James Annesley Quartet

This Melbourne-based group was conceived in early 2007, as a trio featuring James Annesley (finalist in the 2009 National jazz Awards) on soprano and tenor saxophones, Tom Lee on double bass and Hugh Harvey on drums. In early 2008 they were joined by guitarist Hugh Stuckey, finalist in the 2007 National Jazz Awards. Their music is a unique style of contemporary jazz which draws influence from serene, earthy folk music as well as hard hitting rock. Annesley’s compositions are rich in dynamic contrast and varied textures, with an emphasis on strong melodic themes. The open structures of the tunes allow for adventurous, freewheeling improvisations. Idle Hands do the Devil’s Work, their all-original debut album, has already received extensive airplay and favorable reviews. “........Drums and bass constantly move and morph and the guitar positively soars....... At times the music sounds almost rhythmically symphonic, pulses like rock fusion, or slides into eastern modality, always expertly building tension, then often cutting quickly to tranquility as soprano sax floats over spreading chords ”  - John Mcbeath, The Australian The group has performed regularly throughout Melbourne, at venues such as Bennett’s Lane, The Paris Cat, Uptown, Bar 303, The Melba Festival and the Stonnington Jazz festival. They have also toured nationally, performing in some of the country’s top jazz venues, including Bennetts Lane, The Ellington, Jazzworx and Jazzgroove. Their music has been heard on radio shows across the country, including Mal Stanley’s popular ‘Jazz-Track’ on ABC Classic FM, for which a recording was specially commissioned.

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