Alex has been playing drums for 12 years and has studied contemporary music (majoring on the drum kit) at the Victorian College of the Arts. She is in bands that span across many genres and is an active performer in Melbourne's live music scene. Her specialties are in jazz, folk, funk and pop music, and she also sings and writes original music.
Claire is a bass player, vocalist and composer who completed her Honours Degree in Jazz Performance and Composition at Monash University in 2014. In 2016 she was awarded a grant from Creative Victoria's Music Works program to undertake a mentorship with US-based trumpeter and composer Shane Endsley.Over the past 10 years Claire has numerous artists in live performance, recording and touring capacities. She is the current bassist and vocalist for indie-Australiana group The Outdoor Type. As a session musician Claire has worked alongside a string of incredible Australian female artists as part of the Her Sound, Her Story Project in 2016, which included performances with Ella Hooper, Julia Stone, Vera Blue, Montaigne, Airling and Sampa the Great. In lieu of this she also featured in the band for Xani Kolac’s Stand By Your Woman project, which debuted at Hamer Hall in May 2017 alongside Australian icons Tex Perkins, Tim Rogers, Kate Cebrano and Jen Cloher. Claire’s ability as a bandleader and composer are demonstrated in her improvised jazz-rock ensemble 'The SURFACE project', having releasd a debut full-length album in 2015. As an educator, Claire teaches privately at schools in Melbourne and is an original co-founder and mentor at YoWo Music.
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Describing herself as a 'full time side hustler', Holly Norman is a drummer and percussionist originally from Perth, WA who combines her classical roots with a love of jazz, blues and world rhythms. In addition to drums and percussion, Holly is a singer, songwriter and storyteller who actively seeks collaborative opportunities. She recorded and released her debut EP, 'Hollypop' in 2013 and was the frontwoman for Perth-based gypsy jazz-rock outfit Joe Black trio from 2011-2014.
Holly was a core member of Junkadelic Brass Band from 2010-2016 including many regional, interstate and international tours. She produced and performed in the award-nominated show, The Calendar Girls: Good Songs For Bad Lovers at Perth’s FRINGE WORLD Festival (2016).
Now based in Melbourne, Holly can be seen and heard with numerous ensembles including Jamie Mac Hammond Combo, Bon Temps, Two-Kar-Tom and Caiti Baker. In 2018 Holly is studying a Masters of Music at the University of Melbourne, and splits her time between playing music, teaching yoga classes and workshops, and managing music festivals.
Jackie Hempshall is a drummer and singer-songwriter who graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Jazz Performance in 2013. Since then she has performed with London based bands Sky Coloured, The Debt Collective, Toy Town Hustle, and The Rain Clouds. Currently drumming with Melbourne band Ogopogo, Jackie specialises in funk and jazz styles but has been known to rock out with the best of them when the mood takes hold. Having recently returned to Melbourne from London, Jackie has also set up her own home recording studio where she is honing a passion for recording, mixing and mastering using Abelton Live and Reaper and is always up for collaboration when it comes to recording projects. Most importantly Jackie is the proud owner of an extensive beanie collection, loves to feel warm and hugged in a "loose as" jumper (even throughout the summer months) and is super duper excited about pet cats and Courtney Barnett albums.
Maria is a Melbourne-based drummer who completed a Bachelor of Music Performance at Victorian College of the Arts in 2013 and has since dedicated her time to educating and performing. Maria currently performs extensively around Melbourne both solo and with various ensembles, including bands/artists such as Jaala, Horatio Luna (side project of 30/70) Jess Rebeiro, Josh Kelly Trio, Jess Rebeiro, SPIRE Ensemble, On Diamond, Maria Moles & Adam Halliwell, Great Rack and Francis Plagne. Maria has played at festivals/venues such as Dark Mofo, Falls Festival, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Hamer Hall, Falls Festival and The Metro Theatre. She has worked as a session drummer for Harry Angus (The Cat Empire), and has supported internationally renowned drummers such as Chris Corsano (Bjork) and Clever Austin (Hiatus Kaiyote. Maria toured Europe in 2015 in her duo with guitarist Adam Halliwell, performing at venues and festivals throughout Germany, France and Italy, including a collaboration with the Sicillian Improvisers Orchestra. In the same year, Maria toured Australia with Melbourne band Jaala supporting Grammy-nominated band Hiatus Kaiyote for the ‘Choose Your Weapon’ Tour. In 2017, the duo with Adam Halliwell toured Japan, playing alongside Japanese artists such as Yoshitake Expe, Joe Talia and Tetuzi Akiyama.
Steph studied improvisation and completed a Bachelor of Music at The Victorian College of the Arts in 2012. Over the past five years, she has worked with many musicians recording and touring. She performed with Alan Browne for a series of shows at Bennett’s Lane and has worked as a session musician for many Melbourne jazz groups. She is currently the bassist for trad-jazz group ‘Shirazz’, who in 2017 released a self-titled album, toured to Adelaide, Canberra, New Zealand and played a New Year show over Antarctica.
