Volant

AUSTRALIA

Matthew Ottignon saxophones, composer
Lauren Tsamouras piano
Hannah James double pass
Hayley Chan drums & percussion

“is there something about this music, flush with heightened beauty and transcendence, that speaks tellingly to our times? On the strength of Volant, one senses a resounding yes.”

★★★★ ½ Dingo Jazz Magazine (AUS)

“…his invention, execution and originality is exceptional”

★★★★ Jazzwise Magazine (UK)

★★★★ ½ The Australian (AUS)
★★★★ ½ Fine Music Magazine (AUS)
★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald (AUS)
★★★★ Sputnik Music (USA)

Sophomore album early 2026

Volant has bloomed from a long-standing curiosity of the beauty and intricacy of birds – both in their song and movement, and as enduring symbols of freedom.

Led by acclaimed saxophonist Matthew Ottignon, the Sydney quartet features pianist Lauren Tsamouras, bassist Hannah James, and drummer Hayley Chan.

Ottignon dug deep, burrowing into a brand of spiritual jazz rooted in the music of John and Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. “This music is an echo of all the sounds that have resonated with me past and present.”

With the release of their debut album (Earshift Music, 2024), Volant’s sound resonated internationally. The album received soaring 4 and 5-star reviews in The Age, Jazzwise (UK), Dingo Jazz Magazine, and the Sydney Morning Herald, and was named Best of Jazz Bandcamp (August), as well as a Feature Album on ABC Jazz and Eastside Radio.

“His current quartet has now adopted Volant [meaning ‘to fly’] as a band name, and it’s the perfect moniker for an outfit that can glide and soar as naturally as a flock of birds,” wrote Jessica Nicholas in The Age. John Shand of the Sydney Morning Herald adds, “the impression of flight is not observed, but is experienced and exhilarating.”

Hannah James

Resonance

AUSTRALIA

Andrea Keller co-leader, composer, piano
Sandy Evans co-leader, composer, saxophones
Kristin Berardi voice
Jenny Barnes voice

Four world-renowned female improviser / composers harness the resonance of their collective musical voices to shatter the glass ceiling

“While there were moments of propulsion and intensity, the overall mood of the evening was one of intimacy, restraint and – yes – resonance.”

★★★★ The Age (AUS)

Debut album out early 2026

Touring EU/UK August/September 2026

In this new collaboration two of Australia’s finest musicians, Sandy Evans and Andrea Keller, are joined by exceptional vocalists Kristin Berardi and Jenny Barnes. Sandy and Andrea are distinguished for their profound music and roles as leaders within contemporary jazz. Kristin  is a brilliant, internationally renowned Australian jazz singer currently based in Switzerland. Jenny is an extraordinary vocalist whose unique practice explores findings from her deep study of linguistics in improvisatory contexts.

Resonance is inspired by their shared experiences striving to be prolific, creative musicians while juggling multiple roles – caring for partners, children, aging parents and community. The suite aims to resonate with the challenges, demands, and glass ceilings faced by mid-career and elder women, especially within the male-dominated jazz scene, and a society that falls short of recognising and addressing these issues effectively.

The texts include 3 new works by Michele Morgan, Hazel Smith and Andrea Keller and settings of poems by Sara Teasdale, Mary Oliver and Jeannie Greensfelder.

‘Each piece contained a structured section where Berardi interpreted the lyrics, her gorgeously expressive voice alighting on each word with grace and tenderness, and a free section where Barnes offered an improvised response to the poem in wordless sounds and instinctive gestures.’ Jessica Nicholas, The Age

Andrea and Sandy build on their strong partnership of collaborative duo performances which has included performances at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, Zephyrs Jazz at Four Winds, and the Orange Winter Jazz Festival.

The debut performance of Resonance at the JazzLab in Melbourne in February 2025 was enthusiastically received by a capacity audience. A recording of the project will be available later in 2025.

‘While there were moments of propulsion and intensity, the overall mood of the evening was one of intimacy, restraint and – yes – resonance, with all four artists focused on listening, responding and sharing, their spirit of openness resonating with the audience in turn.’ Jessica Nicholas, The Age

This project will inspire meaningful conversations about gender, creativity, and the challenges faced by women in the arts.

Jenny Barnes

Eishan Ensemble

AUSTRALIA

Hamed Sadeghi composer, tar
Michael Avegnicos saxophones
Max Alduca double bass
Adem Yilmaz percussion

“Sadeghi’s fresh, contemporary pieces subtly integrate regional Iranian folkloric elements with jazz harmonic concepts, while avoiding predictable fusion.”

★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald (AUS)

★★★★ Songlines (UK)
★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald (AUS)

Northern Rhapsody out May ’25 on ACEL Production

Touring EU/UK August/September 2025

Blurring the lines between Persian chamber jazz and Middle Eastern jazz fusion, Eishan Ensemble’s sound defies easy categorization.

Eishan Ensemble, led by renowned Persian-Australian tar virtuoso and composer Hamed Sadeghi, is an ARIA-nominated group that fuses the contemporary and classical music traditions of both East and West.

Eishan Ensemble has released three celebrated albums to date, earning nominations for the APRA Art Music Awards and Sydney Fringe Festival Awards. Their debut album, Nim Dong (released on Art As Catharsis), serves as a musical canvas for Sadeghi’s childhood memories and stories. The follow-up, Afternoon Tea at Six (2020) was inspired by the likes of Rabih Abou-Khalil, Anouar Brahem, Kayhan Kalhor, and Ravi Shankar. Sadeghi expanded the ensembles sonic palette with daring compositions and lively instrumental interplay.

Their third album, Project Masnavi (2021), is inspired by the mystical poetry of Rumi’s Masnavi, a cornerstone of Persian literature.

Looking ahead, Eishan Ensemble is preparing to release their anticipated fourth album, Northern Rhapsody (2025). This project will explore the depth and beauty of the Australian landscape, as Sadeghi notes, “Through the universal language of music, I aim to highlight the human experience of navigating new landscapes, identities, and connections.”

The Three Seas

AUSTRALIA

Matthew Keegan saxophones
Deo Ashis Mohey dotora, esraj, guitar
Raju Das Baul khamak, vocals
Hilary Geddes guitar
Brendan Clark bass
Gaurab Chatterjee dubki, drums

“Indian singers and poets combine with the crunchy grooves to absorbing effect”

– Songlines (UK)

★★★★  The Age (AUS)
★★★★  ½ Sydney Morning Herald (AUS)
★★★★  Edinburgh Fringe Review (UK)

New album ‘Into The Night’ coming soon

The Three Seas weave together the mysticism of Baul and Himalayan folk traditions with the dynamic freedom of contemporary jazz. An enduring global collaboration that continues to evolve.

At the helm of The Three Seas is Australian composer and saxophonist, Matthew Keegan. His quest for new sonic horizons led him to India in 2009, where fate brought the ensemble together in the enchanting town of Santiniketan, West Bengal. The fusion of their distinct cultural backgrounds and immediate musical rapport birthed the energetic and uplifting musical fusion of The Three Seas.

Their releases Haveli (2013), Fathers, Sons & Brothers (2017), and Afterlife (2022) explore the intersection of their cultural influences, showcasing ancient and contemporary sounds in a genre-defying spirit.

Their fourth album due for release in 2026 was recorded at Real World Studios. Produced by Dave Rodriguez (Godtet) and Sarathy Korwar (Leaf Label, Ninja Tune), it is a hypnotic journey through shamanic chants and ancient traditions.