“The trio has sparked a new raft of material from Evans, who beyond her prowess on tenor and soprano, has long been a pre-eminent composer. These pieces exemplified a strength of hers which is all the more valuable in the trio context: the sheer breadth of her compositional ideas.” Sandy Evans trio, Reviewed by John Shand, SMH 9/7/01

Formed in 2001, this trio sees eminent saxophonist and composer Sandy Evans return to the classic saxophone trio format. Regular performances in Australia, a tour of Europe and the release of their first CD ‘Not In The Mood’ have established the band’s reputation as one of the finest in the country.

“This is world class contemporary music performed by some of the very best exponents in this country” John McBeath, Adelaide Advertiser, 01/09/03

With the trio, Sandy renews her long association with outstanding drummer Toby Hall. Sandy and Toby are known for their exciting work together in bands such as Clarion Fracture Zone and The catholics. Completing the line up is sensational bassist Brett Hirst who replaced Brendan Clarke in the bass chair in 2003.

A stunning, tight improvising unit that thrills, inspires and delights.

The repertoire is mostly Sandy’s compositions. Fresh interpretations of tunes from the standard jazz repertoire, like ‘Peace On Earth’ by John Coltrane, and arrangements of traditional Asian music such as the Korean Chant by Zen master Hye Yeon Sun Sa also feature.

A recent development for the group has been collaborative compositions like the popular Circumbendibus Rapt by Brett and Sandy.

International Touring

The group will be touring Canada and Europe in July 2004. Enquiries about the group’s availability for bookings for this tour are welcome. Bookings >

The trio toured Europe in November 2002, with the support of the Australia Council, where they performed to a sell out audience at the prestigious JazzFest Berlin.

Their itinerary included

  • Stadtgarten, Cologne
  • Unterfahrt, Munich
  • Bimhuis, Amsterdam
  • Jazzclub Neue Tonne, Dresden

‘Sandy Evans is a real knockout’ Matthias Creutziger, July MEIER 2003

Australian Concerts

Since its debut at The Australian Jazz Festival in Canberra, the trio has appeared for many of the leading jazz organisations in Australia including – Sydney Improvised Music Association, the Perth Jazz Society , Jazz South Australia, The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative, the Morpeth Jazz Festival, The Bellingen Jazz Society, The Jazzgroove Association, Devonport Jazz Weekend, Bungendore Jazz Festival and The Valley Jazz Festival in Brisbane. They have also performed in Brisbane, Lismore, and Armidale.

‘The Sandy Evans Trio confirmed why it is an important voice in Australian contemporary music and deserves the opportunity for more exposure on the international stage.’ Garry Lee, The West Australian 27.8.2003

The trio presented two successful collaborations with guest musicians for SIMA with:

  • bass trombonist/shakuhachi player from Melbourne Adrian Sherriff
  • for The Kowmung Music Festival with pianist Alister Spence

The band recorded their first CD Not In The Mood in 2002. The CD is distributed by Newmarket Music.

‘The way art is meant to be….The whole album is a joy.’ Shane Nichols, (allaboutjazz.com, Oct/2002)

Sandy’s composition ‘The Seed of Delight’ from Not In The Mood was a finalist in the APRA Award for Most Performed Jazz Composition in 2003. The trio performed at The APRA Awards at The Four Seasons Hotel.

Bookings

To book the Sandy Evans Trio contact Sandy direct.