Mat Jodrell
Mat Jodrell
Mat Jodrell
Trumpeter Mat Jodrell, one of the most exciting voices in Jazz today just returned to Australia after spending 8 years in New York. Mat has has performed with the likes of Benny Golson, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Carl Allen, Bill Watrous and Gary Bartz to name but a few.
Phil Rex
Mat Jodrell
Mat Jodrell
On bass Phil Rex. Phil has toured extensively with Albare in 2013-14, you can hear Phil's bass on Albare's "Dream Time" album recorded 2015. Like his teacher, the late Ray Brown, Phil has an infectious downbeat that gets the audience to actively listen and more often than not, get off their chairs.
Jake Mason, Hammond
Jake Mason, Hammond
Jake Mason, Hammond
Jake Mason is an Australian musician, composer, and producer known for his work as a multi-instrumentalist, particularly on the Hammond organ and saxophone. He is a founding member of Cookin' on 3 Burners, a Melbourne-based funk and soul trio that gained international recognition, especially for their collaboration with Kungs on the hit song "This Girl" (a remix of their original track with Kylie Auldist).
Mason has also worked extensively in jazz, soul, and funk, releasing albums under his own name and contributing to various projects. He has a strong presence in the Australian music scene, both as a performer and as a producer. His compositions often blend jazz, blues, and groove elements, and he is known for his deep, rich Hammond B3 organ sound.
At Bird's Basement, Jake Mason plays in "The Harmonix Experience", a jazz band that features a Hammond Leslie sound, bringing his signature style to the ensemble, as well as the Jazz Alchemists a band that improvises on themes composed by musician composer guitarist Albare.
Andrew Swann, Drums
Jake Mason, Hammond
Jake Mason, Hammond
Andrew Swann is an Australian **drummer** known for his dynamic and versatile playing across jazz, funk, blues, and rock. He has performed extensively at music festivals across Australia, Europe, and the USA and was nominated as Emerging Artist of the Year by the Victorian Blues Appreciation Society. He also secured a top-five nomination in the International Independent Music Awards. Swann has collaborated with major artists, including Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor during the Melbourne and Sydney opening nights of We Will Rock You.
He was the national solo support act for Norah Jones and recently worked with Robbie Williams on his upcoming movie Better Man. At Bird’s Basement, Swann plays drums with The Harmonix Experience and The Jazz Alchemists, two jazz ensembles led by guitarist and composer Albare. These bands emphasize improvisation, creating fresh and spontaneous performances at every show. Beyond jazz, Swann leads the Jump Funk Combo, a band delivering classic funk and soul hits. His drumming has been recognized in publications like the Herald Sun, which described him as "a startling talent.”
Phil Noy
Phil Noy is an Australian saxophonist known for his contributions to jazz and funk music. Originally from Tasmania, he studied under Tony Hobbs in Brisbane before becoming a saxophone technician, later working with Selmer Paris in France. He has performed, recorded, and toured globally with artists such as George Garzone, Joe Lovano, Betty Harris, Ian Chaplin, and James Morrison.
A member of the funk/soul group The Bamboos, he has also played with ensembles like the Allan Browne Quintet, the Julien Wilson Quartet, and The Bennetts Lane Big Band. In December 2024, he joined The Jazz Alchemists, performing live at Bird's Basement, and is featured on Albare's forthcoming album Eclecticity. In addition to performing, he teaches and continues to shape the Australian music scene.
Albare
Albare (born Albert Dadon) is an Australian jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader known for his contributions to contemporary jazz. A pioneer of jazz fusion in Australia, he has released multiple critically acclaimed albums that blend jazz, Latin, and world influences, characterized by smooth, melodic phrasing and rich harmonic textures.
Career and Music
Albare has led various musical projects, including:
- The Jazz Alchemists and The Harmonix Experience, two jazz ensembles performing at Bird’s Basement, Melbourne’s premier jazz club.
- A long-standing collaboration with pianist Phil Turcio, bassist Phil Rex, and drummer Andrew Swann.
- Albums released on the Enja Records label, gaining international recognition, particularly in Europe and the U.S.
His guitar style is often compared to that of Wes Montgomery and Pat Metheny, marked by fluid phrasing, warm tones, and an emphasis on storytelling through improvisation.
Chart Success & Awards
Albare’s recent albums—Albare Plays Jobim 1 & 2, Freedom, and Beyond Belief—have all achieved top 10 spots on the U.S.-based JazzWeek charts, further cementing his international success and reputation.
He is the founder and chairman of the Australian Jazz Bell Awards, established in 2002 to recognize excellence in Australian jazz. Albare himself has been nominated for an ARIA Award and has also received a Latin Grammy nomination for his contributions to the genre.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival & Recognition
From 2002 to 2009, Albare served as the artistic director of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival, shaping its programming and elevating its status as a major jazz event in Australia. For his contributions to the arts through the festival, he was awarded the Order of Australia (AM).