Concert preview: Australian scat-singer headlines January Jazzfest

By Russ Tarby

Contributing Writer

Olivia Chindamo, an up-and-coming jazz diva from Australia, will headline the ninth annual Seneca Savings January Jazzfest on Sunday, Jan. 26, at the historic Mohegan Manor, 58 Oswego St., in the village of Baldwinsville.

Chindamo (pronounced “Kin-DAH-mo”) will be accompanied by one of Syracuse’s top saxophonists, Mike Dubaniewicz and his Micro Big Band. Dubaniewicz a veteran of the Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, and the Micro band often features bassist Tom Brigandi, saxophonist Joe Carello, trumpeter Jeff Stockham, keyboardist Dave Solazzo and trombonist Melissa Gardiner.

Olivia Chindamo is the daughter of Melbourne-based pianist/composer Joe Chindamo. Last year, her dad debuted a composition he wrote for her called “Fantaskatto – Fantasy for Voice and Orchestra” which aired over ABC-FM on Sept. 11, 2019.

After winning Australia’s Jazz Grammy, the 2016 Bell Award for “Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year,” she relocated from Down Under to the Big Apple where she became one of five finalists in the 2018 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition.

Whether Olivia soars on her father’s marvelous melodies or cooks like crazy on a high-pitched improvisation of Ray Noble’s “Cherokee,” her performances remain absolutely mesmerizing. She’s like a cross between Sarah Vaughan and Sissel.

Trumpeter Randy Brecker, who is a friend of her father’s, attests to the singer’s talent.

“She’s got the whole package,” Brecker said, “great sound, soul, pitch and amazing scatting abilities.”

Her debut album “Keep an Eye on Spring” (2015) includes tunes such as “It Could Happen to You,” and “But Not for Me.” Two tracks — “On the Sunny Side of the Street” and “Cheek to Cheek” — each feature Olivia’s lively scat interplay with the trumpet.

Last year an interviewer asked Olivia if scat singers follow any rules.

“Scat rules are there are no rules,” she answered. “It’s like fight club. You’re singing and playing what you feel in the moment, kind of like a conversation.”

Although she scats like a be-bopper, Olivia holds jazz the Great American Songbook close to her heart. Sunday’s B’ville audience may hear tunes such as “All of Me,” “In the Wee Small Hours” and “Pennies from Heaven.”

Olivia Chindamo will sing with the Micro Big Band at 4:30 p.m. in the W.F. Morris Ballroom, on Mohegan Manor’s third floor. Meanwhile, live music will fill the manor’s lower-level Club Room, first-level barroom and second-level Grey Room from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Advance-sale tickets are available for $25 at cnyjazz.org. Admission at the door costs $30, or $15 for students; 315-479-5299.