Julian Banks Quartet

The Julian Banks Quartet brings together some of Melbourne’s most creative improvisers in a group that is both fiery and fluid. Led by tenor saxophonist and composer Julian Banks, the quartet explores original compositions that carry echoes of the jazz tradition while redefining it through a distinctly contemporary lens. The music balances spontaneity with structure, allowing for deep listening, bold interplay, and moments of raw intensity. With Joe Talia on drums, James Gilligan on bass, and Louis King on guitar, the group weaves rich harmonic textures and lyrical melodies into a sound that is unmistakably their own.

The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative:

The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting original live jazz performance by established and emerging artists in Melbourne.

Since 1983 our objectives have been to increase the exposure of contemporary jazz performance by making it accessible to audiences, and to provide award waged performance opportunities for emerging and established artists.

In addition to support derived from member contributions, the MJC is assisted by  the Victorian Government, through Creative Victoria, via its Arts Development Programs. MJC was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body from 1983-2017 inclusive, and was delighted to receive Australia Council funding of $60,000 for our 2019 program.

The MJC received $40,000 from the Australia Council over the 2021/2022 Financial Year, and was pleased to received a grant of $75,341 from Creative Australia (with Music Australia contribution) for our 2025 Annual Program.

Our sold-out 40th Anniversary Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre in May 2023 was supported by a $20,000 grant from Creative Victoria’s Creative Projects program.