NIMA - Newcastle Improvised Music Association

04/10/2025

Tuesday 7th of October at NIMA: Pratt, McMahon, Hirst & Gander (PMH&G)

Reunited after nearly a decade, these highly regarded improvisors are also composers. The PMH&G project features compositions from all of them. The quartet will be performing new works and pieces from their critically acclaimed CD ‘aswirl’. Reviewed by Eric Meyers at https://ericmyersjazz.com/ajazz-9.
A sampler video is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJj-zTo9tsU&t=18s

Please join them for an evening of vibes flavoured chamber jazz.

Daryl Pratt – Vibes
Matt McMahon – Keys
Brett Hirst – Bass
Andy Gander – Drums

03/10/2025

Steve talks with veteran double bassist Brett Hirst ahead of his NIMA performance with PMHG this Tuesday 8/10....
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IiOn4WcghVVoz8g3edgkn?si=23bGG8u0QvepP7zCt9Q1kA

The Nightfly with Steve Gaul · Episode

26/09/2025

Next Tuesday at NIMA: Number J***y.
This inventive Danish/Australian trio Number J***y from Perth have become known for combining exciting rhytms and odd-time signitures with lyrical melodies and lush harmonies. Led by International acclaimed Danish guitarist and composer Kristian Borring (“post-bop wizard”-Vintage Guitars) and the “hip and capbale” (Ivan Rod) rhythm section of Zac Grafton and Peter Evans, Number J***y portray earthiness and complexity in composition and improvisation with exciting and cutting-edge original jazz tunes and re-workings of standards.

Their latest offering, the album “Birak”, is a nod to the seasons of the first nations “Noongar” people in WA. It was recorded on the back of the trio’s last tour of the Eastern States and is praised for its memorable themes and great playing (Dingo Jazz) and education to tightly woven interplay (Rhythms Magazine).

Number J***y has also become known for their monthly residency in Perth at The Villa House Sessions, and for their numerous collaborations with names such as Fabian Almazan, Will Vinson and Jamie Oehlers.

Kristian Borring – Guitar
Zac Grafton – Double Bass
Pete Evans – Drums

18/09/2025

Tuesday 23rd September at NIMA- Tom Avgenicos: Delay 45.

Delay 45 is an acclaimed jazz & improvisation quartet led by trumpet/composer Tom Avgenicos, alongside close collaborators Roshan Kumarage (piano), Dave Quinn (bass) and Ashley Stoneham (drums).
With a musical relationship that stretches back as far as their high school years, Delay 45 have created a dynamic performance style that flows seamlessly between structure and spontaneity. Drawing from hip-hop, minimalism, modern jazz and contemporary classical music, simple and recurring motifs interspersed with tight-knit interplay and textural dynamism characterise their performance style.

Their sophomore release Flux and their multidisciplinary music-dance work Ghosts Between Streams expands yet refines their innovative and individual approach to performance with remarkable agility, musicality and finesse, demonstrating how they are one of the most exciting ensembles to emerge in recent years from Australia’s jazz and improvised music scene. Their latest release Ghosts Between Streams II has been shortlisted in the bestofjazz.org albums of 2025 and will perform at Ravella on Tues 30th September in Newcastle.

Delay 45 have performed at some of Australia’s most prestigious concert venues and festivals including Sydney Opera House, Phoenix Central Park, The Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre and MONA.

“the pleasure of discovering this music—unfolding so calmly, so secretly—will inevitably draw you back, because it remains, at its core, distinctly unexpected.” - bestofjazz.org “a bold new chapter in Australian jazz”. - Sydney Morning Herald “once in a generation” - Limelight Magazine

Tom Avgenicos – Trumpet
Roshan Kumarage – Piano
Dave Quinn – Bass
Ashley Stoneham – Drums

https://www.tomavgenicos.com
instagram.com/delay45_band
instagram.com/tomavgenicos

15/09/2025

This month Steve chats with exploratory trumpeter Thomas Avgenicos ahead of his upcoming NIMA gig with Delay 45 on Tues 23rd Sept.

