Saxophonist brings modern jazz to Nambour

Powerhouse saxophonist Bradley McCarthy will bring his trio to The Jazz Sessions at The Presynct in Nambour on Thursday May 21.

McCarthy has been a strong voice in Australian jazz for more than 20 years, building a reputation for high-intensity performances shaped by deep swing, soulful phrasing and fearless improvisation.

His music draws on alto saxophone influences including Cannonball Adderley and Kenny Garrett, with a sound steeped in hard bop and grounded in the energy of contemporary jazz.

McCarthy studied at the Queensland Conservatorium before becoming a prominent figure on the Brisbane jazz scene. He later completed an honours year at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne.

His career has included performances at the Brisbane International Jazz Festival, Stonnington Jazz Festival, Manly Jazz Festival and Noosa Jazz Festival.

He has also shared the stage with some of Australia’s respected jazz artists, including James Morrison, Bernie McGann, Dale Barlow, Jamie Oehlers, Juliane Wilson and Phil Rex.

In 2006, McCarthy received a Buzz Grant to record his quartet, presenting original compositions influenced by modern jazz artists including Chris Potter, Kenny Garrett and Branford Marsalis.

Audiences can expect a night of modern jazz and hard bop, with tight interplay, swinging grooves and saxophone-led solos in an intimate upstairs setting.

• Bradley McCarthy Trio will perform at The Jazz Sessions at The Presynct (Upstairs), 15 Ann Street, Nambour, on Thursday May 21 at 6.30pm.