Judy Campbell’s MOSAIC, with Bandika Ngao …
a world-jazz project
CONTACT: Judy Campbell judycam@maju.com 16A Ivey Street, Lindfield, NSW 2070, AUSTRALIA
WEBSITES: www.jcmosaic.com.au , www.myspace.com/judycampbellsmosaic
“MOSAIC has forged a compelling vocal harmonic approach which has breathed new life into the path paved
by greats like Dizzy Gillespie, Abdullah Ibrahim and Don Pullen” Jazz & Beyond – concert review
The philosophy of Judy Campbell’s MOSAIC is ‘unity in diversity’. Since the band’s birth in 2002,
they have pursued interesting cross-cultural collaborations and meeting points between diverse
musical threads.
Their first album, released on Jazzgroove Records (Sydney) in 2004, was entitled “Common
Ground”, representing the quest and its significance as a metaphor for seeking harmony in the
world. On this album they collaborated with the respected South African opera chorus “Co-Opera”.
The CD received critical acclaim in Australia. Listen online via the website.
“MOSAIC’s music is like a sunshower on a summer’s day …” John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald.
Their first tour was to South Africa in 2004, where they performed with Co-Opera at the National
Arts Festival and at the Cape Town Jazz & Blues Festival. Kenyan master percussionist Bandika
Ngao travelled from Mombassa to join the band for the first time.
“One of the most vibrant cross-cultural collaborations of the festival …” Alan Webster, Nat.ArtsFest Director
In 2005, Bandika travelled to Australia for MOSAIC’s first national tour, which included
performances at the Bellingen Global Carnival and at venues across 3 states. The collaboration
with Bandika moved to a new level during this period, composers Judy Campbell and Mark
Ginsburg exploring more deeply the rhythms and themes of this music of the Duruma tribe from the
coast of Kenya. The resulting recordings gave birth to the project “Colours of Kenya”, a fusion at
the cusp of contemporary jazz and East Africa that has been widely described by reviewers, radio
presenters and audiences as “joyous”.
“Jubilant and spiritual in its vocal harmonies and danceable in its grooves, this collaborative band is sounding
as tight as the skin on the Kenyan Mijikenda drum …” Peter Wockner, ABC Limelight magazine
“Ngao’s East African style is gentle and quite intricate, which suits the easy groove of MOSAIC …” Noel
Mengel, Brisbane Courier-Mail
The music from “Colours of Kenya” was presented in national tours in 2007 and 2008, for which
Bandika joined them. The extensive programs included the National Multicultural Festival in
Canberra and supported the Tweed Council Kenyan Mentoring Program through CD sales at
concerts.
“Many, including me, were touched by the linking of cultures and spirit” Rod Barnes, Artistic Director, Jazz at The
Dungeon, Newcastle
“It was a night of bliss …” Canberra Jazz, concert review
All of the band’s tours to date have been supported by touring grants from state and/or federal
arts funding bodies, demonstrating the interest this unique multicultural fusion has aroused.