BMF Presents: Earshift Music Showcase – Michelle Nicole Quartet & Hold the Lion’s Paw feat. Sunny Kim

Earshift Music is proud to celebrate 15 years with a showcase presenting Melbourne’s most ground-breaking jazz stars.

Founded in 2009 and directed by Jeremy Rose, Earshift Music has released over 80 albums, representing the diverse cultural bleed and distinct musical voices of Australian jazz.

“…Earshift represents the fresh future of Australian music.” – nycjazzrecord

“Australia’s most significant outlet for jazz-related music.” Sydney Morning Herald

Michelle Nicolle Quartet

The Michelle Nicolle Quartet are well known for their diversity of repertoire. With eight albums and many Australian and international tours under their collective belt, they are celebrating their 25th year. Their recent album, The Bach Project richly embraces the music of J.S. Bach in their unique chamber jazz style. The quartet’s arrangements showcase the mastery of J.S. Bach’s compositions and add a flavour to the improvisational elements found (and sometimes lost) in these great works. Features her long standing quartet of guitarist Geoff Hughes, bassist Tom Lee and drummer Ronny Ferella.

“If there’s such a phenomenon as the perfect jazz singer, Michelle Nicolle is far and away my choice.” ★★★★★The Australian

“These interpretations are apogees of an album from a vocalist and her band who have found their place in their search for creativity and taken it to another level with increased poignancy and international powers.” ★★★★1/2 Dingo Jazz

I Hold the Lion’s Paw feat. Sunny Kim

I Hold the Lion’s Paw is a sonic trip like no other. Led by ARIA nominated trumpeter-producer Reuben Lewis, this ensemble is a guide into an immersive world of twisted funk, electro-grunge and psychedelic jazz that will leave you with “the feeling of having stumbled into someone else’s LSD trip” (Sydney Morning Herald). This is music as assemblage, using the stage as a laboratory whilst practicing post-production sorcery in real time.

Joining I Hold the Lion’s Paw will be legendary vocalist Sunny Kim. Drawing from her life journey as a global nomad – Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Denver, Boston, New York and now Melbourne – Sunny’s artistic practice seeks to find meaningful connections to people, culture, and place through a dedication to self-discovery, deep listening, and collaboration.)

This is a first-time creative exchange not to be missed!

Reuben Lewis – trumpet, synthesisers, pedals, samples
Adam Halliwell– electric bass
Ronny Ferella – drums
Sunny Kim – vocals

The Earshift Showcase is presented as part of the 2024 Brunswick Music Festival