Renowned jazz guitarist JCStylles has a dream, and that dream is to perform with his jazz quartet on Sydney harbour for the masses, while soaking up the sunset and the spectacular views of the harbourscape in all its coastal glory.
That dream came alive when his band ‘The JC Stylles Jazz Warriors’ teamed up with Sydney Princess Cruises (sydneyprincesscruises.com.au) on a glorious Sunday afternoon - and by glorious I mean the heavens heard JCStylle’s cry for some ‘sorely needed nightlife’ on the harbour – and the cyclonic rains that had been pounding all weekend, parted for the three serendipitous hours while sailing. This really is no joke because once we disembarked, the rain pelted down again. The Gods I thought, must like him.
So who is JC Stylles (aka Jason Campbell), and why does he want to serenade Sydney Harbour with jazz music?
MC Drew De Carvahlo, in all his voiceover splendour, and a fellow Aussie based in New York, tells us that Mr Stylles, a jazz musician from a young age, became a fixture on the New York jazz scene when he moved there in 2005 performing with all the greats including Woody Shaw and George Benson, before returning to Australia.
Now back in Australia he is on a mission to play what he calls ‘New York City-Centric Jazz’; hard swinging, energetic music, promising to ‘make one feel alive’.
‘I want to develop the authentic jazz club experience for those who want to escape the weariness of the world for a few hours’; Sydney harbour providing even more of an oasis.
‘By taking it on the water,’ he adds, ‘it’s creating an alternate universe. Like going to a private party, where the energy is high and you can find where you want to hang out.’
During the night we explored all three levels: we had cocktails with the romantic couple on the second level, watched the band and danced on the ground floor, and partied and danced on the top deck while cruising under the harbour bridge. By the end of the cruise, new friendships and connections were made: including the random couple from Melbourne who jumped on board at the last minute, dancing up a storm (literally) by night’s end.
With a stellar crew dishing up a delicious flow of food, from juicy cutlets to fresh scallops, hotdogs drizzled in mustard and burrata cheese wrapped in prosciutto, washed down with endless sparkling, and a Blue Skies margarita, all elements fused perfectly as we sailed along the ‘the circle’: from Circular Quay, to Watson’s Bay, Kirribilli, and Pyrmont, with views of iconic landmarks like the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge, the Botanical Gardens, Luna Park, Fort Denison and Taronga Zoo.
While the music meandered between swing, ballads and funk and groove, reminiscent of those New York Harlem clubs, it was cruising Sydney harbour that made it so special. Iconic landscapes, a beautiful sunset made misty and moody by the rain, with ferries slumbering over the waves, the beauty was also being able to customise your own experience: whether you wanted to reflect, chill, socialise, or play cupid, we all left with hearts full from the taste of pure jazz.
The next Sydney Harbour Sunset Jazz cruise is on February 15th, for Valentine’s weekend, with special guest Pat Powell doing a ‘Nat Kind Cole’ set.
For more information contact: www.sydneyprincesscruises.com.au
Reviewed by: Georgia Cassimatis