Tomeka Reid Quartet
Tomeka Reid and visionary guitarist Mary Halvorson lead an acclaimed quartet in a rare Sydney performance of fearless, boundary-pushing contemporary jazz.
Inventive. Fearless. Lyrical.
“A melodic improviser with a natural, flowing sense of song and an experimenter who can create heat and grit with the texture of sound.” – The New York Times
“So slick, so cool, but every inch quietly on the edge, the Tomeka Reid Quartet made the case for jazz of the highest quality.” – UK Jazz News
Tomeka Reid is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary creative music. Emerging from Chicago’s renowned jazz and improvised music scene, the celebrated cellist, composer and bandleader has earned international acclaim for music that seamlessly blends jazz, chamber music, African diasporic traditions and fearless improvisation.
For the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival, Reid brings her acclaimed quartet to ACO On The Pier, featuring visionary guitarist Mary Halvorson, whose groundbreaking approach to composition and improvisation has established her as one of the most influential musicians of her generation. Together, Reid and Halvorson create music of extraordinary imagination, depth and spontaneity, leading an ensemble celebrated for its adventurous spirit and remarkable musical connection.
Joining them are longtime collaborators Jason Roebke on bass and Tomas Fujiwara on drums, completing one of contemporary jazz’s most compelling quartets. Their performances move effortlessly between intricate compositions, lyrical beauty and exhilarating improvisation, captivating audiences around the world.
This rare Sydney appearance offers an intimate opportunity to experience two of the most important creative voices in modern jazz at the height of their powers.
Supporting Act
Highly versatile violinist, vocalist and composer Véronique Serret effortlessly bridges the divide between classical and contemporary art forms. Blending loops, delays, reverbs vocals and her 6 string violin, she redefines the expression of her instrument in an ever shifting landscape.
Her musical language activated by the raw acoustic sounds of the Australian bush, her love of birds, peppered with her colourful Mauritian heritage, a life on the road, rigorous classical training and a love of deep listening combine to generate a contemporary sonic field.
A member of Ensemble Offspring and appearing regularly with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance, Véronique’s latest album Migrating Bird was nominated for an ARIA in 2024.
ARTISTS
Tomeka Reid Quartet
Tomeka Reid cello
Mary Halvorson guitar
Jason Roebke bass
Tomas Fujiwara drums
Véronique Serret violin, vocals