Phil Slater Quartet

Phil Slater: 2004 Australian Jazz Artist of the Year, 2003 National Jazz Award, 2002 Freedman Fellowship Award.

In other words, the Australian jazz world’s trifecta. It seems that at present Slater can do no wrong and every one of his many projects convinces and communicates purpose, vision and masterly execution.

The quartet played a brilliant gig at its Sound Lounge debut in April, so this is a must-hear performance by one of the country’s most impressive groups.

“While there are hints of 1970s Miles Davis, ECM pensiveness and the electronic grooves of Nils Petter Molvaer, the music comes more from the tradition of unfolding minimalism; of improvising groups such as the Necks.

“Built on repetitive grooves and sparse, suggestive melodies, Slater’s work avoids showiness in favour of concentrated emotion and subtleties.” – Ashleigh Wilson, The Australian.