Jody Sternberg and David Lewis (France Based)

Australian singer-songwriter and saxophonist Jody Sternberg has collaborated with international artists such as Arthur H, The Marathonians and Marc Collin (Nouvelle Vague) as well as fronting British trip-hop group Morcheeba and their international tour of The Antidote after co-writing the single, Wonders Never Cease.

Sternberg grew up in Sydney and moved to Japan as a teeager where she played in clubs and was noticed by visiting US musicians who led her to study saxophone with Bill Pierce at Berklee College of Music. After moving to Paris, her warm contralto voice gradually became Sternberg’s main instrument, nevertheless her lyrical saxophone remains a feature of her performances.

Sternberg is regularly seen in Paris jazz venues, leading a quartet with French jazz piano legend Alain Jean-Marie. Her duo album with Jean-Marie, Castles in the Sand, will be released in June 2023.

Australian-born trumpeter, pianist and composer David Lewis is co-founder of the internationally-renowned group Paris Combo, with which he recorded nine albums and performed world-wide over a 25 year period until the untimely death of the group’s singer-songwriter Belle du Berry in 2020.

Originally coming to France to study at the Paris Conservatoire, Lewis later toured and recorded extensively with African-jazz legend Manu Dibango. He has also performed and recorded with a diverse array of Paris-based artists including Arthur H, Gianmaria Testa, Marc Perrone, Maurane, Carla Bruni, Cabaret Sauvage, l’Orchestre de la Lune, and most recently with veteran choreographer Philippe Decouflé.

Lewis’ melodic, colourful trumpet and flugelhorn interweave effortlessly with Sternberg’s warm voice and feeling for lyric in a playful repertoire, mixing languages and transcending musical borders. Joining them for the evening will be Melbourne pianist extraordinaire Mark Fitzgibbon.

Support act, Gabi Basman is a jazz clarinettist and saxophonist based in Naarm (Melbourne). With a passion for exploring the diverse realms of jazz, Gabi completed his performance studies at Monash University, where he received the Tess and Bill Hawtin Jazz Scholarship.

Gabi’s musical palette encompasses various influences, incorporating elements of klezmer, bebop, and gypsy jazz into his distinctive style. Through his exploration of improvisation, Gabi weaves together these diverse threads of jazz, creating a captivating fusion of sound that pushes the boundaries of traditional genres.

Having had the opportunity to collaborate with esteemed artists, Gabi’s musical journey has been enriched by memorable experiences. Gabi has shared the stage with acclaimed vocalist Vince Jones and has had the privilege of recording with renowned pianist Paul Grabowsky.

Gabi is joined by friends Miro Lauritz on piano, Max Raz-Liebman on bass and Jordan Warwick on drums, creating a cohesive and exhilarating musical experience.