FUNK FACULTY
A double bill by Hiromi (Japan) and MACEO PARKER (USA)

10 Mar 06
Concert Hall
7.30pm

from $48

Maceo Parker
Hiromi
Maceo Parker
Hiromi

Opening Mosaic Music Festival on a high note is a musical genius combination. This adrenaline-pumping double bill by King of Funk Maceo Parker and jazz pianist Hiromi is a clear promise of things to come for the next 10 days.

"... a really legendary person". - Ani DiFranco, singer, song writer and guitarist.

Maceo Parker is the breathing pulse that connects the history of funk in one golden thread, unravelling dance music down to its core. Aptly hailed as King of Funk, Maceo Parker is the leader of the tightest funk band on earth. This giant talent has played with the likes of James Brown and George Clinton, and stretched all the way out with Bootsy's Rubber Band. His versatility has led him to perform and collaborate with artists ranging from Ray Charles, Ani DiFranco, James Taylor to Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Dave Matthews band. Prince, who, after collaboration on the record-breaking Musicology Tour, now calls him "Teacher".

Hiromi sparks up the opening concert with Tony Grey on bass guitar and Martin Vaihora on drums. Singled out as Asia's brightest star, Hiromi is the 26-year-old Japanese pianist who caught the attention of Oscar Peterson, Ahmad Jamal and Chick Corea. The latter spotted her at Yamaha School when she was only 17 and brought her on stage the very next day. Hiromi mixes jazz, funk, pop, and electronic music in wildly creative, original compositions. Her 2003 Telarc debut, Another Mind, was awarded Jazz Album of the Year by the RIAJ (Recording Industry Association of Japan).

(150mins, with intermission)