Jessica Tse is a composer and improviser, living and working in Melbourne. Her main instruments are piano/keyboard/Synth, vocals and gu-zheng. Started playing music at a young age, Jessica has studied at The Sydney Conservatorium and The Australian Institute of Music. She has had many music experiences both in Australia and abroad. Jessica is now working on several improvisational projects with notable musicians and also writing a songbook for her recent album, Hypnotic Soundtracks. Worked along side Chris Abrahams, Zeke Ruckman, The First Baboon Civilisation Orchestra, and Nil Stoch most recent. Her inspirations come from inner and outer worlds, nature and everything that she loves.
Kathleen Halloran is a multifaceted guitarist based in Melbourne. Kathleen has been gigging since age 15, building up six years of experience as a working musician, including professional musical theatre, corporate, jazz and international work with Broadway vocalist Brad Little. Kathleen has performed alongside renowned Australian artists including Kate Ceberano, Kate Miller-Heidke, Tim Rogers, Steve Kilbey, Harry Angus, and jazz pianist Barney McAll. Kathleen is currently in her final year of study at the Victorian College of the Arts, majoring in jazz and improvisation, where she continues to develop her original musical voice.
Melbourne Pianist Lena Douglas completed the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Contemporary Music Performance) degree at Victorian College Of The Arts in 2014 and now devotes most of her time to playing and composing original music. Her current bands include electro-pop outfit Tetrahedra and cinematic folk ensemble Tulalah as main vocalist. Lena has a wide range of performance experience; she has toured Australia playing keys with Killing Heidi and Bec Sandridge, and has performed at various festivals including Melbourne Women's International Jazz Festival and Melbourne International Jazz Festival with contemporary jazz group Lazercatz 2000, and at Falls Festival and Apollo Bay Music Festival with ten-piece funk/soul band, The Cactus Channel. Lena has over 5 years experience teaching piano and is a founding member of the YoWo Music program for young women and gender non-conforming people in high school.
Louise Goh trained in classical piano, jazz & improvisation (Victorian College of the Arts) and undertook further study in improvisation at the School for Improvisational Music, NYU. She is a professional working musician, composer and bandleader in jazz, contemporary music & pop genres based in Melbourne, Australia.
Louise is a performer & co-creator (music) of award-winning cabaret show Yana Alana 'Between the Cracks' (2014) and a core member of the all-female cabaret act Yana Alana and Tha Paranas. Louise recorded & released her debut jazz piano trio album 'Crossing Ahead' (2013) with L.A.A. featuring Adam Spiegl (double bass) & Adam Coad (drums) with the support of an Arts Victoria funding grant. She is currently working on her new solo project with collaborators Craig Strain (electric bass), Darryn Farrugia (drums) and Gideon Brazil (saxophones & flute). The group are heading into the studio to record a full-length album and will be performing as part of the 2018 Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
Louise's recording credits include Bohjass 'Christ 3, Buddha Nothing', Emma Tonkin & First Chorus 'Cave of Lights', Susy Blue 'Curly Girl', Yana Alana 'Between the Cracks', Yana Alana and Tha Paranas 'Australian Celebrity' and David Marama 'Another Day'.
Nat Bartsch is a Melbourne-based jazz and contemporary classical pianist/composer who has gained a reputation for creating contemplative, reflective music across a variety of genres. She is best known for her work as pianist/composer for the Nat Bartsch Trio, which has toured internationally and released three critically acclaimed recordings. As a recipient of the inaugural Lionel Gell Travelling Scholarship, Nat travelled to Europe in 2008 to study with ECM artists Tord Gustavsen and Nik Bärtsch. She was also a 2010 Bell award finalist for Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year. Nat has composed works for PLEXUS and Solstice Trios. She maintains an ongoing collaboration with fellow pianist Luke Howard, presenting the Festival of Beautiful Sound in 2014. In 2017 Nat released her debut solo album, Hometime, co-produced with Howard. Nat has also played with indie, folk and postclassical artists such as Whitaker, Sweet Jean, Matt Corby and Timothy Coghill. Nat is also a public policy student and mental health advocate, with a specific interest in promoting the health and wellbeing of performing artists. She has undertaken research into the relationship between bipolar disorder and creativity, which has been presented at a variety of conferences. Nat is endorsed by Yamaha Pianos.
Selene Messinis is a Melbourne-based multi-instrumentalist and composer, known for her versatility and strength of sound. Having been initially inspired by the quintessential ECM recordings at a young age, her compositional style now fuses fiery rhythmic patterns, minimalist melodies and lush, harmonic soundscapes to create a sound that is decidedly her own. She regularly performs in jazz venues and at corporate events across Melbourne as a solo artist, session musician and collaborator with a number of different ensembles: co-founded trio, ISM, and jazz-fusion quartet, ‘Four [Means 4]’; internationally acclaimed Latin fusion outfit ‘Bella Wolf’ and other pop/electronic projects. She has performed for projects with the Arts Centre, the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra, the Stonnington Jazz Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the St. Kilda Festival. Over the past few years, Selene has studied quite extensively with Australian piano icons Joe Chindamo and Steve Sedergreen, helping her to sculpt the fluid and sophisticated sound she has established today.
