MJC Presents: Jex Saarelaht Quartet feat. Grant, Anning, and McLean

Stalwart of the Melbourne musical landscape, pianist/composer Jex Saarelaht continues to present his own distinctive compositions, along with less-travelled pieces by jazz composers including Geri Allen and Andrew Hill, joined by three outstanding musicians – eclectic multi-instrumentalist Steve Grant, here performing on trumpet, master-bassist Sam Anning, and winner of the 2016 Freedman Jazz Fellowship, drummer James McLean.

‘Jazz is alive and growing in Australia and James McLean is new-generation proof.’ – Dr. Richard Letts AM, Australian musician, author and advocate

‘even more memorable was Anning’s solo… It’s thrilling to witness someone searching like that: gamely, playfully, and openly… the meaning is in the way they search. That’s what stays with you…’ – Ben Bartholomew, review of Transients, live at the Perth International Jazz Festival

‘Surely one of the most versatile trumpet players Australia has ever produced.’ – Portland Observer, on Steve Grant
                                                                                                           
‘All three bring such ebullience to bear that the music never treads water, but rather is always picking you up and taking you off on another exhilarating joyride…’ – John Shand, review of Jex Saarelaht Trio’s CD, ‘Liminal’, The Sydney Morning Herald