Jason Bruer & Hammerhead

Powerhouse sextet known as Hammerhead emerged onto the Sydney music scene in 2011, drawing from a rich array of influences harking back to the late 1950s and early 1960s ‘Hard Bop’ movement. Formed under the leadership of internationally acclaimed tenor saxophonist Jason Bruer, the ensemble consists of Andrew Robertson on alto saxophone and flute, Simon Ferenci on trumpet, Greg Coffin on piano, Alex Hirlian on drums, and David Quinn on bass. 

Their debut album, ‘Mozaic’ (2014), paid homage to the pioneers of the hard bop genre and garnered widespread acclaim both in Australia and Japan. Since then, Hammerhead’s musical trajectory has evolved into a collection of original compositions penned by band leader Bruer, reflecting an eclectic blend of influences encompassing urban jazz, hard bop, funk, and chamber jazz. This shift underscores a significant contemporary evolution in their artistic approach and style. 

In 2019, the ensemble released their 2nd album, ‘Turning Point’ to, featuring ten original compositions by Bruer. This release showcased a broader spectrum of compositional diversity, aligning with Bruer’s vision to diversify the band’s repertoire drawing from his disparate influences. The album received widespread acclaim both here in Australia and also the UK and ABC jazz still plays it. 

This shift in style and focus on an all original repertoire has earned Hammerhead national recognition and acclaim captured by their dynamic live performances. Their ascendance has seen them grace the stages of prestigious jazz festivals across the country, including The Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival, Sydney Conservatorium International Jazz Festival,  Manly Jazz Festival, Thredbo Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Festival (Canberra) & The Inner West Marrickville Festival. Additionally, they have delivered sold-out performances at esteemed venues such as Gods Cafe, Smiths Alternative & The ANU in Canberra, the Wollongong Conservatoire of Music, Finding Filmores in Kiama & The Jazz Basement in Wodonga..In 2019, they headlined the ‘Jazz Up North’ concert series at the Tanks Art Centre in Cairns and performed in Brisbane, Queensland. They have maintained a monthly residency at Lazybones Lounge in Sydney for close to ten years as well as regularly performing at Foundry616 & Venue505 

2023 saw the release of their 3rd studio album ‘I Didn’t Get To Where I Am Today’. It garnered many reviews including a 4.5* review in ‘The Australian’ and legendary jazz pianist Mike Nock hailed it as their best album to date. It contains 10 new original compositions from bandleader Jason Bruer. The music was written during the pandemic and resultant lockdowns and is Bruer’s artistic response to his first-hand experiences as a sufferer of long Covid. Bruer is currently writing new material for another album which they hope to record next year.