Josh Meader
Music is in Josh Meader’s DNA. He has been playing music from a very young age, having been taught by his father, professional musician Paul Meader. He recently graduated with a first class honours degree for jazz performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Josh has performed at many renowned venues and events in Sydney, including The Sydney Opera House, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Sydney Town Hall, Qudos Bank Arena, Manly Jazz Festival, Venue 505, Foundry 616, and the Lazybones Lounge. He has released three duo guitar albums with his father, and three trio albums that also include his sister Rosie Meader. He is currently working on his debut original album set to be released later this year.
Josh’s music draws upon a range of different styles including bebop, hip-hop, groove-based/funk, contemporary jazz and popular music, and delivers original compositions infused with musical elements such as odd time signature grooves, improvisation and textural explorations.
Josh has been mentored by and has worked with Australian jazz heavyweights such as Barney McAll, Mat Jodrell, Matt McMahon, Mike Rivett, James Muller, Judy Bailey, Barney McCall, Cameron Undy, Steve Barry, Jonathan Zwartz and Craig Scott.
Sam Anning
Receiving 1st place in the 2015 National Jazz Awards, Sam is in high demand as a bass player in Australia and abroad. He has been a featured soloist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and was performing and recording with Archie Roach until the singer-songwriter’s death last year.
He has performed with other national greats Allan Browne, Vanessa Perica, Andrea Keller, Jamie Oehlers, and has been fortunate to perform with international icons Joe Lovano, Kenny Werner, Ingrid Jensen, George Garzone, and Charlie Haden, among many others.
He also co-leads award-winning group Speedball.
After completing a Masters of Music at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, Anning remained in New York City, quickly becoming an in-demand bassist in one of the world’s most competitive cities.
Returning to Melbourne in 2015, Anning has made a significant contribution to the jazz scene and won multiple awards for his release Across a Field as Vast as One. His latest album Oaatchapai has received much critical acclaim.