Soulful and honest, multilingual singer-songwriter STAV. (@soundofstav) continues her story of migration, one that began long before her conception. Soaring melodies and bursts of rhythmic fire, she was awarded the 2018 Folk Alliance Australia 'Young Artist of the Year' at the National Folk Festival (Canberra) earlier this year. An expressive voice and a natural affinity for guitar, live performance brings this songwriter's introspection, playfulness and raw passion to life. She released her debut album 'The Horizon Line' (2016) with an East-Coast tour from Melbourne to the Bello Winter Music Festival and overseas shows in Barcelona and France. She will soon be launching her new single 'Weakening, Awakening', recorded as part of the 5-series music documentary 'The Chromatic Memory' by Timber Music Box. Together with Isaac Gunnoo on double bass (The Bean Project, ISM ensemble), this emerging songwriter is not to be missed. "STAV. definitely stands out from the crowd"- MAV"One of the most original singer-songwriters I have heard recently... I'll be doing what we should all do when we hear or see great art... I'll be shouting her praise from the rooftops" - The Night Sky Is A Jewellery Store Window
Anna Joy Gordon is a Melbourne based freelance saxophonist (alto/baritone) and composer. To date, she has leant her considerable skills as both a composer and performer to a range of projects including indie genre hoppers Mangelwurzle and globe trotting world music outfit The Barons of Tang. During her time with the Barons Anna performed at a host of Australian and international festivals including Roskilde, Sziget and WOMAD as well as co-writing and performing on their ARIA nominated album Into The Mouths Of Hungry Giants. Anna also wowed crowds at Falls Festival after Mangelwurzel took home Triple J’s annual Unearthed competition in 2015. Since stepping back from the relentless touring schedule she maintained for years, Anna now performs with and writes for a number of Melbourne acts including Hot Sludge Fundae, The First Baboon Civilization Orchestra as well as her own project Sludge Party. She is sought after as a sectional player where she brings her unique writing and irrepressible energy to a variety of projects across a broad stylistic spectrum.
Arin Grigg, New York University Master Of Music alumni, has performed in the NYU Jazz Orchestra at The Blue Note New York with 6x Grammy Winner Randy Brecker; SNL and Tower of Power’s Lenny Pickett; and recorded with 5x Grammy Winner John Scofield. During his time at NYU, he conducted an independent study with Dr David Schroder and John Scofield on Epilepsy and Improvisation, detailing his experiences with epilepsy as a musician and his processes of developing improvisatory language within the confines of his disability. His mentors include legendary session musician Dan Higgins, members of Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band, Patrick Williams’ Big Band, the Academy Awards Orchestra, and the Village Vanguard Orchestra. Arin’s Australasian performance credits include James Morrison, Mike Nock, George Garzone, John Hoffman, Tony Gould, Don Burrows and recordings including Kate Cebrano’s Monash Sessions and Paul Grabowsky's 2016 ARIA Nominated Nyilipidgi. His large ensemble credits include the Monash Art Ensemble, Monash Jazz Orchestra, Victoria Police Showband, Melbourne Composers Big Band, co-musically directing The Cut N Run Big Band, and musically directing The New Melbourne Showband and The Gil Askey Memorial Big Band. As a session musician, Arin performs for corporate events and functions including the Crown Business Awards, the Lindt Charity Ball, and Lucille Charity Ball, and also teaches privately.
Belinda is an improvising musician/composer living in Melbourne, Australia. A PhD graduate of the VCA (Melbourne University), Belinda was awarded a 2015 Creative VictoriaScholarship for excellence in her field, was a recipient of an APA from 2011-2013 and a finalist in the 2011 APRA Professional Development Awards. Artistic director of the Make ItUp Club from 1993 – 2007, and Project Manager for the Click Clack Project and Jolt Arts2010-2017, Belinda has played a major role in supporting and enhancing the development of the Melbourne music scene. Predominantly a flautist, Belinda performs in many ensembles including Bohjass and theBOLT Ensemble as well as her own groups Lo-Res and Saveja. As a soloist Belinda has developed an array of extended techniques which she utilises in performances as an improviser and an interpreter of music. She has been invited to perform in Festivals acrossAustralia, Japan and Europe as well as independently curated events across
Bella is currently studying a Bachelor of Music Performance, at the Victorian College of the Arts. While being a classically trained saxophonist, Bella has always been passionate about jazz. During her studies, Bella has had a number of career highlights. These include playing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and the Porretta Soul Festival in Italy, along with numerous other jazz and soul festivals across Europe and Australia. Bella believes music is a profound method of personal expression, and is a confident, accomplished and innovative performer.
