Tomeka Reid is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary creative music. Emerging from Chicago’s celebrated jazz and improvised music scene, Reid has built an international reputation for her fearless artistry, combining the lyricism of the Western classical tradition with the rich musical languages of the African diaspora and the avant-garde. Her work as a composer, improviser and bandleader has earned widespread acclaim, including a MacArthur Fellowship, the Herb Alpert Award and a USA Fellowship.
At the Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival, Reid brings her celebrated quartet to ACO On The Pier, featuring guitarist and composer Mary Halvorson, widely regarded as one of the most innovative musicians of her generation. One of contemporary music’s most influential bandleaders, Halvorson has redefined the possibilities of the guitar through her singular sound and fearless approach to improvisation. Her acclaimed recordings for Nonesuch Records have been hailed as landmark works, cementing her status as a leading figure in modern jazz and experimental music.
Together, Reid and Halvorson form the creative heart of an ensemble that has captivated audiences around the world. Reid’s immersive musical works blur the boundaries between jazz, chamber music and contemporary composition whilst her quartet has become one of the most compelling ensembles in modern jazz.
Joined by bassist Jason Roebke and drummer Tomas Fujiwara, they deliver performances of extraordinary imagination, beauty and intensity. This rare Sydney appearance offers audiences the chance to experience two of the most fascinating artists in contemporary jazz in an intimate concert setting at SIWJF 26.
