Queensland's First Lady of Jazz

It is with great sadness that the Queensland Jazz Archive announce the death of Clare Hansson, on Monday 7 December 2020. She will be remembered as a fine jazz pianist, great composer, recording artist, academic and a wonderful pioneer for all jazz musicians. 

CLARE HANSSON TRIBUTE
Brisbane Jazz Club
Saturday 17 June 2023, 7:30 - 10 pm

Join some of Brisbane and beyond's finest jazz musicians as they celebrate the musical life and legacy of jazz pianist and musician extraordinaire Dr Clare Hansson. 

Clare was hugely influential in the Australian jazz scene and shared the stage with some of the best - Bob Barnard, Ernestine Anderson, Marian McPartland, Jimmy Witherspoon, Scott Hamilton and Venetta Fields to name a few. 

Clare's life and love of jazz will be honoured by an array of impressive singers and musicians who remember Clare's musical contribution with great fondness and gratitude. 

Performers include: 
Phil Hansson 

Sue Wighton 

Peter Freeman 

Jan Gillies 

Sue Bond 

Jenni Flemming 

Sharny Russell 

Julie West 

Steve Francis 

Helen Russell 

Chris Young 

Rodney Ford 

Graeme Norris 

along with special guest appearances from some of Clare's greatest musical friends. 

Released in March 2022 ... 

The State Library of Queensland's 

CLARE HANSSON DIGITAL STORY 
Part of ‘Queensland Jazz Digital Stories and Oral Histories’ Collection

About Clare Hansson

Clare received classical training at school, and although interested in jazz she spent the early part of her career playing more commercial material. In 1974 she met and married Bernie Hansson (bs) from whom she learned much. Her introduction to playing in an uncompromising jazz setting came at the 1976 Australian Jazz Convention, which spurred her to develop her improvisational skills. Following the sudden death of Bernie in 1979, she [was invited to perform at the Melbourne Hotel by Tony Ashby who had worked with Bernie in New Zealand]. In the 80s she has been active with her own and other groups, including those of Rick Price, and in the Queensland Jazz Action Society of which she was foundation President. Has backed various visiting performers including Jimmy Witherspoon and Ernestine Anderson.

Bruce Johnson, The Oxford Companion to Australian Jazz (Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1987)

Since the early 1990s, amongst numerous other gigs and events, Clare played regularly at the Grand View Hotel, Cleveland with her Clare Hansson trio (Clare - piano, Wayne Harper - bass/vocals, Geoff Ovenden - drums).

In 2006 Clare received her Doctorate for her study of Marian McPartland.

Read Clare's PhD Thesis on Marian McPartland

Listen to "Azimuth",  Clare's composition inspired by Irene Amos' painting.

... from the Hinterland Times, Sunshine Coast, Friday 8 July, 2011

THE DELIGHTFULLY infectious personality of Clare Hansson and her band will perform “Jazz meets the Classics” for the final concert of 2011 at Lucas Parklands.

Clare is referred to as Australia’s First Lady of Jazz and has performed nationally and internationally for many years.
Clare’s love of jazz led her to research the musical career of American jazz pianist Marian McPartland for her PhD.
In 2010 Clare was chosen among 25 Queensland artists who made a vital contribution to artistic life of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. She is the only jazz person to be so honoured in the celebration of QPAC 25.
Clare has forged an identity within the jazz scene as a charismatic leader of her own trio of piano, bass and drums. She is also a skilled accompanist greatly in demand for festivals and for backing top local, interstate and international artists through her ability to play in any style or setting.
American singers Jimmy Witherspoon and Ernestine Anderson are just two American stars she has backed, and Australian jazz figures such as Bob Barnard, Don Burrows, John McCarthy, Paul Furniss, Brett Iggulden, Johnny Nicol, Ed Wilson, Su Cruickshank, Barbara Foulds, Sandie White and Wilma Reading have prospered from her talent.
The Clare Hansson Trio has enjoyed continuous high- profile status in prestigious Queensland venues throughout twenty-six years. Earlier trio recordings featuring Horsley Dawson on bass and Bob Watson on drums are LIVE AT THE CAXTON and ALL BLUES. The trio has toured extensively for the Queensland Arts Council.

Read Neville Meyer's Courier Mail article on Clare.

(click to enlarge)