JOSHUA MOSHE – Erez Project

Erez, the cedar tree, stands tall and deeply rooted, bearing witness to generations of stories, and song. Led by award-winning Melbourne saxophonist and composer Joshua Moshe, Erez presents original contemporary jazz arrangements of Jewish folk songs, Niggunim, and melodies from across the Jewish diaspora. Reimagined through the language of improvisation, these traditions become open spaces for interaction, exploration, and contemporary expression while maintaining deep respect for the source material. Drawing from Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi musical traditions, Erez moves fluidly between meditative passages, rhythmic interplay, and expansive improvisation. Rather than presenting these songs in fixed or historical forms, the ensemble approaches them as living musical material allowing old melodies to evolve, transform, and speak in the present through the language of contemporary jazz. Joining Joshua is an exceptional quintet of collaborators featuring Gideon Preiss on piano, Jonathan Skovron on electric guitar, Simon Starr on double bass, and Daniel Farrugia on drums, each bringing their own distinctive voice to this deeply collaborative and improvisation-driven music. Presented by the Melbourne Jazz Co-operative The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting original live jazz performance by established and emerging artists in Melbourne. Since 1983 our objectives have been to increase the exposure of contemporary jazz performance by making it accessible to audiences, and to provide award waged performance opportunities for emerging and established artists. In addition to support derived from member contributions, the MJC is assisted by the Victorian Government, through Creative Victoria, via its Arts Development Programs. MJC was assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body from 1983-2017 inclusive, and was delighted to receive Australia Council funding of $60,000 for our 2019 program. The MJC received $40,000 from the Australia Council over the 2021/2022 Financial Year, and was pleased to received a grant of $75,341 from Creative Australia (with Music Australia contribution) for our 2025 Annual Program. Our sold-out 40th Anniversary Concert at the Melbourne Recital Centre in May 2023 was supported by a $20,000 grant from Creative Victoria’s Creative Projects program. Artist TBC