Live Jazz in Melbourne

The Harmonix Experience: Jazz with Swagger, Funk with Soul Every other week at Bird’s Basement, The Harmonix Experience takes the stage — and takes no prisoners. This genre-bending outfit blends jazz, acid jazz, funk, and a splash of rock into a sound that’s as unpredictable as it is irresistible. Led by Albare on guitar, with Jake Mason on Hammond, Phil Rex on bass, Andrew Swann on drums, Paul Williamson on alto sax, and Salva Persico on percussion, the band kicks off each set with a simple sketch — then lets instinct and groove take over. Expect deep grooves that’ll make you move your feet and more. This is jazz that sweats, funk that thinks, and music that never plays it safe.

Wed, Jul 1, 7:30 PM

Oscar Edwards Quintet

The JazzLab / Brunswick / Map

Young Melbourne drummer Oscar Edwards is preparing for a significant move to the UK to take up the sole undergraduate jazz drums position at the Royal Academy of Music in London. A 2025 James Morrison Scholarship finalist and VCASS graduate, Oscar has established himself as a prominent emerging voice on the local scene, performing alongside musicians such as James Sherlock, Mark Fitzgibbon, Julien Wilson, Grant Windsor, Tamara Murphy, Hugh Stuckey, Ben Robertson, Daryl McKenzie, Gordon Goodwin, Darrin Archer, James Shortland, Miro Lauritz, James Bowers, Tiana Young, James Lockwood, Zoe Frater, and many others. For this performance at The JazzLab , Oscar leads an ensemble of musicians he greatly admires, presenting a selection of original compositions alongside jazz standards. This show marks his final local performance before commencing his international studies at the Royal Academy. Line up: Oscar Edwards – Drums Carl Mackey – Saxophone Ben Robertson – Bass James Sherlock – Guitar Mark Fitzgibbon – Piano

Thu, Jul 2, 7:30 PM

‘Syn-chro-ni-ci-ty’

Paris Cat Jazz Club / Melbourne CBD / Map

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 7PM FOR A 7.30PM SHOWTIME (SHOW DURATION IS 7.30PM-9.30PM) ‘Syn-chro-ni-ci-ty’ ALBUM LAUNCH!!!! ALBUM LAUNCH!!! ALBUM LAUNCH!!!! Synchronicity is finally releasing its debut album of original ‘Jazz/Rock Australian Fusion’ and, you have an opportunity to be there to listen to all the music, take home a physical hard copy of the album or scan a special QR code on the night or both!!! On the gig you will be able to hear all of the new pieces the band has been developing…and for the ‘fans’ don’t worry…the band will still be playing some of your ‘jazz-rock’ favorites that this band is known for….” So…if you like your jazz with a touch more ‘Rock’, ‘Funk’ and topped off with a sprinkle of ‘Smooth’…..then you’ll be blown away with not only the repertoire of this band but also what each individual member of this group will brings to it…..this is… ‘Syn-chro-ni-ci-ty’. In amongst the bands originals you may also hear classics from: from legends such as Chick Corea, Lee Ritenour, Mike Stern….and more!! So please join… Lachlan Davidson - sax, flute Gianni Turcio - keys, J

Fri, Jul 3, 6:30 PM

'The Music of Mobley'

Paris Cat Jazz Club / Melbourne CBD / Map

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 6PM FOR A 6.30PM SHOWTIME (SHOW DURATION IS 6.30PM-8.10PM) Described as the “middleweight champion” of the tenor saxophone, Hank Mobley was one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, blending hard bop with a laid back, melodic style of playing. Over a span of 20 years, Hank featured on hundreds of legendary recordings both as a bandleader and sideman, including his most notable album, Soul Station. This evening of music will feature iconic hits from Hank’s career, including ‘Remember’ and ‘This I Dig Of You’. Join us for a night celebrating ‘The Music of Mobley’ at the Paris Cat Jazz Club. Band Lineup: Luca Brading- Tenor Saxophone Patrick Barton Grace- Piano Jack Dobson- Bass Alex Spicer - Drums _________________________________________________________ Luca Brading is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Melbourne, Australia. His musical inspiration stems from a love of improvised music, jazz and RnB. He has had success as a bandleader, with multiple jazz ensembles including the Luca Brading Group, and as a freelance musicia

