The Vampires (NSW)

Immerse yourself in an evening of distinctive melodies and rhythms with The Vampires, an instrumental ensemble celebrated for what the Guardian UK calls their “genre-hopping creativity”. Having captivated audiences from the UK to Europe and their native Australia, The Vampires have received critical acclaim, an ARIA nomination, and stand out as the first instrumental act to be shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize, boasting a lineup of some of the most acclaimed and sought-after musicians of this generation.

Having released seven critically lauded albums, including the ARIA-nominated The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke, The Vampires have continuously evolved their sound. Their 2019 release, Pacifica, marked a decade-long journey of musical camaraderie, witnessing the band’s return to a classic chord-less quartet format and leaning further into recording production. This triumphant evolution was subsequently celebrated with a successful European tour that year, which included a sold-out performance at the esteemed Enjoy Jazz Festival.

Nightjar, their latest album, introduces a fresh collaborative endeavor with renowned pianist and keyboard player Chris Abrahams. A member of the legendary improvised minimalism trio, The Necks, Abrahams enriches The Vampires’ music with an expansive and scintillating approach, adding another exciting dimension to their sound.

Join us for what Jazzwise has described as a “seductive precision to the music” and Bandcamp calls a “captivating jazz experience.” Gary Fukushima from Downbeat also compliments the band’s “strategic shifts in texture, tonality, rhythm or intensity” that turn each hypnotic groove into an “ever-unfolding and irresistible arc.” Don’t miss this chance to witness The Vampires’ creative show.

Jeremy Rose: tenor saxophone
Nick Garbett: trumpet
Noel Mason: bass
Alex Masso: drums, electronics

This concert is made possible by SIMA’s Regional Touring Program, with support from the Australia Council for the Arts and Create NSW.