Paul Grabowsky and Michelle Nicolle – Noir

Beloved ballads reimagined, featuring the music of Frank Sinatra, Cole Porter and many more. 

Experience a poignant collection of reimagined ballads as award-winning jazz singer Michelle Nicolle and acclaimed composer Paul Grabowsky perform their debut collaboration album, Noir. Unveiling the hidden poetry within beloved works by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter, the duo transform familiar melodies into haunting explorations of longing, heartbreak, and the bittersweet beauty of unrequited love.

Recorded for ABC Jazz and masterfully engineered by Mal Stanley, Noir showcases Nicolle's remarkable range as one of Australia's finest vocal interpreters. From jazz standards to unexpected gems, each song is stripped back to its emotional core, revealing those ephemeral moments of yearning often disguised beneath popular songs.

Tickets

Standard $50

A Transaction Fee between $4 and $8.50 applies to orders made online and by phone. Delivery Fees may also apply. A ticket limit of six is in place online to ensure fair ticket access for all. Want to bring a bigger party? Call our Box Office during business hours on (03) 9699 3333 to book.

Program

Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart
It Never Entered My Mind

Mae Boren Axton, Tommy Durden, Elvis Presley
Heartbreak Hotel

Johnny Green, Edward Heyman, Robert Sour, Frank Eyton
Body and Soul

Frank Sinatra, Jack Wolf, Joel Herron
I'm a Fool to Want You

Michel Legrand, Norman Gimbel
I Will Wait for You

Gordon Jenkins
Goodbye

Paul Grabowsky, Vince Jones
Rainbow Cake

Cole Porter
Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye

Sammy Cahn, Van Heusen
Only the Lonely

Michelle Nicolle
One Beer

Sacha Distel/Jack Reardon
The Good Life

About the Artists

Michelle Nicolle, hailed as Australia's preeminent female jazz singer, is a living embodiment of artistry and elegance in the jazz world. An internationally touring artist for over 25 years she has performed throughout Europe and Asia with highlights including the North Sea Jazz Festival, Tokyo Jazz Festival, Jarasum Jazz Festival (South Korea), and the Prague Jazz Festival. She's sang with Wynton Marsalis and the JLCO with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and also with Kurt Elling. A multi-award-winner, Michelle's accolades include the prestigious Bell Award (2017), National Jazz Award winner (1998) and 3-time A.R.I.A Finalist (Australia's 'Grammy' equivalent) and 2024 Music Victoria Award 'Best Jazz Work' for The Bach Project cementing her as a national treasure with global appeal.

Paul Grabowsky is one of Australia's most significant composers and celebrated recording artists. An internationally acclaimed performer, he has worked with jazz greats such as Art Farmer, Branford Marsalis, Joe Lavano, and Johnny Griffin. Collaboration is at the heart of his work. Through each exchange, Paul channels limitless creativity, renewed by a deep respect for his counterparts. Captured in his recorded catalogue, collaborators include Vince Jones, Paul Kelly, Kate Ceberano, Katie Noonan, Daniel and David Wilfred, Uncle Archie Roach and Auntie Ruby Hunter. Current projects see him partner on stage with artists such as Emma Donovan, Lisa Gerrard, James Morrison, Meg Washington, Mindy Meng Wang, Andrea Lam, Ngaiire, Joe Camilleri and Deborah Conway.