Blowing The Trumpet

From its modest beginnings 25 years ago to now where it attracts 3,000 Australia wide student jazz musicians, Generations in Jazz has been supported by James Morrison alongside an active and hard working local committee.  “Generations” is the largest event of its kind in Australia and possibly the world and much of this is due to the support and pulling power of James Morrison, arguably one of the best Jazz musicians and trumpeters in the world.

With the commencement of the Music Academy in Mount Gambier, James will bring his considerable talents and his ability to attract the best jazz musicians in the world to our doorstep.  Collectively the combined talents will ensure the students are surrounded by a quality music learning environment and the Academy’s reputation will become global.

While a regular visitor to Mount Gambier over the past 25 years, James’ career may not be known to some of us.  Playing music at a young age James commenced his international career in the USA at just 16 years of age from where it quickly expanded across the world.  James has played with many jazz legends, in jazz clubs around the world and alongside orchestras and performed at the Royal Opera House in London at the Hollywood Bowl and even played with INXS.

In addition to performing, James spends much of his time in education conducting master classes and workshops in many countries and is an avid user of cutting edge technology and music education on the internet.  Over the past several years James has been the Artistic Director of the Queensland Music Festival.

James has an Order of Australia for his contribution to music and music education.  He is a Doctor of the University of Queensland Conservatorium of Music and has received a Doctor of music from Universities in Western Australia and South Australia.

All of this will now be centred in Mount Gambier with the commencement of the James Morrison Academy of Music.  The City Council actively supports the Academy’s location in Mount Gambier and will continue to ensure we benefit socially, culturally and economically from having a world class music Academy in Mount Gambier.  This is a major win for our City and indicates to the community that we have a positive and resilient future, one that all of us need to contribute to.