The Jazzlab

Aether\Or is a long overdue union of kindred musical spirits. This debut concert at the Jazzlab has offered the opportunity for a quartet of unique voices to gather together for the first time and explore a rich and diverse world of musical possibilities. 

She has a voice from another era & brings an emotional maturity to her performance that belies her years. Performing with a similarly minded group of hot young players she brings her American Songbook repertoire to the 21st century.

Known for his versatility across an eclectic range of contemporary and improvised music, bassist Jordan Tarento has performed with Refraction, La Influencia, Barney McAll and the Brenton Foster sextet. After a year-long, intensive writing period, Jordan presents his debut as composer and bandleader, with an album's worth of never-before heard, original compositions, channelling influences as wide-ranging as Skulli Sverrison, Kurt Rosenwinkel's 'Caipi', Nik Bartsch and The Pat Metheny Group.

This debut performance will be delivered by a six-strong ensemble, featuring Amy Valent-Curlis (marimba, xylophone & glockenspiel); Darryn Farrugia (drums & percussion); Adelaide-based Hugh Stuckey, and Harry Tinney (guitars); Darrin Archer (piano & keyboards); and, Jordan Tarento (double bass & bass guitars).

Following the passing of esteemed mentor Allan Browne in 2015, Andrea Keller created Transients, a series of trios inspired by Browne’s musical philosophy and collaborative spirit. 

Transients have held residencies at Bennetts Lane and Uptown Jazz Cafe, released two albums (Transients Volume 1 & 2) and won the Music Victoria Award for Best Jazz Album in 2019.

Joining Andrea for this performance will be saxophonist Tim Wilson and trombonist James Macaulay.

For the first time at the Jazzlab! the Monty Shnier Sextet plays original compositions inspired by the lyricism and drama of modern composers such as Andrea Keller, Brad Mehldau, Sam Anning, and Ambrose Akinmusire, as well as reinterpreting harmonic and textural concepts from the Jazz Tradition, and Classical composers such as Debussy, Chopin, and Bach.

Melbourne-based Joe Chindamo is considered a world class jazz pianist, whose individual sound and style has won him many accolades and an international reputation that has seen him perform at such prestigious venues and events as Umbria Jazz Festival, The Tokyo Dome and The Lincoln Centre in New York.

Vocalist / Composer, Gian Slater is well-known in jazz and contemporary music circles in Australia and abroad. She has long been a singer’s singer: an individualist whose vocal artistry and sophisticated song writing have forged a creatively adventurous career.

Grey Is Ground is Slater’s sixth solo album released by New York based label, Biophilia Records, produced by the transcendent Barney McAll and featuring the drumming genius of Simon Barker. The album, four years in the making, marks Slater’s deepest dive into the unknown- at once fizzing, technicolor synth-epic and poignant singer-songwriter confessional.

For this special launch performance, Slater and McAll will be joined by the incredible James McLean on drums and Chris Hale on bass, and special guests Louisa Rankin and Josh Kyle on backing vocals.

Hannah Cameron will be performing a short set prior to the band.