BVJF 2026 presents Kings & Queens of Jazz

Every great jazz singer stands on the shoulders of the artists who came before them. One of the Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival’s most anticipated annual concerts returns as The Kings & Queens of Jazz celebrating the voices that shaped generations of singers–and the exceptional Queensland artists carrying that legacy forward. Joining forces with a superb house band– Dave Spicer on piano, Chris Pearson on bass and Paul Hudson on drums, the Queensland Conservatorium’s premier vocal jazz ensemble inVOICES will pay special tribute to the legendary Manhattan Transfer – a vocal group often referred to as the benchmark for a cappella and vocal jazz, and who are celebrated for their complex arrangements, "vocalese" (adding lyrics to instrumental solos), and their ability to sing everything from 1940’s swing to modern pop. Dave Spicer honours Harry Connick Jr. – the New Orleans superstar who brought big band jazz back to mainstream audiences with effortless swing, charisma and virtuosic piano playing. As director of inVOICES , Spicer has inspired the next generation of Queensland jazz vocalists, making him the perfect artist to celebrate Connick’s infectious musicianship. Josh Linnett channels Kurt Elling – one of the most influential jazz vocalists of the modern era, renowned for his extraordinary improvisation, rich baritone and fearless vocalese. Linnett’s adventurous musicianship and expressive storytelling make this a compelling meeting of two contemporary jazz voices. Steve Taylor-Brown salutes Nat King Cole – whose velvet-smooth voice and impeccable phrasing transformed him from jazz pianist to one of the world’s most beloved singers. Taylor-Brown’s warm, elegant delivery captures the timeless sophistication that made Cole an enduring icon. Lisa McKay celebrates Peggy Lee – the queen of understated cool, proving that a whisper could be just as powerful as a shout. Lee’s intimate storytelling changed the art of jazz singing, and McKay’s nuanced interpretations continue that tradition with style and grace. Aurora MacKrill pays homage to Doris Day – whose radiant voice brought warmth, optimism and impeccable musicianship to jazz and popular song alike. Beyond Hollywood