Sydney based double bassist and composer Max Alduca presents his debut album Monastery drawing inspiration from a personal journey through music and spirituality, reflecting themes of interconnectedness, trust, and hope, while also paying homage to his teachers and collaborators. Bringing together some of Sydney’s leading jazz musicians—Hilary Geddes (guitar), Michael Avgenicos (tenor sax), Luke Sweeting (piano), and James Waples (drums), the album draws on contemporary jazz, free improvisation and cinematic soundscapes.

Max Alduca is one of Australia’s most in-demand bassists, regularly touring nationally and internationally with Hamed Sadeghi’s Eishan Ensemble, Hilary Geddes Quartet, The Pocket Trio, Microfiche and many others. He has also worked with prominent artists including Mike Nock, Paul Grabowsky and Dale Barlow. The quintet, formed in 2022, reflects Alduca’s long-standing musical relationships with Geddes, Avgenicos, Sweeting, and Waples. Their collective sound, shaped by years of collaboration, is at the core of Monastery.