The Nightfly with Steve Gaul · Episode

15/09/2025

NEW ANNUAL FESTIVAL update:

In just two weeks New Annual festival will transform Newcastle into a music lovers paradise. Expect live music in iconic locations, ground-breaking collaborations and new sounds to discover around every corner. The 2025 festival presents an extraordinary lineup of world-class performers and home grown talent. Book now & plan your New Annual festival visit at newannual.com

Specific show info:
First Rhythms : Adam Manning & Australian Art Orchestra
Newcastle Conservatorium, 7:30pm, 2 Oct
First Nations composer and musician, Adam Manning joins forces with renowned creative music ensemble, Australian Art Orchestra for a performance that reimagines clapsticks, First Nations rhythms and visual art to explore the living pulse of Country.

SOAK: Live at the Baths
27 Sep - 4 Oct. 5:30pm - 6:30pm.
An incredible lineup of local and globally renowned artists will transform Newcastle Ocean Baths into a series of free music performances at sunset during New Annual. The lineup includes post punk quintet Dust, globally acclaimed pop violinist Joel Sunny, virtuoso beatboxer Tom Thum, with Dobby and Freyja Garbett, breakout R&B/hip hop artists Boy Soda, A.Girl and Dean Brady + legendary local DJs Jayteehazard and GNGR
Book now & plan your New Annual festival visit at newannual.com

11/09/2025

Tuesday 16th of September at NIMA: The Ben Hauptmann Trio featuring Magdalena Mira.

Ben Hauptmann is a prestigious touring and session guitarist based on the Central Coast, NSW.

Winner of the 2010 Freedman Jazz Fellowship and 2nd place winner in the National Jazz Awards at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz 2007. Ben has shared the stage with a diverse and impressive range of artists including Gurrumul Yunupingu, Paul Kelly, Donny Benet, Bandaluzia Flamenco, James Morrison and Tal Wilkenfeld. He is a lecturer at The Jazz Music Institute and UON in Brisbane and is currently touring, recording and performing with Vika & Linda Bull, Justine Clarke, Katie Noonan and Martha Marlow, to name just a few.

Ben will be joined by the beautiful voice and prescence of Magdalena Mira who is one of Australia’s hardest-working singers in the Latin/Jazz fusion world. Chilean-born and also a Central Coast resident, her voice has been described as deeply angelic, wonderfully dark, and has been likened to the tones of Astrud Gilberto and Norah Jones. After taking a hiatus to become to start a family, Magdalena returned full force to performing a year ago with her sell out performances of her South American band MIRA. Magdalena is not only a Singer but a channeller of musical cultures.

Ben Hauptmann – Guitar
Magdalena Mira – Vocals
Matt Lamb – Bass
Ben Kidson – Percussion

05/09/2025

There’s some Big Band Jazz occurring at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music 13th of October!
The Sydney Conservatorium big band featuring some of Sydney’s finest up and coming talent, alongside some of our NIMA family, regulars with the Newcastle Conservatorium Big Band.

Australia’s oldest and most prolific University Big Band, the Sydney Conservatorium Big Band #1 is touring the East Coast in September and October including performances at three major Jazz Festivals.
Joining them for this special concert is the Newcastle Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra. Together the two ensembles will ensure this is a fabulous concert for jazz lovers of Newcastle. Join us in the Harold Lobb Concert Hall of Newcastle Conservatorium of Music for this special performance.
Jazz audiences in Newcastle will be treated to a dynamic and powerhouse ensemble featuring the musicians of tomorrow, today!
Bar open from 5pm and the concert commences at 6:00pm.

03/09/2025

Live at NIMA, 9th of September: Clayton Doley and the Flashy Dashbacks.

Step back in time and into the future simultaneously and witness the exciting chemistry of Sydney band The Flashy Dashbacks, as they pay homage to the iconic Blue Note organ trio masters such as Jimmy Smith and Wes Montgomery.
They seamlessly merge nostalgia and innovation as they bring a modern Australian soulful blues edge to the 60’s New York sound. Known for their standards and originals alike that combine sophistication and style. Celebrating the glorious sound of the mighty Hammond Organ sound with great songs, it’s a compelling performance. They have an impressive career, performing at festivals and clubs all over the world, both as a featured artist and accompanying the greats. Their debut album ‘Jazz That Makes You Go Wow!’ was released earlier this year to critical acclaim.

