‘I believe jazz is the cleverest art form’

CHICAGO, New Orleans and Kansas City compete for the title of America’s jazz metropolis.

It could be argued that Point Lonsdale has a claim to the Australian title thanks to one woman — Diana Allen.

The Jazz Australia principal is a recipient of an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her advocacy of the music genre.

Ms Allen founded the organisation in 1985 and said Australia was home to some of the greatest jazz musicians worldwide.

“I have always believed jazz to be one of the cleverest art forms of all,” she said.

“It has been said that great classical musicians, and improvisers such as Chopin and Bach, would have been attracted to jazz if they were alive today and would have made brilliant jazz musicians. At best, jazz is instant composition, which requires a quick and creative brain to pull it off effectively.”

Ms Allen’s work on charity performances has raised more than $200,000 for organisations such as the Terang Civic Theatre, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Queenscliffe Historical Museum.

“My aim has always been to promote, present and preserve Australia’s best classic jazz and jazz musicians,” the Point Lonsdale resident said.

“(I’ve also worked) to encourage young musicians to appreciate and play this more historic style of jazz and keep it alive, not only for those of us who love to listen to it played live, but also for future generations.”