Immerse yourself in an evening of distinctive melodies and rhythms with The Vampires, an instrumental ensemble celebrated for what the Guardian UK calls their “genre-hopping creativity”. Having captivated audiences from the UK to Europe and their native Australia, The Vampires have received critical acclaim, an ARIA nomination, and stand out as the first instrumental act to be shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize, boasting a lineup of some of the most acclaimed and sought-after musicians of this generation. Join Jeremy Rose (tenor saxophone), Nick Garbett (trumpet), Noel Mason (bass) and Alex Masso (drums, electronics) as they return to Lawson's Mechanic's Institute.

THE VAMPIRES: LIVE @ THE MECHANIC'S INSTITUTE // Saturday, 25 November 2023 // Doors 6:00 pm; Show 7:30 pm // Location: The Mechanic's Institute, Lawson. 284 Great Western Highway, Lawson. // Tickets: $40/35

Having released seven critically lauded albums, including the ARIA-nominated The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke, The Vampires have continuously evolved their sound. Their 2019 release, Pacifica, marked a decade-long journey of musical camaraderie, witnessing the band's return to a classic chord-less quartet format and leaning further into recording production. This triumphant evolution was subsequently celebrated with a successful European tour that year, which included a sold-out performance at the esteemed Enjoy Jazz Festival.

Nightjar, their latest album, introduces a fresh collaborative endeavor with renowned pianist and keyboard player Chris Abrahams. A member of the legendary improvised minimalism trio, The Necks, Abrahams enriches The Vampires' music with an expansive and scintillating approach, adding another exciting dimension to their sound.

Join us for what Jazzwise has described as a "seductive precision to the music" and Bandcamp calls a "captivating jazz experience." Gary Fukushima from Downbeat also compliments the band's "strategic shifts in texture, tonality, rhythm or intensity" that turn each hypnotic groove into an "ever-unfolding and irresistible arc." Don't miss this chance to witness The Vampires' creative show.

This concert is made possible by SIMA’s Regional Touring Program, with support from the Australia Council for the Arts and Create NSW.

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/ THE VAMPIRES /
Jeremy Rose: tenor saxophone
Nick Garbett: trumpet
Noel Mason: bass
Alex Masso: drums, electronics

The Vampires have gained critical attention worldwide for their distinctive sound yet have a style that is undoubtedly their own. They have garnered praise from Downbeat, “phenomenal”, the Guardian UK, “seductive genre-hopping creativity”, and All About Jazz, “gold all over”, and appeared at premier festivals throughout the UK, Europe and their homeland Australia. The Vampires are the first instrumental act to be short-listed for the Australian Music Prize and is comprised of some of the most in-demand and awarded musicians of their generation.

The band has released seven critically acclaimed albums including the ARIA-nominated The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke. Their 2019 release, Pacifica, saw them return to the classic chord-less quartet format for a celebration of the band’s 10 years of performing together, evident in their deep, long-standing musical kinship. The album was an evolution of the band's sound, leaning further into recording production. The band followed this with a successful European tour in 2019, including a sold-out performance at the Enjoy Jazz Festival.

Their latest release Nightjar, brings a fresh perspective on their music in a collaboration with pianist and keyboard player Chris Abrahams. One third of the legendary improvised minimalism trio, The Necks, Chris Abrahams is a great match for the band, bringing an expansive and scintillating approach to their music.

“In a head-bopping nod to the obvious, The Vampires play vamps. Yet, these are no ordinary vamps. Written and improvised melodies are beautiful and flawless, and the harmonies between the three voices (woodwinds, brass, bass) ring with pitch-perfect sonority. There is a sublime pacing to each of the tunes here, with strategic shifts in texture, tonality, tonality, rhythm or intensity twisting the narrative of each hypnotic groove into an ever-unfolding and irresistible arc.”
- Gary Fukushima, Downbeat.

“Original, melodically minimal compositions with hidden details scattered in every corner you look—covering nearly every topographic musical element and framed in a cohesive whole.”
- Friedrich Kunzman, All About Jazz

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/ MEALS & BAR /
The Friends of the Mechanic's Institute will offer a bar by donation on the night, and Red Pepper Catering will be on-site offering meals. The kitchen will open from 6:30 pm.
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/ THE SCHEDULE /
Date: Saturday, 25 November 2023.
Venue: The Mechanic's Institute, Lawson. 284 Great Western Highway, Lawson.

Doors & Kitchen Open: 6:15 pm
First Set: 7:30-8:15 pm
Second Set: 8:45-9:30 pm

Tickets: $40/35

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Music in the Mountains and The Friends of the Mechanic's Institute acknowledge the Dharug and Gundungurra people as the Traditional Owners of the land where our experiences are being shared.