Back by popular demand… Join Steve and his good friends James Clark (bass) and Rod Gilbert (drums) together with outstanding vocalist Jacki Gaudion, her cousin Ash Gaudion (saxophone, vocals) and Toby Mak (trumpet) will put on a jazz show like no other at Birds Basement. “Steve brings to every performance a spirit of inclusiveness and his focus has always been on the collective endeavour…his passion for jazz as an artform that unites, engages and entertains…” Jessica Nicholas, The Age, May 2018. Steve Sedergreen is one of Melbourne’s most respected jazz identities. Over the decades he has earned a formidable reputation a jazz pianist, arranger and educator. Founder of the genre-defying group Mistaken Identity, for years a powerhouse of contemporary jazz playing across the country and earning an APRA nomination. He has performed at many major festivals, curated Dizzy’s Jazz Club (1999 -2006) and mentored members of the next generation of Australian jazz talent - including members of The Cat Empire, Axle Whitehead and Paris Wells, to name a few. Jacki Gaudion is also a jazz legend in t

Yunior Terry is a Cuban bassist, violinist, and composer, internationally recognised for his complex grooves and contagious rhythms that fuse jazz with Afro-Cuban traditions. The youngest son of one of Cuba’s most gifted musical families, Terry is a prolific performer driven by a deep belief in the transformative power of live music. Regarded as one of New York City’s most sought-after bass players, he has toured extensively with artists including Jerry Gonzalez and Fort Apache, Eddie Palmieri, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Ravi Coltrane, The Latin Jazz All Stars , and Jeff “Tain” Watts , among many others. Featuring: Tim Wilson Sax Grant Windsor Piano Yunior Maden Percussion Ebs Daramola Drums Check out Yunior Terry: Instagram YouTube

Fri, Jul 3, 9:30 PM

The Jazz Harbingers: The Music of Art Blakey

Paris Cat Jazz Club / Melbourne CBD / Map

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 9PM FOR A 9.30PM SHOWTIME (SHOW DURATION IS 9.30PM-11.30PM) Don't miss Melbourne's own fiery Jazz Messengers Tribute Band! Based in Melbourne, The Jazz Harbingers is the premier tribute band to Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in the country. The Jazz Harbingers draw heavily on influences from albums like Moanin', Indestructible and Free For All, seeking to capture the energy of Art Blakey's multigenerational all-star band and convey its old school sensibilities to the Melbourne scene. Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers is among the most prolific, seminal and iconic bands in jazz history. Running for a total of 35 years, the band has featured and mentored countless world-famous musicians, including Freddie Hubbard, Clifford Brown, Wayne Shorter, Lee Morgan, Benny Golson, and Cedar Walton. They are sometimes credited with the invention of Hard bop - a subgenre of jazz that incorporates the influence of blues, gospel and RnB into the fold of a rich bebop language. For a night featuring timeless tunes and beloved albums, be sure to catch The Jazz Harbingers at

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 5.30PM FOR A 6PM SHOWTIME (SHOW DURATION IS 6PM-7.40PM) Swingardium Leviosa is an exciting new show brought to you by the Not-So-Big-Band. If you haven't been to a NSBB show before, the band takes classic themes that you all know and love and transforms them into new arrangements better suited for an intimate jazz club setting. Get ready for a wondrous night, as these magical arrangements of all your favourite Harry Potter songs take you on musical journeys full of unexpected twists and turns. These shows sell out fast, so be sure to grab your tickets early! The Not-So-Big-Band was originally put together by Toshi Clinch as a way to celebrate and showcase the up and coming talents of the Melbourne jazz scene. The NSBB features a 9 piece line up covering all of the common jazz instruments (Trumpet,Sax, Trombone and more...) The band has been performing regularly together, and has developed a unique sound that is not to be missed. Led by Max Budgen on Trombone, tonight's performance will include the following line up: Trumpet 1: Joshua Ford-King Trumpet 2: Jamie