Adam Simmons
Saxophones etc.
Multi instrumentalist, from all saxophones to flutes, shakuhachi and fujare with few clarinets thrown in.
From solo to his 20-piece Creative Music Ensemble, Adam is one of the most electrifying Australian improvisers. Certainly one of the busiest Australian musicians, he tours Europe regularly and is developing at the moment a long-term collaboration with Denis Colin from France.
Origami is a new trio with Howard Cairns and Anthony Baker in which Adam plays alto.
Selected discography
- Origami The Blues of Joy (Listen Hear Collective)
- The Adam Simmons Quartet Metamorphosis (Fat Rain)
- New Blood Live at Plama (Fat Rain)
- Adam Simmons Solo (Fat Rain)
- A.Simmons Toy Band Happy Jacket (Dr Jim)
Sam Keevers
Piano
A busy composer at home and abroad with beautiful projects like the amazing nonet with which he produced two gems recorded live (No Conditions and No Exceptions), Sam finds the time somehow to go to New York to arrange and record Black Bird for Katie Noonan with Joe Lovano, John Scofield, Ron Carter and Lewis Nash. He has now started his own label, Keynetics Records, with several very exciting projects in the pipeline.
Selected discography
- Sam Keevers Nonet No Exceptions (Jazzhead)
- Sam keevers Nonet No Conditions (Jazzhead)
- Oehlers & Keevers Grace – duo with Jamie Oehlers (Jazzhead)
- Sam Keevers & Gary Pinto Let The Light In (Keynetic Records)
Stephen Magnuson
Guitar
An astoundingly beautiful tone coupled with his incredible technique makes him an indispensable part of many bands. Stephen is an inspired composer as well who makes music that “quite literally glows”.
Selected discography
- E. Ball S. Magnuson S. Beresovski Healing Songs (Newmarket)
- S. Magnuson F. Di Sario Boundaries (Newmarket)
- Mag (Mag)
Ben Winkelman
Piano
Described as a “determined cross breeder” by Nat Hentoff of Cadence, Ben defies classification.
His compositions embrace salsa and stride, and tango as well, but you can feel Tyner and Hancock lurking in the background. Ben is now based in New York.
Ben is now based in New-York where he has been busy collaborating with a number of musicians.
Selected discography
- Ben Winkelman Trio The Spanish Tinge (Jazzhead)
- Ben Winkelman Trio Stomps Pieces & Variations (Jazzhead)
- Ben Winkelman Trio Odysseys (Jazzhead)
Christopher Hale
Bass
After recording three albums with his acclaimed Ensemble, Chris has embarked in new adventures, sometimes in collaboration with the wonderful Gian Slater, like Sylent Running with Barney Mc All, Nir Felder, Dan West and Jojo Mayer. His dazzling technique and the depth of his compositions promises more beautiful music to come.
Selected discography
- C. Hale Ensemble The February Concert (UAR/MGM)
- C. Hale Ensemble A Way To Be Fine (UAR/MGM)
- C. Hale Ensemble & J. RosemanKodály we are none of us precious (UAR)
- Sylent Running Empathy Chip (independent)
Gemma Turvey
Piano
One of a kind, Gemma produces music that transcends classification.
There is a grace to Gemma’s compositions, which leaves space for listeners to feel and to think.
With her new trio, Frank Di Sario on bass and Phil Collings on drums, often augmented of a string quartet, Gemma is taking her music into new territories. A soon to be released recording of her new work with a much bigger ensemble will reveal the scope of her composing talent.
Selected discography
- Into the life of things (independent)
Michelle Nicolle
Voice
Michelle is a jazz musician whose instrument is voice. She is also an arranger and bandleader. One of her latest projects, a quintet with a rhythm section and four guitars, proves that she can be a very innovative musician. She tours intensively in Australia and overseas.
Selected discography
- What Kind of Fool (Newmarket)
- The Loveliest Night (ABC)
Clotilde Rullaud
Clotilde Rullaud | photo © Pauline Thomas
Voice
Clotilde Rullaud is a French Jazz singer, coming from the new generation of French jazz musicians.
She has always considered Jazz music as a large melting pot, a mix of influences and cultures, confronting Afro-American music with Latin musical traditions, mixing African folklore and the art of the words.
A light years away from a preconceived vocal jazz aesthetic, Clotilde Rullaud builds a world where Gainsbourg meets Bill Evans, and where the landscapes of Africa and the scents of South America do not let go.
Heading a quartet composed of Olivier Hutman, German guitarist Dano Haider and the drummer Antoine Paganotti, Clotilde Rullaud has created a bewildering album – In Extremis.
Selected discography:
- Live au 7 Lézards (independent)
- In Extremis (Tzig’art / Nota Bene Productions)
Ronny Ferella
Drums
Drummer/composer & bandleader, Ronny has been a regular fixture in the jazz, blues/roots and experimental scene in Melbourne for well over a decade. He has now added on his plate the managing of the new label Downstream Music.