Toqui – ‘The Gentle Axe’ Single Launch Support by Kat Wiktorski Quartet

Support:
Kat Wiktorski Quartet
Katarzyna Wiktorski is a Polish-Australian pianist, composer, arranger, band leader and producer. Fusing improvisation, modern jazz, classical and film score influences, she creates emotional and ornate listening experiences for performance, screen and recording projects. Aiming to balance between complexity and simplicity her sound is often described as cinematic, chamber-jazz with a touch of prog.
Supporting Toqui’s single launch, Kat brings together a quartet featuring Flora Carbo (alto saxophone), Madison James Smith (electric bass) and Hannes Lackmann (drums). The group will perform music from Kat’s previous releases and new tunes from her upcoming cinematic/ chamber jazz album (to be released).

Toqui:
Toqui, led by pianist-composer Oscar France, is an 8-piece semi-acoustic ensemble that blends improvisation with intricate melodies. Their music features dark, horn-and-cello- laden arrangements, evoking vivid scenes of the natural world—from free-flowing current to fiery sunset Toqui’s inspiration blurs genres, seamlessly fusing jazz, bossa, and folk with elements of electronic music, all with a cinematic edge. Taking their audience on a sonic journey, Toqui has crafted a truly unique sound.
Following the success of their debut album Wire Owl (released May 2023) and its sold-out launch at Melbourne’s Jazz Lab, Toqui returns in April 2025 with the highly anticipated release of Gentle Axe. This new single expands their sound, weaving orchestral soundscapes with the raw energy of live jazz—offering a taste of their forthcoming album due later this year. Regulars at iconic venues such as Preston’s hidden gems Ragtime Tavern and Northcote’s Bar 303 Jass Hub, Toqui’s journey continues to unfold, providing a musical experience that’s as much felt as it is heard.
Oscar France(composer/pianist)
Owen Miller (Trumpet)
Jordan Moore(Clarinet)
Joseph Kanniah(Bassoon)
Rosie Luby(Cello)
Mick Power (Guitar)
Alastair Watts(Bass)
Oliver Ledi Hanane(drums)