Abi Lee Trio

Abi Lee is a pianist, composer, and improviser based in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia. Born to Korean parents, Abi grew up in Auckland, New Zealand. Since the age of 5, her love for piano and music has always been a driving force for her. She relocated to Melbourne, drawn by her love of Australian Jazz and studies at the Victorian College of the Arts with Stephen Magnusson, Andrea Keller and Barney McAll. Abi is always exploring the endless possibilities in improvisation and focusing on expanding her thinking in art.

Abi’s belief and love for music is shown in her debut album, Up on the Hill Again, Here I Go, released in May 2024. It highlights her and the band’s thoughtful approach to the music. Abi’s percussive and distinctive voice shows her strong influences from Keith Jarrett, Andrea Keller and Mike Nock. She can also be seen as a performer showcasing her original music and sharing the stage with Naarm’s notable musicians. Abi has been awarded several prizes and scholarships such as the Will Poskitt Piano Scholarship (2023), the Graham Coyle Prize (2022), the Ronald William Capron Prize (2022), and the Lady Turner Prize (2022).

Abi Lee – piano
Jack Smythe – bass
Alex Siderov – drums

Abi and her trio will be debuting new sets of originals as well as some from her debut album.

“Listening to young pianist, composer, improviser, Abi Lee – I’m struck by her adventurous spirit, and fertile musical mind. There’s a wonderful sense of searching, courage, and a deep commitment and dedication to improvisation.

Abi leads the charge in this quartet of exciting emerging voices in Australia. Up on the Hill Again, Here I Go is a richly rewarding debut (the closing track as slow as you can is a personal highlight). If this is the beginning, I can’t wait to hear what comes next!” Andrea Keller, May 2024

“Abi Lee’s debut album is a welcomed breath of fresh air. Compositionally the album ventures down many avenues and the ensemble’s interplay and sensitivity is stunning. Abi’s playing demonstrates the musical depth and vulnerability necessary to be engaged in high-level’real time’ improvisation with the band there with her every step of the way.” Stephen Magnusson, May 2024.

Abi’s debut album, Up on the Hill Again, Here I Go, is available for stream via abilee.bandcamp.com

For further information, please visit abi-lee.com