Pianist and composer James O’Brien returns to the MJC following his acclaimed debut last year, where his dynamic quintet impressed with a compelling program of original music. A standout voice among a new generation of Australian jazz artists, O’Brien is a graduate of the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), and relocated to Melbourne in 2023.
He has performed with acclaimed ensembles including the Australian National Jazz Orchestra Youth Big Band, and features on Daniel Susnjar’s WAM Award-winning album The Recipe (2020). Known for his creative, forward-thinking approach grounded in jazz tradition, O’Brien’s virtuosic playing has been praised for its striking maturity and depth. Among the musicians joining him is saxophonist and long-time collaborator Jayden Blockley, a fellow WAAPA alumnus and recent finalist in the 2024 National Jazz Saxophone Awards, who also featured in O’Brien’s debut MJC lineup.
For one night only, James and his quintet will present an unforgettable evening of modern jazz. This special performance will include a performance of his highly anticipated ‘Toward Dawn’ suite, recorded earlier this year, alongside new and exciting compositions.
Featuring:
James O’Brien - Piano
Jayden Blockley - Tenor Saxophone
Fran Swinn - Electric Guitar
Umar Zakaria - Double Bass
Luke Andresen - Drums & Cymbals
Presented by the Melbourne Jazz Co-operative, with funding assistance from Creative Australia and Music Australia.
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