Saxophonist and composer, Cheryl Durongpisitkul, studied jazz performance at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts from 2009 – 2011. During her time at WAAPA she began performing my own works around various venues in Perth. During this time, one of her compositions was nominated for the Western Australian Music (WAM) ‘Song of the Year’ competition in 2011.
She relocated back to Melbourne in 2013, and in the same year was also selected to participate in the highly competitive Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music where she was able to work closely with and learn directly from Vijay Iyer and his chosen faculty, including Esperanza Spalding, Ravi Coltrane, and Tyshawn Sorey.
Since then, she has been writing music for a quintet called ‘By Cheryl’ as well as playing in various bands around Melbourne including Koi Kingdom, Blue Rose, SPIRE and Ogopogo. She completed a BMus - Honours in 2016 at the Victorian College of the Arts (MCM), graduating with First Class Honours. Throughout 2016, she focused on composing 'Follow Me Through the Red Ash', a long-form piece based on elements taken from Stravinsky’s 'Petrushka'. This piece is Cheryl's debut album, released December 14th, 2017.
Photo Credit: Roger Mitchell, ausjazz.net
Erica Tucceri is a Melbourne-based, multi-award winning flutist, improviser, band leader and composer. Passionate about contemporary and improvised music, Erica has been hailed as “Impressive” (Beat Magazine), and “A remarkable, versatile and engaging performer” (Alex Pertout - The Lion King, Australian Art Orchestra). Erica performs regularly in Melbourne with hip/hop soul collective Billy Davis (nominated in The Age Music Victoria Awards 2016), and eight-piece groove-masters, WVR BVBY. She has also made recent appearances with Grammy nominated rapper GoldLink, Ziggy Zeitgeist’s acid jazz trio project Z*F*E*X, Latin salsa powerhouse La Influencia, and Cubadisco Music Award winners Alex & Nilusha. Erica has recorded and toured across Australia and internationally, including a headline performance featuring her original music at the Ubud Village Jazz Festival (Indonesia). In 2016, she released her debut album, Bella Wolf, to critical acclaim. She is currently working on some new recording collaborations and original projects. For more information, head to ericatucceri.com.
Flora Carbo is a young musician based in Melbourne. She began playing alto saxophone at the age of 12 and since then has studied music with notable educators and musicians from Australia and around the world; notably Graeme Lyall, Julien Wilson, Melissa Aldana and Lee Konitz. Flora has performed in venues and festivals such as Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Uptown Jazz Café, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and the Festival of Slow Music with like minded individuals and incredible musicians, including pianists Andrea Keller and Barney McAll and the members of the Carbo/Carter/Gunnoo Quartet. She was also featured as a soloist with James Morrison and the MSO in May 2017. In 2016 she was selected as one of the 10 finalists in the National Jazz Awards held at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival and was also among the finalists in the James Morrison Scholarship Competition at the Generations in Jazz Festival in Mount Gambier, which she won in 2017. She is currently in her second year studying a Bachelor of Music at the James Morrison Academy of Music, Mount Gambier.
Holly Moore is a young Melbourne saxophonist whose lyricism is at the forefront of her improvisation. Since graduating from Monash University with a Bachelor of Music in jazz performance in 2015 she has been playing around Melbourne in a variety of different settings. Whilst being at home within the jazz tradition, she also regularly performs in electronic settings, undertaking live spontaneous improvisations. In 2016 she completed a Graduate Certificate in Arts and Community Engagement at the Victorian College of the Arts, where she worked within a cross disciplinary medium, focusing on inclusion in the arts.
Justine Jones is a saxophonist, vocalist, composer, actress, and producer from Melbourne, Australia. She has 6 releases her newly established record label JJAS, “That Fate”,“As You Do”, ”Live on 3CR”, ”Themes to Assumption day”, ”Transversing” and vintage jazz recordings, her father Brian Jones, made in the 60s, 70s and 80s “Live at the Troika 1973” Justine has toured in Europe, USA, & nationally throughout Australia. She has appeared on albums of many other artists including, Max Merritt, Mario Genovese, Col Millington and The Living End. Artists she has performed with include Lani Ford, Jo Kelly Stephenson,The Interzone Trio, The Big One, Judy Bailey, Ruth Rogers Wright, Andrea Keller, The Andrew Nolte Orchestra, Dizzys Big Band, Dr Crask and his Swinging Elixer, Lady Lash, Linda Bacon French and Puggsley Buzzard Sharing her musical knowledge, for years, Justine consistently produced and presented radio shows, “Groovoire” on 106.7 PBS FM, 1999-2004, “Radio Mama” on 3CR 2004-2008, and Night Owl Jazz, on 103.5 MBS FM, 2008-11.In 2007-8 she produced & presented a 6 part TV show, “The Jazz Show” broadcast on Ch31 with Mark Fitzgibbon. In 2012 she became a composer for Studio 51 (USA) writing and producing music for film and TV.
