Two of Melbourne's most exciting emerging improvisers, Yael Zamir and Elly Blackham, present their quartets at Cross Street, the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Both bands come into this gig at an exciting time - with Elly's band fresh off recording their debut album at Brian Brown Studio, and Yael's band about to make their festival debut at Wangaratta Jazz Festival. Their sets at Cross Street will explore two complementary sound worlds - Brazilian music and contemporary Australian jazz.

The Library at Cross Street is one of Melbourne's most enjoyable rooms for listening to music and an important part of the city's improvising community.

Yael Zamir Quartet

The Yael Zamir Quartet brings to life four distinct colours of Brazilian music — bossa nova, samba, forró, and choro — through a jazz lens. The ensemble draws inspiration from great Brazilian artists such as Hermeto Pascoal, Antonio Carlos Jobim, and Egberto Gismonti, who offer a fresh take on these traditional styles.

Award-winning jazz flutist Yael Zamir is known for her expressive improvisation and distinctive sound. A key presence in Melbourne’s jazz scene, she performs with renowned artists such as Tony Gould, Lior and Panorama Brasil. Yael has a background in classical and jazz flute, and completed her Bachelor of Music at Monash University. Yael’s unique voice has established her as a major force in the Australian jazz and improvisation scene.

Elly Blackham Quaret

Elly Blackham is an up-and-coming saxophonist in the Melbourne jazz scene. Specialising in contemporary jazz, her music is influenced by jazz luminaries such as Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek and Dexter Gordon, as well as artists closer to home such as Andrea Keller, Angela Davis and Sam Anning.

Elly's music stems from distinctly human emotions, experiences and love, with both her compositions and improvisations constantly in pursuit of this. Following two days in the studio in July recording her debut album 'Don't Push the River', her band will present tunes off of the album as well as new compositions from members of the band.

Doors at 1:30pm

2pm - Yael Zamir Quartet
3pm - Elly Blackham Quartet

Yael Zamir - Flute

Steve Grant - Piano

Max Raz-Liebman - Bass

Ollie Shute - Drums

Elly Blackham - Tenor Saxophone

Pat Jaffe - Piano

Jack Smythe - Double Blass

Paddy Walter - Drums