 19-piece big band, Jazz Connection.

Jade Lumbewe is a dynamic performer able transport audiences into her headspace with her warm personality and amusing stage persona.



‘…Ms Lumbewe is aspiring to utilize sounds, concepts and instrumentation that is drawing a great deal of interest to discerning listeners. Want to hear something different? Check out Jade's thing'. – Richard Maegraith (saxophonist, composer)



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