Bernie McGann Quartet with Chuck Yates (piano)

Bernie McGann has been at the forefront of creative jazz in Australia for more than 40 years. Recognised as the quintessential alto saxophonist in the Australian Jazz scene, his career has seen him perform with other world class jazz musicians in major venues and festivals all over Europe, the USA and Canada as well as Australasia. He has led his acclaimed Bernie McGann Trio and Quartet through his entire career, to the present day and continues to work with powerful, individualistic group of musicians – all leaders in their own right.

Legendary Sydney pianist Chuck Yates, often, in years past a collaborator with Bernie McGann and a favourite of such local innovators as saxophonist Mark Simmonds and drummer Phil Treloar, joins the McGann Quartet in place of Paul Grabowsky who had to cancel due to a family illness.

Chuck Yates is acknowledged as of the finest Monk inspired jazz pianists in Australia and his influence as teacher and musician on several generations of Sydney pianists is well known in the jazz scene. His open, spare style frees both the rhythm section and the soloist, allowing the music to move in unexpected directions.

Tonight, the quartet will perform pieces from the recent McGann/Grabowsky CD release, Always – a disc of 20th century jazz standards, as well as impro-visations. These two performances at The Sound Lounge should not be missed!