Open Thread

This concert celebrates the release of Waiting Music, Open Thread’s second album on Earshift Music. Continuing the spirit of experimentation that defined the band’s debut, Waiting Music reveals an even deeper sense of collaboration and cohesion.

Recorded following a major overseas tour, the album features new compositions and improvisations that draw on a wide range of influences — from Satie to punk, free jazz to ambient — while maintaining a singular group sound that seamlessly blends the four distinct voices of the ensemble.

Melodically rich, sonically diverse and rhythmically compelling, Waiting Music is at once noisy, playful and beautiful — both raw and refined — juxtaposing a broad spectrum of emotions that carry the listener on a new journey with each listen.

The band comprises Julien Wilson (saxophones), Peggy Lee (cello), Theo Carbo (guitar) and Dylan van der Schyff (drums, percussion), and will perform selections from the new album.

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.