James Sherlock and Lillian Albazi are Naarm-based improvisers with distinguished careers spanning jazz, classical, and experimental music.
James Sherlock, a celebrated guitarist and winner of the 1997 Ike Isaacs International Jazz Guitar Award, has performed extensively at venues such as the Montreux Jazz Festival and collaborated with international icons including Sheila Jordan (USA), Cyrille Aimée (FRA), Jeff “Tain” Watts (USA), John Riley (USA), Leroy Jones (USA), Rick Margitza (USA/FRA), Martin Taylor (UK), Paul Grabowsky (AUS), Megan Washington (AUS), Joe Camilleri (AUS), film composer Howard Shore (USA), and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. With six albums as a bandleader and recent recognition for his feature on François Tétaz’s 2025 film score for The Surfer, Sherlock continues to affirm his place among modern jazz’s most versatile guitarists.
Lillian Albazi, is an internationally acclaimed vocalist and composer, made her debut at the 2016 Melbourne International Jazz Festival and gained critical acclaim for her 2021 debut album After-Image. Her boundary-pushing work across projects like Bright Phantoms (with bassist Oscar Neyland) and USA-based noise collective Objects Without Pain has earned international radio rotation and praise from international music publications including Stereogum, Australian Arts Review, Rhythms Magazine and Brooklyn Vegan. With regular touring across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, Albazi’s fearless artistry bridges jazz, art music and alternative genres – anchored by a voice described as both captivating and emotionally charged.
Though the Sherlock Albazi collaboration is a relatively new project, the pair have already toured extensively, performing at 03 Sessions, The Granity Theatre and The Single Fin Mingle in Aotearoa, as well as at leading jazz venues across Australia alongside Ben Hanlon (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra) and Holly Moore (Namboku Records/Australian Art Orchestra).
Bruce Woodward is a jazz guitarist based in Brisbane, Australia. A graduate of the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Bruce has worked as a jazz and contemporary guitarist, arranger and musical director in Australia and internationally. In addition to a maintaining a busy performance schedule, Bruce is a Lecturer in Music at The University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
If you’re into Jazz. This is a ‘must see’ concert with 3 of the best in the business. Doors open at 6pm and the show starts at 7pm. Tickets just $45/$40 concession.