James Sherlock and Lillian Albazi are Naarm-based musicians with distinguished careers spanning jazz, classical, and experimental music.

James, a celebrated guitarist and 1997 Ike Isaacs International Jazz Guitar Award winner, has toured extensively, performing at prestigious venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival and collaborating with renowned artists, including Sheila Jordan, Cyrille Aimée, and The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. With six albums as a bandleader, James’s artistry has earned international acclaim, including a recent feature in François Tétaz’s film score for The Surfer.

Lillian, an acclaimed vocalist and composer, debuted at the 2016 Melbourne International Jazz Festival and gained recognition with her debut album After-Image in 2021. She has explored diverse musical projects, including "Bright Phantoms" with bassist Oscar Neyland and her USA-based noise group’s Objects Without Pain, which received international accolades. Lillian’s fearless approach showcases her versatility across jazz, art music, and alternative genres.

Together, they have created the Sherlock Albazi Quartet. An exciting new project debuting making it's New Zealand debut.

“Sherlock is a wonderful guitarist, and a craftsman of songs possessing beauty and depth. Solo should make a few Top 10s of the year and help propel Sherlock onto the bigger stage he surely deserves. Definitely a name to watch out for.” Ian Patterson www.allaboutjazz.com

“A fine addition to his consistently impressive discography, The Verb Not the Noun makes the case for Sherlock as one of modern jazz's most elegant guitarists.” Ian Patterson www.allaboutjazz.com

“Lillian’s take on standards is an insight into her gift as a composer, vocalist and consummate musician." Michael Tortoni, Artistic Director, Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

‘Lillian Albazi has the qualities of a very fine artist – a beautiful voice, excellent presence and commitment to her art." – Tony Gould AM

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LILLIAN ALBAZI

Fresh back from performing in the UK, Lillian Albazi is a multi-talented musician; a jazz vocalist, alt-indie band leader, and noise rock collaborator who has established herself as a distinctive voice in the Australian jazz scene and overseas. She gained recognition after performing at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival in 2016, which helped launch her career as both a performer and a leader in the jazz community. Her debut album, "After-Image", released in 2021, was met with acclaim, showcasing her innovative approach to jazz and her ability to bring a fresh perspective to traditional jazz standards. Albazi spent 2021-2022 touring "After-Image" across Australia, performing at venues including MONA Museum, Devonport Jazz Festival, National Press Club, Jazzlab and Melbourne Recital Centre. In 2022, Albazi debuted "Bright Phantoms" with bassist Oscar Neyland (The Rookies/ The Wirecutters) that explores the interplay between the voice and double bass through extended techniques, altered tunings and modern classical Italian and Norwegian influences. Most recently, Lillian released and toured "Objects without Pain" alongside her USA-based noise group where she played sold out shows at Electric Ballroom in London, New Century Hall in Manchester and Marble Factory in Bristol. Since this release, Lillian has received stellar international reviews and recognition in press around the world including Brooklyn Vegan and Stereogum. "Objects without Pain" topped many international Album of the Year Charts including France, Germany and USA, as well as being the feature album of the week on Australia’s Triple J’s ‘Short, Fast and Loud’. Lillian’s performances are known for her expressive and emotive vocal delivery, effortlessly combining technical skill with heartfelt interpretation. As the leader of the Lillian Albazi Quintet, she continues to explore the complexities of jazz, leading her group through compositions that blend modern jazz sensibilities with traditional influences. Her ability to craft evocative, intricate melodies and intricate rhythms has made her a standout artist in the genre.

JAMES SHERLOCK

James began playing classical guitar at age 7. He attended the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, studying classical guitar, and graduated in 1992. He is now based in Melbourne, Australia. James was the winner of the Ike Isaacs International Jazz Guitar Award in 1997. As a bandleader, James has released six albums and collaborated with artists including Sheila Jordan (USA), Cyrille Aimée (FRA), Jeff “Tain” Watts (USA), John Riley (USA), Leroy Jones (USA), Rick Margitza (USA/FRA), Martin Taylor (UK), Megan Washington (AUS), Joe Camilleri (AUS), film composer Howard Shore (USA), The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and The Australian Chamber Orchestra. As well as live performances, James has appeared on recordings alongside MSO Double Bassist Ben Hanlon, Kristin Berardi, Sam Anning, Emma Gilmartin and Jake Mason. Most recently, James was asked by renowned film composer François Tétaz to feature on his latest feature film score for ‘The Surfer’, directed by Lorcan Finnegan starring Nick Cage that will be released in the later half of 2024. James has toured extensively across the world, his career taking him to over twelve different countries and headline at some of the most prestigious festivals and venues including Montreux Jazz Festival opening for George Benson and Al Jarreau. In 2021 James was the featured soloist in the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s work “Blood on the Floor”. The James Sherlock Trio was featured in the ABC TV Jazz Series "The Pulse". October 2023 saw James release “The Verb not the Noun”, his first trio recording since “Domestic Arts” in 2010 and the first to feature an all original program since “Watermark” in 2006. This recording brings together the artistry and experience of James, Sam Anning (bass) and Danny Fischer (drums).

03 SESSIONS // Original and improvised music from Ōtautahi and beyond.

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