Lauren Mullarvey is a Melbourne-based musical performer and composer who predominantly plays the tenor saxophone and clarinet. She performs in and contributes her compositions to 9-piece hip-hop brass band ‘Copperhead Brass Band’, trad jazz band ‘Jam Jar’ and Quadrifid, a chordless jazz quartet which she formed in November 2016.
Starting her musical career as a teenager in Funk band ‘The Cactus Channel’ with whom she collaborated with to create two albums, as well as touring nationally, she specialises in groove-based music and regularly guests with many staples of the genre, including the Seven Ups and Madre Monte. She has a Batchelor Degree in Contemporary Musical Performance which she completed at the Victorian Academy of the Arts in November, 2014. Lauren has also contributed her musical skill to other mediums such as performing tenor saxophone on award-winning independent game franchise FRAMED.
Leesa completed up to 8th grade in her AMEB classical saxophone exams, finishing in 2011. Between 2008-2012 Leesa won music scholarships to The King David School, St. Leonards College and Bialik College. Leesa spent 2013 at the Victorian College of the Arts under the tuition of prominent jazz musicians in the industry. In 2014 she attained successful admission to Monash University into the Bachelor of Music degree, mentored by more of Melbourne’s best jazz musicians. Halfway through her degree she also picked up the tenor saxophone. Leesa plays in the Saxophone Big Band, founded by Lachlan Davidson, recordings can be found on Leesa’s Music page. Throughout her degree Leesa did overseas units in Prato, Italy and New York, USA. Under the teachings of David Pietro, Andy Gravish and other NYU staff. She founded a band called Soulmate with Melbourne vocalist, Rose Muller. Leesa teaches for the Music Generation and privately at home. In 2016 Leesa completed her degree and has been accepted to Collarts to study Entertainment Management. She runs her own original band called The Retrospects along with several other projects from jazz pop duos to full bands for corporate and wedding performances.
Melbourne based saxophonist Sally Rochlin plays a variety of styles, from improvised jazz to folk rock. She has toured extensively as a member of The Bon Scotts, Anna Smyrk and the Appetites, and The Lowdown Big Band amongst others; more recently her primary focus has been co-leading and composing for contemporary jazz ensemble Entropy Quartet. Entropy released their first EP ‘Live’ in 2015 (recorded at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club) which was was followed by their first studio album S>0 in 2017. Their second full-length studio release is scheduled for early 2019. Managing Bennetts Lane Jazz Club from 2005 to 2015 gave Sally the opportunity to witness countless world-class performances and meet an incredibly diverse range of artists from which to draw influence and inspiration. Sally has studied in Australia and Italy with notable educators from around the world including Knoel Scott, Julien Wilson, George Garzone, Ian Chaplin, and Jamie Oehlers. She has played festivals including The National Folk Festival, The Castlemaine Jazz Festival and The Brunswick Music Festival, given interviews and performed live on PBS, Triple R, 3CR and ABC, but most enjoys riding her bike to The Brunswick Green on Sydney Rd to play Entropy’s monthly Friday night residency.
Ashley is young and passionate trumpet player based in Melbourne. She is particularly enthusiastic about jazz and improvised music, but has an open mind and is interested in all genres from soul, world, funk, folk, indie rock, electronic to pop. Ashley has had a variety of experience in big bands, small jazz ensembles, indie rock bands, soul ensembles, orchestras, pit orchestras and concert bands. Recently graduated from the ANU H-Course (Jazz), she has moved on to a Bachelor of Music, majoring in Jazz Performance at Monash University. Ashley’s primary focus within a musical environment is positive ensemble dynamic and interaction to enhance the sonic environment and overall performance.
Standing in a whirlwind of a billion pies Charlie has her fingers in just about as many as you can possible count.After completing a Bachelor Degree at 'The Victorian College of the Arts' in 2014 she now blows her horn and sings in all kinds of projects.
Charlie adds her sound and bright energy to familiar Melbourne bands 'The Teskey Brothers', 'TEK TEK Ensemble', 'The Seven Ups', 'Spire Ensemble', 'Billy Davis', 'WVR BABY', 'Chaos Magnet', and the band she runs and directs 'Ogopogo'. Whilst juggling touring, gigs, composing, managing, booking and teaching she manages to bring enthusiasm and commitment to all the projects she's involved with.
With music set to release throughout 2018 from 'The Teskey Brothers', 'The Seven Ups' and 'Ogopogo' Charlie is spreading her sound far and wide.This year we will hear her on 'The Seven Ups' new album 'Commandments' launching at Howler on Saturday the 5th of May.'The Teskey Brothers' new single 'I Get Up', which will be touring nationally in June with a launch in Melbourne on Saturday the 30th of May at the iconic 'Forum' in Melbourne CBD.And in late November Ogopogo will release their brand new 7'' with a national double tour and film clip to satisfy your eyeball enthuisiasm.
