STEPHEN BYTH QUARTET (New York/Melbourne)

Melbourne-born saxophonist and composer Stephen Byth has been based in New York since 2023. In 2022 he performed material from his acclaimed album, ‘Reparations’, with an ‘all-star’ octet, regarded by many as one of – if not the – outstanding gigs of the year (filmed by ‘Oh! Jazz’). His winning performance in the 2024 National Jazz Award was described by the adjudicating panel as “flawless playing with endless gears…a pure joy.” His original compositions have been praised by critics for their “gravitas” (The Australian) and “potent momentum” (The Age). Stephen’s second album ‘Growth in Stasis‘, recorded in NYC, is set for release in October of this year. After a quartet performance in January 2024, he again performs in a quartet format with Theo Carbo (guitar), Yunior Terry (bass) and Ebs Daramola (drums), in preparation for a recording session here before returning to the USA. 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.