James Sherlock and Lillian Albazi are Naarm-based improvisers with distinguished careers spanning jazz, classical, and experimental music.
Lillian Albazi, an internationally acclaimed vocalist and composer, made her debut at the 2016 Melbourne International Jazz Festival and gained critical acclaim for her 2021 debut album After-Image. Her boundary-pushing work across projects like Bright Phantoms (with bassist Oscar Neyland) and USA-based noise collective Objects Without Pain has earned international radio rotation and praise from international music publications including Stereogum, Australian Arts Review, and Brooklyn Vegan. With regular touring across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, Albazi’s fearless artistry bridges jazz, art music and alternative genres - anchored by a voice described as both captivating and emotionally charged.
James Sherlock, a celebrated guitarist and winner of the 1997 Ike Isaacs International Jazz Guitar Award, has performed extensively at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and collaborated with international icons including Sheila Jordan (USA), Cyrille Aimée (FRA), Jeff “Tain” Watts (USA), John Riley (USA), Leroy Jones (USA), Rick Margitza (USA/FRA), Martin Taylor (UK), Paul Grabowsky (AUS), Megan Washington (AUS), Joe Camilleri (AUS), film composer Howard Shore (USA), and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. With six albums as a bandleader and recent recognition for his feature on François Tétaz’s 2025 film score for The Surfer, Sherlock continues to affirm his place among modern jazz’s most versatile guitarists.
Though the Sherlock Albazi collaboration is a relatively new project, the pair have already toured extensively, performing at 03 Sessions, The Granity Theatre and The Single Fin Mingle in Aotearoa, as well as at leading jazz venues across Australia alongside Ben Hanlon (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) and Holly Moore (Namboku Records/Australian Art Orchestra).
“Together, James and Lillian formed the Sherlock Albazi Duo, delivering a performance that was both innovative and deeply moving. Their synergy on stage was palpable, weaving through an eclectic mix of jazz standards and original compositions that resonated with both aficionados and newcomers alike. The audience was treated to a night of musical excellence, marked by improvisational brilliance and heartfelt expression. Their combination was marked by a remarkable sense of intimacy and musical conversation. With each piece, James and Lillian demonstrated an intuitive understanding of one another’s phrasing and emotion—James’s guitar lines dancing gently around Lillian’s expressive vocals. Whether interpreting a jazz standard or delivering one of Lillian’s original compositions, their interplay felt effortless yet profound. The duo’s ability to balance technical brilliance with emotional nuance created an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and warmly inviting—holding the audience in quiet awe from the very first note to the final, lingering chord." - Aotearoa 2025 Tour Live Review.
“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
Joined on stage by -
TBA - Double Bass
Dave Sanders - Drums
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