Jazz

Jazz Music on 5mbs

Jazz is a music genre that originated in the African-American communities of New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with its roots in blues and ragtime.

Since the 1920s Jazz Age, it has been recognized as a major form of musical expression in traditional and popular music, linked by the common bonds of African-American and European-American musical parentage.

Jazz is characterized by swing and blue notes, complex chords, call and response vocals, polyrhythms and improvisation. Jazz has roots in European harmony and African rhythmic rituals.

Here at Radio 5mbs, our passionate presenters curate many programs each month, each one sampling a cross section of jazz music, or focussing on a particular genre, composer, instrument, or theme.

You can view information about jazz programs each month by visiting our Program Guide page.

Featured Album

Vampires – Nightjar

Another great album from saxophonist Jeremy Rose’s band The Vampires, this time with special guest, The Necks pianist Chris Abrahams.

What's On

Listen to your faves

Jazz Articles

Clint Eastwood and Jazz – from Denis Wall

Clint Eastwood, as we all know, is an American actor, film director and producer. You

May 31, 2022

What's Interesting this month?

COMA And Beyond – Adelaide Jazz Alive – 12 November

12 November at 7.00 PM

Dave Anthony presents a monthly roundup of local jazz and first up this month is a cool take on a Monk classic from a group led by drummer Josh Baldwin, Ciara Louise Ferguson with an almost folksy jazz song and from their monthly live at Norwood Hotel concert, The Central Standard Time Big Band …and more too… and – you can hear the show later – on the net, go to https://5mbs.com/listen-on-demand/ “Jazz in the Spotlight” or download the app – https://communityradio.plus/ and go to “In The Spotlight”

Ladies of Modern Jazz – 15 November

15 November at 12 Noon

The first hour of Jazz Lunch on this Sunday with Dave Anthony, will be featuring female jazz artists of the modern era –including a cool and lively bluesy “St Louis Blues” from vibraphonist Cecilia Smith, the sultry voice of the late Cassandra Wilson, our very own Catherine Lambert and a modern saxophone number from Julieta Eugenio… and plenty more AND – – if you miss the show you can hear it when you like, on the net at – https://5mbs.com/listen-on-demand/ go to Ladies of Modern Jazz– or Jazz Lunch or, on the app – go to or type in 5mbs – https://communityradio.plus/ – go to Jazz Encounters or also Jazz Lunch And for more Jazz Lunch – New in Jazz follows at 1pm.

Jazz at 4 – 26 November

26 November at 4.00 PM

Join Dave Anthony for an adventure in Modern Jazz from the latter part of the 20th and the 21st Century so far – early on pianist Brad Mehldau re-invents Radiohead’s “Knives Out” guitarist James Muller burns, local saxophonist Johnny Turner with another great track from his recent album, Surprise Chef from Melbourne from their new release of cool funk rhythms, drummer Ari Hoenig with guitarist Gilad Hekselman with a terrific version of Miles’ “Boplicity”….. …and plenty more AND – – if you miss the show you can hear it when you like, on the net at – https://5mbs.com/listen-on-demand/ go to “Jazz at 4 and 5” or on the app – https://communityradio.plus/

Jazz Encounters – Jazz Japan – 3 December

3 December at 6:00 PM

Join Chris Hart for a unique take of jazz proceeding from Japan. This program goes ‘off the beaten track’, with a Jazz Japan version of 5MBS Jazz Encounters. The format is from ‘wild to mild’, starting with livelier, upbeat compositions, and grading to smoother beats. Featured are mainly current artist-composers, with little reference to western jazz repertoires. Tune-in to experience one-hour of carefully selected hitherto unheard performances, from artists with amazing dedication.

Jazz Encounters – Jazz Japan – 17 December

17 December at 6:00 PM

Join Chris Hart for a unique take of jazz proceeding from Japan, with a ‘nod’ to Christmas-time of year. This program goes ‘off the beaten track’, with a Jazz Japan version of 5MBS Jazz Encounters. The format is from ‘wild to mild’, starting with livelier, upbeat compositions, and grading to smoother beats. Featured are Christmas-sy offerings from various artists over the years; with interpretations of Christmas classics, and some with wintery feel. Tune-in to experience one-hour of carefully selected hitherto unheard performances, from artists with amazing dedication.