Spuz | Tuesday 2 August

SPUZ are a 7-piece improvisation based fusion act that melds a huge variety of genres into approachable and catchy instrumental tunes. Led by guitarist Andrew de Souza, the genre-bending group aims to bring audiences an array of fun filled songs that truly showcase what modern instrumental music can be and what effect it can have on the mainstream music scene. With members old and new, and songs catchy and blue, SPUZ creates a suite of sonic extravagance with something for every listener to enjoy, no matter the background or interest.

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Stemming from the city of Newcastle, we have a rich background of enjoyment of performing and listening to music but all fell in love with how we feel when using our instruments to tell stories. We purely want to showcase the true nature of instrumental music, and how fun, exciting, and different it can be.

Mat Woodcock – Trumpet

Naomi Blanch – Alto Saxophone

Freddie Stafford - Keys

Andrew De Souza – Guitar

Chad Penfold – Guitar

Brandon Yarnold - Bass

Alex Brollo – Drums

EJT | Tuesday 9 August

The EJT are a Sydney based modern jazz group led by international award winning double bassist Elsen Price. The band features Montreux Jazz Competition nominee Felix Lalanne, Young Jazz Artist of the Year nominee Casey Golden, Freedman Fellowship nominee Ed Rodrigues, Bell Award winning artist James Ryan and Saxophonist Stu Vandegraaff. They play original music that delves into the various corners of groove, jazz, experimental and other, with each artist putting their own unique stamp on the music. Their recent album 'Gastronomy Astrology' got 4/5 stars in Fine Music Magazine and 4.5/5 stars in The Australian.

Stu Vandergraaff – Alto Saxophone

James Ryan – Tenor Saxophone

Felix Lalanne – Guitar

Casey Golden – Piano

Elsen Price – Double Bass

Ed Rodrigues – Drums

Walter Lampe Quartet | Tuesday 16 August

NIMA welcomes back expat pianist Walter Lampe who has been living in the Netherlands for some 30 years - performing a variety of jazz/improvised styles and teaching. These gentlemen, having a long standing affinity from way back in the early Sydney days, will present earthy, authentic jazz tradition, coupled with Lampe’s solo piano interludes and his own compositions.

Walter Lampe – Piano

Bob Henderson – Trumpet

Jacob Graham – Bass

Andrew Dickeson – Drums

Paul David Quartet | Tuesday 23 August

Inspired by the great artists and composers of the classic era of recording and film, the approach and music of Paul David Quartet represent a step back in time. Showcasing a fresh take on the well known and loved standards, as well as some numbers rarely heard today. The Quartet is very much looking forward to performing at the newly reopened and revamped Underground at the Grand Hotel.  

Paul Chaplin – Guitar

Shannon Laundon – Keyboard

Steve Gidney – Bass

Ben Barnes – Drums

Carl Dewhurst Trio | Tuesday 30 August

Carl has been honing his craft as a creative musician for over thirty years and is considered one Australia’s most accomplished and highly regarded jazz and improvising guitarists. For this performance Carl is joined by lifelong friend and collaborator bassist Cameron Undy with whom he co-led The Drip Hards and NUDE.

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“Dewhurst is an exceptional guitarist. He reinvents himself and his sound for different contexts, always playing with commitment, imagination and heart.” - Sydney Morning Herald

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“In this age of convergent politics and convergent art it's refreshing to know anarchy still has a champion, and his name is Carl Dewhurst…he is such a pure, intuitive improviser… Like a liquid, Dewhurst fills any context, but never blandly so.” - John Shand SMH

Carl Dewhurst – Guitar

Cameron Undy – Bass

Alex Inman Hislop – Drums