Music that transcends culture and country

First Nations composer and saxophonist Brenda Gifford’s work is deeply connected with her relationship to country, community and culture.

Bringing the concert to life, alongside Gifford are leading Australian jazz musicians Sandy Evans, Gary Daley, Chloe Kim, and Jacques Emery. In a moving exchange of artistry and precision, together they’ll beautifully breathe life into a stunning collection of original compositions.

Each musician is a virtuoso in their own right, each with their own distinct lived experience. This music will have a transcendent resonance with people from all cultures, as the musicians explore themes of country, culture, lived experience and reconciliation.

Brenda Gifford, originally from Wreck Bay, NSW says “My country is Yuin country. It is beautiful, coastal and abundant, especially during Galaa (Summer in Dhurga – language of the Yuin people). The barra barra (sea) is at the core of country. It guides me and inspires me, in my music.”

Brenda Gifford | composer, saxophones
Sandy Evans | saxophones
Gary Daley | piano/piano accordion
Chloe Kim | drums
Jacques Emery | bass

“spartan dream-folk drifts into unexplored areas, borrowing from jazz improvisation while delving into the sub-conscious.”

– Clash Music

Beguiling and ethereal, Bonniesong’s lifting vocals float over gentle peaks of acoustic and electronic instruments. Layered with an enchanting loop pedal, she draws you into a dreamlike trance in the style of contemporary folk/alternative artists such as Joanna Newsom and Bjork.

Under the spell of thrumming guitar, Stewart renders her arrangements with a fidelity of performance that seems to amplify an almost spectral presence.
She’ll play loudly whilst making you ridiculously aware of silence and then go some way to reminding you how music is at its most basic, mere vibration moving through air. This is Bonniesongs.

Bonnie Stewart | Vocals, Guitar, Percussion
Laura Altman | Vocalss, Clarinet
Tom Botting | Vocals, Doublebass
Freya Schack-Arnott | Cello
Rhys Mottley | Guitar
Tully Ryan | Drums