Jazz

Shayan is a seven piece jazz ensemble from Melbourne, Australia, playing original compositions that incorporate broad influences ranging from Iranian Folk and Contemporary Classical to funk.

SHAYAN is a 4 piece band that incorporates the sounds and influences of contemporary Jazz, Iranian Folk, Funk and hip-hop to make original music that is unique, exciting and diverse.
Led by saxophonist Omid Shayan, the quintet was formed in mid-2015 after Omid won first prize at the ‘Darebin Music Festival Composition Competition’. The winnings allowed him to focus his energy on composing for the group and allow the band to record their debut EP which was released in 2016. Since then, SHAYAN has been performing in venues throughout Melbourne, strengthening their sound and musical concept.
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The line-up for this quintet also features Nic Ryan-Glenie (trumpet), Matthew Roche (Guitar), Costa Hagi (Electric Bass) and Monique Zucco (drums).

Originally from Cambridgeshire England, Justin Bernasconi settled in the urban heart of Melbourne’s music community in 2004. Known as one of the city’s finest guitarists and songwriters, he continues to explore and expand his craft to raise the banner of ‘folk’ over new horizons. His previous solo albums delivered a captivating mix of alt-folk, Americana and bluegrass between evocative stories and exhilarating instrumentals. He looks back to British roots on third release Sleeping Like A Maniac. Tracks evolve like acts in a play. From setting the scene of one man's emotional journey through to vignettes of whimsy and soliloquies of despair and hope.

Rules of form are broken, revealing sonic sophistication outside the square. Bernasconi’s deft cross-picking drives the surging rhythm of mental turmoil. It’s the tale of a man striving to move on from his relationship mess, his lies and confusion. Intense dissonant guitar is relieved by harmony as vocals rise and fall.

Australian audiences have embraced Bernasconi’s stirring fusion of mainstream and experimental folk. He draws from a deep well of influences. The classical world, indie folk and world-wide cultures all inform Bernasconi’s compositions. Just as Rock and Roll was born of the Blues and UK Punk assumed the vibe of Reggae, Bernasconi’s sound builds genre-bending bridges. Moods segue from folk balladry to rhythmic abstract urgency. Think Tallest Man On Earth, Satie, John Fahey and Richard Thompson

Blue Moon Marquee writes and performs original compositions influenced by anything that swings, jumps or grooves. A.W. Cardinal (vocals/guitar) and Jasmine Colette a.k.a. Badlands Jass (vocals/bass/drums) have played for a vast gamut of crowds at jazz clubs, Lindy Hop dance halls, folk venues, blues haunts, hospitals, prisons, markets, motorcycle joints, dive bars and prestigious festival stages.

Colette not only commands the upright bass but also brings the rhythm with her feet on a custom foot drum kit, all while singing in her signature honey-dipped tone. Cardinal’s distinctive and soulful vocals barrel out like a raging bull while his guitar crackles with the swinging energy of jazz-tinged blues.

Cherry Factory are a fresh new band of young musicians, ready to make an impact on the Melbourne scene. This 5-piece will get you dancing with their upbeat and groove-infectious sound. Grabbing from funk, RnB, jazz, soul and pop, Cherry Factory are bringing the past, present and future of music to their sound.