SHOWS
Volant - The Jazzlab, Melbourne
“a very beautiful album…genuine saxophone virtuoso at work”
★★★★ ½ The Weekend Australian
“When Ottignon and company play, you listen, unable to be distracted, unable to not take something away from the endeavour.”
★★★★ Sputnik Music (USA)
“heightened beauty and transcendence”
★★★★½ Dingo Jazz Magazine
Doors: 7:30 pm
Music: 8:00 pm
27 Leslie St, Brunswick VIC 3056, Australia
From one of Australia’s most in-demand saxophonists, Matthew Ottignon leads Volant, his latest quartet that has risen from the contemporary underground.
The music moves effortlessly from moments of anthemic heroism, with Ottignon’s fiery tenor at the fore, to lyrical melodies and intimate soundscapes, where the subtle yet confident artistry of Hayley, Hannah, and Lauren results in music of sheer beauty.
While embodying the spirit of giants such as John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders, Volant is undeniably a modern quartet, delivering world-class compositions and thrilling improvised dialogue.
The album draws inspiration from birds in flight—a motif that defines its ethereal quality. “…the impression of flight is not observed, but is experienced and exhilarating.” - John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald.
Volant - Monday Night Confessions, Sydney
Church Street Studios
Presented by Monday Night Confessions
Inner West Jazz Fest
Volant presents a narrative of flight and freedom, and through meticulously crafted compositions, Ottignon makes space for both collective intention and expressive individuality. He shares “The essence of our music feels akin to the enchanting dance of birds in flight, creating otherworldly shapes, silhouetted against the night sky.”
SYNTHONY NATIONAL TOUR
BRISBANE · FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER / ADELAIDE · FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER / MELBOURNE · FRIDAY 20 SEPTEMBER / PERTH · SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER
Boy & Bear National Tour
Boy & Bear have attained a level of staying power that most artists could only dream of; and all whilst maintaining their authentic vision and driving love for their craft. Achieving early career support from triple j Boy & Bear swiftly catapulted onto the world stage releasing their double-platinum debut album Moonfire in 2011, which went on to snag five coveted ARIA award wins. 2013’s Harlequin Dream and 2015’s Limit of Love strengthened Boy & Bear’s expansive presence, with both albums charting at #1, and Harlequin Dream marking the group’s second studio album to go Platinum. From 2019’s Suck on Light to 2023’s self-titled full length (both top 10 albums), Boy & Bear have continued to evolve and grow, gaining more and more fans from across the globe. In addition to their five consecutive top 10 albums and over 200 million streams, Boy & Bear’s live show is a uniquely compelling experience and has earned the band the glowing reputation as one of Australia’s most outstanding live acts.
Ben Walsh Quartet Byron Bay (Copy)
After our sell out launch party, we are thrilled to announce the full run of dates.
Book now, as we will sell out.
This winter season is short but sweet, and with limited time we are focusing on a house band built around the success of the Benjamin Walsh Quartet, recently releasing a series of singles on wax through Hydrofunk Japan and ULTRAVIBES.
To celebrate this we have curated around 4 single launches. With drummer Benjamin Walsh a fixture, his quartet and focused special guests to spice up individual nights.
After our hiatus we are gearing up again to bring back a high quality short run of international quality music to the Byron Arts & Industrial Estate, Back in a new venue which looks and sounds better than ever..
If you’ve never caught a High Fi, know that you’ll be met with incredible, world class musicians, if you’re returning, we can’t wait to see you again.
ALBUM LAUNCH - Volant - Goethe
Join us for a thrilling evening as Volant, led by saxophonist Matthew Ottignon, celebrate the launch of their ethereal album.This introspective acoustic jazz quartet features the formidable talents of pianist Lauren Tsamouras, bassist Hannah James, and drummer Holly Conner. The essence of Volant's music feels akin to the mesmerizing dance of birds in flight, crafting otherworldly shapes silhouetted against the night sky.
Ben Walsh Quartet Byron Bay
After our sell out launch party, we are thrilled to announce the full run of dates.
Book now, as we will sell out.
This winter season is short but sweet, and with limited time we are focusing on a house band built around the success of the Benjamin Walsh Quartet, recently releasing a series of singles on wax through Hydrofunk Japan and ULTRAVIBES.
To celebrate this we have curated around 4 single launches. With drummer Benjamin Walsh a fixture, his quartet and focused special guests to spice up individual nights.
After our hiatus we are gearing up again to bring back a high quality short run of international quality music to the Byron Arts & Industrial Estate, Back in a new venue which looks and sounds better than ever..
If you’ve never caught a High Fi, know that you’ll be met with incredible, world class musicians, if you’re returning, we can’t wait to see you again.
Portishead Legacy - Metro Theatre
LATE NIGHT ORCHESTRA PRESENTS: THE PORTISHEAD LEGACY
Clea, Jaguar Jonze, Ngaiire and Ben Woolner (Safia) will be joined by a 12 piece ensemble including strings, brass and turntables to celebrate this iconic artist. Some of Australia’s finest musicians and vocalists will celebrate the legacy of one of the most influential acts of the 90’s. Portishead were one of the pioneers of the Trip Hop sound that changed electronic music forever with their cinematic, ethereal downtempo sounds and aching vocal delivery.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the watershed debut album ‘Dummy’, Late Night Orchestra will reimagine their iconic catalogue as well as giving a nod to some of the acts that were inspired by them.
An outstanding ensemble featuring strings, brass, DJ and some of Australia’s finest musicians will be joined by a selection of outstanding vocalists to bring new life into these iconic songs.
Sound the Alarm - Jazz Orchestra directed by Clayton Thomas
In the spirit of radical community action, collective consciousness and self-determination as a group activity, this large ensemble instigation will present a night of improvisations, compositions and something in-between.
The Big Easy: New Orleans Jazz at Bennelong Restaurant
Sam Golding (baritone saxophone, trumpet) is joined on stage by Matt Ottignon (woodwinds), Julian Curwin (guitar), and Thomas Botting (bass).
Bennelong Presents ‘Sunday Jazz’ each Sunday with reservations from 12pm to 3:30pm, and music until 4:30pm.
Three-course choice menu for $190 per person available in The Restaurant, The Circle, and The Counter with $40 cover charge per person.
Synthony - VIVID
“A music event like no other, SYNTHONY is a breathtaking collision of the biggest electronic dance anthems with a live orchestra, DJ’s, vocalists, and immersive visuals.”
For Synthony, I’ll be a featured soloist on saxophone. This is a pop music concert.
Dates:
Friday 7 June 2024 7:30PM
Saturday 8 June 2024 7:30PM
Venue: Carriageworks - 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh NSW 2015, Australia
Boy and Bear - 10 year anniversary tour for Harlequin Dream
I’m looking forward to getting on tour with Boy and Bear again. I’ll be a special guest soloist for their 10 year anniversary tour for Harlequin Dream.
7 out of 13 shows are already sold out!
Book tickets from https://www.boyandbear.com/
The Music of Mark Simmonds' Fire
“He’d have cried tears of joy” SMH ****
The music on Fire, whilst drawing from the jazz tradition, favours the sound of Ornette Coleman’s piano-less quartet and the music of John Coltrane and Archie Shepp. Add to this potent mix, Mark’s love for rock and world music and you have the makings of a bonafide Australian Jazz classic.