Eucalyptus Treeo

Eucalyptus Treeo is the exciting new collaboration between three award winning composers, performers, and friends - Steve Barry (piano), Hannah James (Double Bass) and Rafael Karlen (Saxophone). The Treeo has recorded their debut album due for release on ABC Jazz in November 2023.

Born from the group’s mutual enthusiasm for hiking and the exploration of our Australian National Parks and forests, the project examines connections between local forests, paths, and histories. Each work seeks to encapsulate a place, a story or experience, asking performer and listener to meditate on our communal spaces, their histories, and the narratives and values we inevitably imbue in such precious and unique national assets.

The concept of a National Park is a phenomenon that has embodied many different roles and objectives ranging from public recreational spaces to the conservation of areas of historic or scientific interest. Our nation’s first park, and the second in the world, was right here in New South Wales – The Royal National Park est. 1879. There is an inevitable tension between this preservation and protection of spaces from human encroachment and inviting

people to experience and embrace their natural heritage. In an increasingly urbanised society with lockdowns, natural disasters, and the realities of climate change fresh in our conscious, the significance of these spaces remains a substantial consideration in our collective national identity.

Rafael Karlen – Saxophone

Steve Barry – Piano

Hannah James – Double Bass