Ellie studied jazz trombone at Monash University. She fronts a trad jazz band, Jam Jar, as well as playing in all-female chordless quartet Quadrifid and in Copperhead Brass Band, a New Orleans-style funk band.
Award-winning trumpeter Gemma Horbury brings an ever-evolving skill set to the stage: incorporating visuals, vocals and hip hop MC-ing in charismatic, genre-defying performances. She has performed internationally in Europe, the UK and Asia; and at top Australian festivals including The Big Day Out, Woodford Folk Festival, The Falls Festival and Melbourne’s International Jazz and Comedy Festivals. In 2002 she was awarded a scholarship to study historic brass performance in the UK, and completed a course in Baroque trumpet making at Edinburgh University. Gemma devised a prototype “Electric Video Trumpet” in 2008, enabling control of audiovisual software via modified games controllers attached to an ordinary trumpet.Gemma’s diverse portfolio includes co-ordinating a TV channel for adolescent hospital patients, producing a skateboarding DVD, working as a sound designer for theatre and co-ordinating a mass “band battle” for Northcote’s High Noon Festival. An inspiring musical director, Gemma is a recipient of the Generations in Jazz Yamaha Jazz Spirit Award (2011), and initiated the Darebin Music Feast / Orkeztra Glasso Bashalde Composition Competition, a statewide award for Victorian composers. She currently performs with the Adam Simmons Creative Music Ensemble, Lo-res and Tek Tek Ensemble.
Australian born jazz vocalist-composer-educator, Chris McNulty moved to the United States in 1988 and was a fixture on the New York jazz scene for almost three decades. She re-located back to Australia in early 2016. Ms. McNulty has made frequent appearances at international festivals including the Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Kilkenny (Ireland), Breckon (Wales), Kharkov (Ukraine) and Petrozavodsk (Russia) as well as Perth, Wangaratta and Melbourne International Jazz festivals in Australia. Among the musicians she has performed and recorded with are the late great pianists Mulgrew Miller and John Hicks, saxophonists Gary Bartz, and Gary Thomas, drummers Billy Hart and Matt Wilson, trumpeter Ingrid Jensen and long time colleagues, bassist Ugonna Okegwo and guitarist Paul Bollenback. Her seven album releases in the USA have received wide critical acclaim including her latest album, Eternal, a chamber ensemble and jazz quintet collaboration which placed #11 on the 80th DownBeat Readers Poll in America. In 2013 Chris was the recipient of the Australian Jazz Bell award for the Best Australian Jazz Vocal Album for her album The Song That Sings You Here. VCM - Vocalist As Complete Musician published in late 2017 and is McNulty’s first educational publication. She continues to tour internationally and is currently working on a new originals project.
Emily Bennett is a brazen contemporary vocalist, accordion player, sound artist and educator. Melismatic, insistent and infectious. A graduate of Theatre/Media from Charles Sturt University, the Australian National University School of Music and Honours in Jazz and Improvisation from Victorian College of the Arts. She’s performed with the First Baboon Cilivization, Nyash! Afrobeat Collective, Orkeztra Glasso Bashalde, Sunburnt Soul Collective, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus and been commissioned to compose and design sound for the Big Blowout Festival, You Are Here festival, Short + Sweet Dance Festival, Bogong Centre for Sound Culture, the Young Music Society, Going Nowhere festival and live art company Big One Little One. Her trio, Great rack and an empty club reverb, were the recipients of the Lebowskis Development Residency and also curated in the Critical Animals Symposium to present at the opening for the This is Not Art festival in Newcastle. They perform and collaborate regularly in Melbourne. “Then voice over, that rack and reverb, ‘Distance separates us / there ... here … there .. here.’ All with impish humour. Words that spelled stories... Words subject to digital effects; words merging into repeats and wordless vocals; words in counterpoint or extended harmony” - Eric Pozza, Canberra Jazz
Hannah McKittrick is a vocalist in the midst of her third and final year in a Bachelor of Fine Arts - Contemporary Music Jazz and Improvisation at the Victorian College of the Arts. She composes and leads her project Hoi Palloi and is involved in various other projects around Melbourne. Her composition and singing style reflect the foundation of her music theory in Jazz, while taking on a contemporary blend of neo-soul and folktronica. She is a versatile performer who relishes the chance to expand her musical horizons into new genres with new people to collaborate with.
Jessica Tse is a composer and improviser, living and working in Melbourne. Her main instruments are piano/keyboard/Synth, vocals and gu-zheng. Started playing music at a young age, Jessica has studied at The Sydney Conservatorium and The Australian Institute of Music. She has had many music experiences both in Australia and abroad. Jessica is now working on several improvisational projects with notable musicians and also writing a songbook for her recent album, Hypnotic Soundtracks. Worked along side Chris Abrahams, Zeke Ruckman, The First Baboon Civilisation Orchestra, and Nil Stoch most recent. Her inspirations come from inner and outer worlds, nature and everything that she loves.
