Nat Bartsch Trio is a contemporary ensemble influenced by indie, folk, Australian and European improvised music. The trio showcases pianist Bartsch's atmospheric compositions, and arrangements of music from the likes of Kings of Leon and Joni Mitchell. Tours to Japan in 2009 and Europe in 2010 (supporting Abdullah Ibrahim's Ekaya) have cemented the Nat Bartsch Trio as an exciting young act of international standing. Long-time drummer for the trio Leigh Fisher joins Bartsch in the debut performance of the trio's new acoustic bassist, Tom Lee. As they prepare to record their long awaited second album in early 2013 (following the release of Springs, for all the Winters on Rufus Records in 2010), this performance will showcase a number of new compositions, stretching the boundaries of the trio's distinctive aesthetic.

See: www.natbartsch.com

2010 JUNO nominee and Galaxie Rising Star winner Canadian trombonist Darren Sigesmund returns to Australia presenting his award-winning Strands sextet performing cutting edge jazz from his upcoming Strands III recording with Australia’s renowned guitar virtuoso James Muller.

“Enchanting” – John Shand of the Sydney Morning Herald 2010 JUNO nomination (Strands II CD) - Best Traditional Jazz Album

Sigesmund’s Strands project weaves together wildly diverse and compelling Latin-shaded compositions into what the daily Ottawa Citizen selected as Canadian Jazz CD of 2009 and Toronto Life magazine calls “brilliant”. Sigesmund won the 2010 Galaxie Rising Star Award for Best Composition at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal for his song “Dance for Leila”. He has established his Strands project as one of Canada’s most active international touring ensembles with tours across Europe, China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia since 2003. Following his debut quintet album Strands (2008), the Strands II recording features sensational vocalist Eliana Cuevas and special guest New York tenorman Tim Ries of the Rolling Stones. Joining Sigesmund’s Strands ensemble is virtuosic Australian guitarist James Muller. This performance is made possible in part through the Ontario Arts Council’s National and International Touring program. We also acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts.

Featuring: Darren Sigesmund (trombone), Eliana Cuevas (vocals), Luis Deniz (alto sax), James Muller (guitar), Jim Vivian (bass), and Ethan Ardelli (drums).