DOORS 1PM // KITCHEN OPEN // SHOW STARTS 2PM

Since 2014, The Bowie Project has captured jazz and Bowie fans alike with its dynamic and vibrant instrumental interpretations of the compositions of one of popular culture’s most iconic figures. Pianist, composer and broadcaster Adam Rudegeair (PBS 106.7fm Black Wax) deconstructs and re-imagines selections from David Bowie’s four-decade back catalogue – from deep cuts to hits. With humble beginnings as an acoustic jazz quartet, the sound and line-up of The Bowie Project continues to evolve with each album and performance. 

“Looking beyond the surface, the myth of Bowie, the pop iconography, the clothes, the alter-egos, the avatars, [Rudegeair] focuses instead on what is probably the most under-appreciated part of his work: the music itself. The Bowie Project presents David Bowie neither as a pop icon, nor as a songwriter – but as a composer who has written some fascinating, complicated melodies, full changes, and surprises.” Australianjazz.net 

Following the recording of their self-titled album in 2015, the group were invited to perform at the ‘Bowie Is…’ exhibition and symposium at ACMI. Adam was also engaged to perform his arrangements solo at the symposium opening night party. 

The sophomore release It’s Always Time was recorded live in 2018 across two performances at the Paris Cat, and featured an expanded horn section. 

2020 marked the 25th anniversary of Bowie’s future-noir art-rock album Outside, which inspired The Bowie Project’s third release Art Crime Inc., which was recorded by each musician in isolation during lockdown. 

Adam decided to continue his research on the Bowie oeuvre for his Masters studies at Box Hill Institute, which has resulted in a fourth album, Strange Changes, completed in January 2021. This album transitions from New Orleans band flavours into electric jazz, inspired by Herbie Hancock’s Headhunters era. 

The Bowie Project launched their fifth album Real Cool World in 2023 at The Jazzlab. 

Praise for The Bowie Project: "I enjoyed the CD. Very creative and great choice of tunes...lovely band too with cool arrangements." - Mike Garson (David Bowie's pianist)

“Rudegeair has a knack of picking out the melody and themes, allowing us a new appreciation of the originals while opening our ears to the possibilities of jazz. To do that via my all-time favourite songs, as a music listener, I could not ask for more!” -Adam Dean, Bowie Downunder 

“Jazz at its best. Virtuosic. Irreverent. Dangerous.” - Skylashes.com “…an inspired re-imagining and re-interpretation of Bowie’s brilliant songbook, that bears proof of Adam Rudegeair’s own brilliance as a pianist, arranger and jazzman.” - Nikos Fotakis, Australianjazz.net 

“The thing that deeply impresses me about this study is the depth of Mr Rudegeair’s understanding of the various stylistic elements of the jazz genre and his ability to situate the Bowie generative material into a variety of forms for jazz making (traditional and modern) it what appears to be a genuinely engaging and novel expression of jazz.” – Rob Vincs, VCA 

“Original in conception, expertly realised, with performances of the highest quality.”– Andrew Byrne, Box Hill Institute 

All releases by The Bowie Project can be found at Adam Rudegeair’s Bandcamp page.

This will be the first appearance for The Bowie Project at the Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday 14th April with two sets from 2pm. Doors 1pm. Reserved Seating and meal available.

TICKETING INFO 

Please have a digital or printed copy of your ticket ready on arrival along with a valid photo ID. Acceptable ID includes a current and valid Australian Photo Drivers Licence, State Approved ‘Proof of Age’ card or Passport.

The Brunswick Ballroom strives to improve our practices when it comes to sustainability and to reduce our carbon footprint. We don’t sell or provide plastic water bottles.

VENUE INFO 

THE BALLROOM MENU
The kitchen will be serving The Ballroom Menu for this show.
You can view the delicious offerings available by clicking here.

ACCESSIBILITY
The Brunswick Ballroom is Accessible.
The Brunswick Ballroom has made significant improvements to accessibility by installing an Acorn Chairlift. (Model: New Acorn Indoor 180 Curved Stairlift.)

VENUE FAQS
To find out more about the venue, FAQs can be viewed by clicking here.