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Australian Jazz Vocalist Lillian Albazi is known for her natural charm and versatile vocals. Lillian first rose to prominence when she appeared with her quintet at the 2016 Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Lillian has worked with and studied under many celebrated Australian and International Jazz musicians who have taught her everything she knows. She has gained the respect and recognition of her colleagues and contemporaries making her one of Australia’s most coveted and in demand young women of jazz. Lillian has toured extensively around Australia playing many prominent events and festivals such as MONA Museum 2018 (TAS), Devonport Jazz Festival 2018 (TAS), Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2016, 2017 (VIC), Doo-Bop Jazz Bar 2017 (QLD), Uptown Jazz Café presented by Leaps and Bounds Music Festival and the Melbourne Improvisers Collective 2016, (VIC). When she is not touring, Lillian loves nothing more than performing regularly in her hometown of Melbourne at various jazz clubs.
Mama Alto is a gender transcendent diva, cabaret artiste, jazz singer & community activist. She is a non-binary trans femme person of colour who works with the radical potential of storytelling, strength in softness & power in vulnerability. Fierce, femme & fabulous, she has been lauded as “divine” (Havana Tribune, Cuba), “near flawless” (The Age), and “a knockout” (The Herald Sun). She fascinates audiences with “an idiosyncratic mix of statuesque fragility” (The Music) and is described as “transcendent” (Stage Whispers), “breathtaking” (ArtsHub), “hypnotically beautiful, elegant & mysterious” (Adelaide Advertiser) & “bewitching” (SameSame). “Mama Alto is an exceptionally talented singer, who makes the question as to whether it is a woman or a man singing obsolete. It is clearly an angel.” (The Conversation).Drawing on legacies of vintage torch singers & her own identity as a queer person of colour, Mama Alto’s vocal & visual aesthetic transcend gender, disrupting & discomforting societal constructions of dichotomous boundaries. By embracing perceived difference she reclaims narratives of Othering, defies the normative & rejoices in the sublime.
Miriam Crellin is a versatile and creative Melbourne vocalist, with influences ranging from early jazz greats to contemporary singer songwriters, as well as being inspired by an array of local artists. Through her interest in contemporary vocal music she was a founding member vocal ensemble Invenio, led by vocalist and composer Gian Slater. Miriam has also performed as part of the award-winning a cappella group Coco’s Lunch and is the newest member of 1930’s swing outfit The Furbelows. She appears at venues around Melbourne including The Paris Cat, Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, and The Jazz Lab. In 2010 she was a finalist and place-winner at the Voicingers International Jazz Vocal Competition held in Zóry, Poland. As well as indulging her love of jazz, Miriam performs her own original music, which she writes for voice and varying instrumentation.
Paige Duggan is a vocalist and composer, arranger, facilitator and educator. Working in various genres but with a particular focus on her most devoted passion, jazz. When singing jazz, her approach is raw and honest; revelling in jazz as an art-form with experimentation, improvisation and risk central to the approach of every song. Her voice, which is distinct from her contemporary peers and individual approach to exploration equal a rare talent. She explores vulnerability and risk, crafting a truly engaging listening experience. Intuitive, sensitive- each number is interpreted uniquely and steeped in chance and possibility. Paige does project work (as arts worker and performer), commissioned compositions and works with choirs. She loves participating in special projects and arts pieces. Kooky, weird, outside-the-box are welcome opportunities. Paige also writes compositions for her solo performances and her indie-jazz band ‘Paige & The Vinleys’ as well as performing as a part of a jazz duo, trio, quartet and quintet. The jazz ensembles perform standards as well as contemporary songs, in a contemporary manner. She is always open to new opportunities to create, collaborate and perform with others.
Soulful and honest, multilingual singer-songwriter STAV. (@soundofstav) continues her story of migration, one that began long before her conception. Soaring melodies and bursts of rhythmic fire, she was awarded the 2018 Folk Alliance Australia 'Young Artist of the Year' at the National Folk Festival (Canberra) earlier this year. An expressive voice and a natural affinity for guitar, live performance brings this songwriter's introspection, playfulness and raw passion to life. She released her debut album 'The Horizon Line' (2016) with an East-Coast tour from Melbourne to the Bello Winter Music Festival and overseas shows in Barcelona and France. She will soon be launching her new single 'Weakening, Awakening', recorded as part of the 5-series music documentary 'The Chromatic Memory' by Timber Music Box. Together with Isaac Gunnoo on double bass (The Bean Project, ISM ensemble), this emerging songwriter is not to be missed. "STAV. definitely stands out from the crowd"- MAV"One of the most original singer-songwriters I have heard recently... I'll be doing what we should all do when we hear or see great art... I'll be shouting her praise from the rooftops" - The Night Sky Is A Jewellery Store Window
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Natasha Trinkle is an improvising cellist, composer and teacher, based in Melbourne, who is passionate about exploring ways to include cello in a jazz context. This involves use of extended and specifically rhythmic techniques to create grooves, as well as utilising the lyrical qualities of the cello for melodic improvisation. Having completed Honours in cello performance at Monash University in 2015, as well as winning first prize in the inaugural ANZCA composition competition at Monash, Natasha has contributed to a number of exciting musical projects. These include performing and recording with Joe McEvilly’s Movement 9 ensemble, and performing at MONA as part of the 2017 Creative Music Intensive residency offered by the Australian Art Orchestra.
