Stephanie Russell wins scholarship to pursue jazz career

Generations in Jazz is an annual Mount Gambier-based competition which this year took place Thursday May 3 – Sunday May 6. The competition supports talented young jazz musicians at the beginning of their career and attracts some of Australia’s most outstanding young jazz musicians. Generations in Jazz chairman, James Morrison, said it has served as a launch pad for some of the country’s greatest jazz artists and that the standard of talent during this year’s nation-wide selection process was incredibly high:

Performing regularly with her 5-piece jazz band, ‘The Steph Russell Quintet’, Russell has also has performed at various arena events including solos in the Schools Spectacular in 2015 and 2016, the Special Olympics, Star Struck and the Sydney Opera House. She has featured in multiple performances with the SCM Jazz Orchestra and also performs in various duos and trios at jazz clubs, restaurants, corporate functions and weddings around Australia.

The scholarship winners were announced on Sunday 6th May where they will took centre stage during a finale concert. On being awarded this prize, Russell said:

“It was so exciting to be a part of this event, performing alongside internationally-acclaimed artists and thousands of young, aspiring jazz musicians. I am thrilled to win this generous scholarship.”

Russell is currently working on a Neo-soul/jazz fusion album with her band and, after she completes her degree this year, the 20-year old singer aims to soon take her music career overseas.