Michael J Brady

Michael is a Sydney-based musical chameleon who maneuvers through jazz, folk, and indie rock. Working primarily with the guitar; he draws on effects, voice, and multiple instruments as a means of exploring and sharing sound.

Michael explores how the guitar intersects jazz, folk, rock, and ‘free’ practices. Since 2016 he has led and composed for the Michael J Brady Trio, exploring shifting textures within the improvised trio format. Brady released his debut record ‘Brady//Donkin//Phipps’ in 2023, featuring the groups original line up - bassist Benjamin Phipps, and drummer Cy Donkin.

The project has featured a number of Australia’s emerging and established jazz voices such as, Lauren White, Cy Donkin, Ben Phipps, Oscar Peterson, Ryu Kodama, Sandy Evans (OAM), Sasha Gavlek, Chris McGuinness Terry, and Flora Carbo. The trio’s current lineup - featuring bassist Oscar Peterson and drummer Ryu Kodama - have performed together since March 2023. In this time Brady has toured the group across Australia and undertaken residencies and workshops at the Banff Centre Canada, the Siena Jazz University in Italy, and at UNSW Sydney.

Charlotte Mclean

Charlotte Mclean has been singing and writing original music for over 25 years and is emerging as one of Australia’s most captivating and original vocalists. Possessed of a velvety-smooth voice, she produces her own addictive style and her original tunes have garnered critical and popular acclaim. Charlotte’s exemplary skills as an improviser allow her to put a fresh spin on classic jazz repertoire, and she sings with honesty, strength and a unique combination of contemporary musical influences.

Charlotte released her second originals album ‘Magnolia’ in June 2020, which was met with great praise. She was thrilled to be named a finalist in the prestigious Queensland Music Awards (Jazz Category) for her original music in 2021. In 2023, Charlotte released her third originals album ‘Spinning wheels and sideshows’, along with a trio jazz album titled ‘I know why and so do you’ and two live albums titled ‘Live at the Jazz Club’ and ‘Jazz in Meanjin 012’. She will soon be releasing a long-awaited originals Folk album with guitarist Ben Hauptmann. Her impressive body of work led to her being nominated for the esteemed Freedman Fellowship Jazz Award in 2023. Charlotte has also performed Internationally, numerous times on live television and regularly has her music played on radio (internationally and nationally).