This Sunday is the last Jazz Junction Live gig for the year. The band chosen for the final performance of 2007 is Velvet. Anyone who was lucky enough to be at Velvet’s debut gig at Jazz Junction Live back in July witnessed a magical first performance by some of Wagga’s most talented musicians. Velvet are a must see for all ages. The band was extremely popular at this year’s jazz festival with much of the audience having to listen from the hallways as performances were all packed out. Velvet are smooth, liquid, beautiful and soulful with a jazzy, laid back feel. The amazing vocals of Lauren Wilms are truly uplifting. She is able to deliver a highly emotional, sensitive performance that ranges from sweet and soulful to gutsy, blues-style wailing. She is joined by multi-instrumentalist Melanie Evans who will be performing on tenor and soprano saxophones, clarinet and flute. Melanie weaves lyrical melodic lines around the vocal material and then delivers powerful, raw, fearless solos. She is the daughter of well respected local jazz guitarist Pat O’Halloran. Lauren and Melanie are very fortunate to work with an outstanding rhythm section. They are highly skilled, highly interactive and impressive to watch. Guitarist Dave Biggin (ex-Funky Hillbillys) is a sensitive and supportive player. He has great ability as both a rhythm and lead guitarist. Drummer Anthony Stanislavski’s unique playing and use of percussion brings a myriad of flavours to the sound of Velvet. His style is reactive, playful and instinctual and always intriguing for the audience. Bassist Damian Evans is an amazing and creative musician with highly refined technique and years of experience. He will be playing electric upright and six-string electric bass. Velvet place their own jazz influenced style onto a wide variety of modern tunes, and the occasional jazz standard, giving them a unique sound. The artists covered include Ben Harper, Tracy Chapman, Damian Rice, Nora Jones, Portishead, Cindy Lauper, Sting, Ani Difranco, Cheryl Crow, Jimmy Hendrix, Tori Amos, Beth Orton, Radiohead and Corrine Bailey Rae. This Sunday’s gig will appeal to all ages. This is a great opportunity for children to see a wide variety of instruments played by these talented musicians. Sunday’s gig will be held at the Mirage Room at the RSL club. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 concession, plus a gold coin donation to the chosen charity which is the Children’s Ward at the Wagga Base Hospital. Children aged 12-and-under are free. Jazz Junction Live is sponsored by The Daily Advertiser, the RSL Club, the Riverina Conservatorium of Music and 2AAAFM 107.1. Allison Music very generously sets up and donates the use of the sound system.