Here’s what the critics are saying... ‘A faultless exhibition of the art of the organ trio. This is optimistic and uncomplicated music, beautifully played, a brilliant example of feel good jazz.’ Eric Myers - The Australian

‘Original music fusing funky organ, crisp guitar and ‘in the pocket’ grooves. Doley and the Flashy Dashbacks boast a sound commensurate with the pioneering B3 masters. While not striving to break any barriers, Jazz That Makes You Go Wow! revels in the music of Jimmy Smith, Richard ‘Groove’ Holmes and others, conjuring a golden age when jazz dug deep into soul and blues, dripping with late night sweat, swaying bodies, good times, and dance floor moves.’ Des Cowley - Rhythms Magazine.

Clayton Doley – Hammond Organ
Tim Rollinson – Guitar
Evan Mannell – Drums

https://www.claytondoley.com
https://m.facebook.com/claytonplayshammond/
https://www.instagram.com/claytondoley/?hl=en
https://www.youtube.com/user/claytondoley
https://youtu.be/300bPys17l8?si=WjWG4AxEQuqsrNps

27/08/2025

Tuesday 2nd of September at NIMA: Nicki Parrott Trio.

Having just returned home to Australia after 30 years of headlining New York, Japan and Europe, international recording and as a touring artist, Nicki Parrott can’t wait to make her NIMA debut and share with you the joy and excitement of her latest show, the songs we all know… the ones we sing out loud in the shower, in the car and dance to (when no one’s looking). Joined by Australia’s finest musicians, Peter Locke on piano and Andrew Dickeson on drums, Songs You Know By Heart is a big sound musical tribute… fun and entertaining for all ages! Visit nickiparrott.com for more information about her very distinguished and impressive bio and discography.

Nicki Parrott – Bass/Vocals
Peter Locke – Piano
Andrew Dickeson – Drums

21/08/2025

Next Tuesday night at NIMA: Adam’s Place - The Adam Ferrier Quintet.
Established two years ago join Newcastle’s hottest quintet led by Adam Ferrier for an evening of vibrant swing groove jazz. This quintet brings the timeless sound of jazz to life. Let the rich melodies and rhythmic grooves transport you to the heart of the Blue Note era. Perfect for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, the Adam Ferrier Quintet promises a great night of music.

Adam Ferrier – Trumpet Flugelhorn
Grant Metcalfe – Alto Sax
Jo Cadman – Piano
Jeremy Burrows – Double Bass
Dave Richardson – Drums

14/08/2025

Tuesday 19th of August at NIMA: Adrian Meares Sonic Tapestry featuring David Jones.
Since arriving in Europe in 1993, Adrian Mears quickly established himself as one of the leading voices in jazz trombone across the continent.
A highly creative and versatile musician, Adrian is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition while continually exploring contemporary ideas in harmony and rhythm.
In 1996, while based in Munich, a spontaneous opportunity arose to invite master drummer David Jones to join Adrian’s quintet for a series of concerts. At the time, Adrian’s compositions were delving into polyrhythmic structures and complex time signatures—music often described as mathematical and technically demanding. David met these challenges effortlessly and brought even more to the music. Beyond his extraordinary skill and precision, David exudes a spiritual philosophy that elevates the music into an organic and transcendent experience. His extensive list of credits and accolades affirms his standing as one of the world’s finest drummers. Though the years have passed with only a few online collaborations between them, Adrian and David have remained close, always hoping for the chance to reunite. That moment has arrived—Sonic Tapestry is the long-awaited project that brings them back together.

In Sonic Tapestry, trombonist Adrian Mears and drummer David Jones create an innovative soundscape, weaving live loops and spontaneous improvisation into every performance. With no pre-recorded material, their music is an ever-evolving conversation between two masters of their craft. This collaboration blends complex rhythms, organic flow, and a deep spiritual connection to produce a truly unique listening experience.

“My first experiments with electronic concepts began 30 years ago when a fortunate opportunity arose to perform a program of my choice at the Grand Hotel! There I integrated loops and effects on the trombone for the first time and has been this quest for innovation and creativity ever since.”

Adrian Mears (Germany) – Trombone, Didgeridoo, Live Loops & Effects
David Jones (Melbourne) – Drums & Percussion