James Muller Quartet

Few people have lit up the Sydney music scene so brightly and in such a short time as James Muller. The stream of awards and plaudits might have induced inertia in a lesser artist. Yet this, Muller’s second album [Thrum] is a startling step up from the ARIA-winning All Out in terms of compositions, playing and production. John Shand, SMH

SIMA welcomes back the formidable guitarist, composer and bandleader James Muller, in his renowned quartet format.

ARIA award winning Muller has worked with the cream of the world’s jazz musicians including internationals John Scofield, Chad Wackerman, Nigel Kennedy and Christian McBride as well as being seen regularly with Aussie legends James Morrison and Vince Jones, as well as playing an integral part in Mark Isaacs Resurgence Band and the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra.

Although James is best known for working in the trio format, for this show he will be augmenting to a quartet with brilliant saxophonist Matt Keegan. Originally from Adelaide, over his 10 years in Sydney has become one of the most in-demand guitarists on the scene. James has recorded 4 CD’s under his own name. The second, All Out won an ARIA award for Best Jazz Album in 2000 and the third, Thrum was nominated for the same award in 2002. His most recent release, Kaboom, recorded in New York, was called his best recording to date (SMH).

Busy touring nationally and performing here and abroad with his own bands, James’ many achievements include co-winning the National Jazz Awards held at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, two Mo awards for best jazz instrumentalist and best jazz group, an APRA award and the 2004 Freedman Fellowship (Jazz).

A very “giving” musician, James is a sensitive accompanist as well as a superb soloist…The quartet’s music is generally joyful & nicely open: a lovely marriage of genial lyricism & improvisatory flair… – Lucky Oceans: ABC Radio