As a multi-genre violinist/mandolinist Pepi has performed with Deborah Conway, Gerry Hale’s Uncle Bill, The Morrisons, 8 Foot Felix, Dave Arden Band and Richard Piper. As a session musician and string arranger Pepi has recorded with Emilee South, Aine Tyrrell, Gallie, Christopher Coleman and Al Parkinson amongst others. Pepi was the recipient of the Invergowrie scholarship in 2010, a Youth Stars grant in 2013 and also the Ian Alexander scholarship, which in 2012 saw her the opportunity of studying with many contemporary violin icons such as Darol Anger, Alex Hargreaves, Bruce Molsky and Brittany Haas in the US.She currently performs, tours and creates with Olivia Hally in pop band Oh Pep!, which has recorded three EP’s and a highly praised 2016 debut album Stadium Cake by the likes of NPR and The New York Times. In her spare time she teaches music, rides her bicycle, kicks a soccer ball, draws, plays in Oh Pep! side projects Fat Cousin Skinny (oldtime) and Good Option (pop/punk) with Angie McMahon and runs an oldtime jam once a month in Melbourne.
Xani Kolac is a violinist, musician, singer/songwriter and artist. She has always had a fascination for ways in which to make the violin sound unlike itself. With training in classical music, Argentinian tango, jazz and improvisation, Xani’s work is inspired and influenced by the many varied ways that sounds become songs, and that songs become someone’s story. Xani explored the electric violin, electronic effects and live looping technology to obtain her Masters in Music Performance (by research) at the Victorian College of the Arts (2012) and is currently actively pursuing her drums/electric violin project, The Twoks. Her style is full of vibrancy and beautiful energy and she crafts atmospheric layers organically using looping technology. Xani also loves dance music and crafts beats out of hitting and tapping the violin. She has played with many Australian artists including Clare Bowditch, Tim Rogers and David Bridie, has recorded with the likes of Paul Kelly and Bliss N' Eso and has worked as music director for theatre and for her Hamer Hall debut production, "Stand By Your Woman" featuring an all-female house band. Xani is also currently working on her second EP for her solo project, XANI, blending pop and americana.
Entropy Quartet merge elements of improvised jazz, funk, and groove, roving through syncopated stated and improvised landscapes.
The ensemble performs predominantly original material, drawing influence from a broad spectrum ranging from Nik Bartsch to The Bad Plus. Within their repertoire, the band challenges the distinction between rock and jazz, reinterpreting pieces from Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and Radiohead.
They released their debut EP 'Live' (recorded live at Bennetts Lane) in 2015, and followed with their first full-length studio release S>0, launched at Uptown Jazz Cafe at the end of 2017. Entropy Quartet have been played on radio programs across the country, and performed live on PBS' Impressions program. The ensemble regularly play at various venues around Melbourne, and are currently working toward their second studio release in 2019.
Entropy Quartet are : Sally Rochlin – alto sax Ben Delves – guitar Ben Tansey – double bass Kein Jenkin - drumkit
Lijuka are a Melbourne based trio whose unique sound swings from ambient drone based musings to jazz-infused grooves. This saxophone/drums/guitar combo draws on acoustic and electronic elements, such as live-looping and real-time sound manipulation, to create a rich aural landscape. Heavily influenced by their studies in contemporary jazz, improvisation, ambient music, soundscapes and intercultural disciplines, their music aims to conjure vivid imagery in the mind of the listener.In December 2017, Lijuka were awarded the Recording Prize for their debut set at The JazzLab as part of the Melbourne Women's International Jazz Festival. They are set to record their debut release in mid 2018.
Quadrifid are a jazz quartet that you can dance to. Their focus is on combining the individuality of each instrument to create a unique musical conversation. They play a blend of classic jazz and groove music in a 'chordless' instrumentation, creating lush harmonies between the trombone, saxophone and double bass, gelled together by the rhythmic drive of the drums. Their sets include everything from the Beatles to their own jazz infused originals, all arranged to complement their unique sound.
Lauren Mullarvey — Tenor Saxophone
Ellie Lamb — Trombone
Elise Winterflood — Double Bass
Alexandra Roper — Drum Kit
