RESONANCE // Sandy Evans · Andrea Keller · Michelle Nicolle · Jenny Barnes | Fillmores

Resonance brings together four world-renowned improviser-composers who use their collective voice to shatter against the glass ceiling. Co-leaders Sandy Evans (saxophones) and Andrea Keller (piano) stand among Australia’s most distinguished contemporary jazz musicians. They are joined by Michelle Nicolle, an internationally renowned Australian jazz singer, and Jenny Barnes, whose vocal practice grows out of her deep study of linguistics in improvisation.

The suite draws on their shared experience of building a creative life while caring for partners, children, aging parents and community. It speaks to the demands placed on women, and to a jazz scene, and a society, still slow to recognise them. Lyrics for the project were commissioned, premiering new works by Michele Morgan, Hazel Smith and Andrea Keller alongside poems by Sara Teasdale and Jeanie 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

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

** Due to unforeseen circumstances, Kristin Berardi is no longer able to travel to Australia. Michelle Nicolle will take her place for the Resonance tour.