Local Ballart pianist Jackson Dahlenburg, now resident in Melbourne, returned to the BMI on Sunday 10 November to launch his first solo album on the Humffray Room’s grand piano (Donated to the BMI by Eileen Anderson). Playing to a sellout crowd the event commenced with Gelareh Pour, a renowned Iranian – Australian musician and singer combining her performance on Persian Kamancheh and Qeychak instruments with electronic backing and effects. Her music was soothing, evocative and powerful leaving her audience in awe. We were transported to another place.

It was then time for Jackson to launch his first solo album, With Love. He took us on a journey with him, as he described his life events and then used the piano to translate his heartfelt life experiences. Jackson’s piano performance combined jazz tinged, melodic phrasing and frenetic improvisation that reflected times of depression, fun times, even quips about his father’s musical interests and influence, and the importance of being true to self. The set featured mainly tunes from the album With Love plus some new material currently being recorded.

It was a magical Sunday afternoon and it would be great to see Sunday afternoons in the Humffray Room become a regular event.

Thanks to Liam, Mark and Rosemary at the BMI for their assistance and support and making this possible.