JEX SAARELAHT QUINTET – Premiere

For one night only, the Esto-Cubist Jazz Festival 2026 sees auto-didact pianist/composer Jex Saarelaht, perennial of the Melbourne musical landscape, joined by four outstanding musicians – Scott Tinkler (trumpet), Julien Wilson (tenor and soprano saxophones), Ben Hanlon (double bass), and Felix Bloxsom (drums); continuing to present his own distinctive compositions, along with less-travelled pieces by jazz composers including Geri Allen and Andrew Hill.

‘Rhythmic power is a signal feature of Jex Saarelaht’s music. It’s just bloody great to hear thrilling justice
Being done to the beating heart of this great genre.’ – Ian Muldoon, review of Jex Saarelaht Quartet, Esto-
Cubist Jazz Festival 2025 – ericmyersjazz.com

Presented by:

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.