The second in our series of bands led by bass players:

a double bass player with a beautiful and generous style, Steve will play solos duos and trios, with a balance of composition and improvisation, the music he's been borrowing and stealing and making up for all of this life

with two other recognised composing and improvising masters,
Paul Cutlan on saxophone and clarinet
and Phil Slater on trumpet
who knows what might happen!

The perfectly controlled tones of these four musicians were largely responsible for our decision to run Colbourne Ave as a venue every week.  They play once a year.  This event actually covers three years, including the Feb 2009 concert with projections from nature.

Hewetson.  McMahon.  Slater.  Barker.
need i say more? ok i will...

Alexander Hewetson, the original bass player in the highly successful 90’s jazz groove outfit D.I.G, also played and recorded with funksters Swoop between 1992 and 1998.  With Climbing Tree he brings his unconstrained grooves and evocative compositions to three of the defining voices of Sydney's jazz scene, trumpeter Phil Slater, pianist Matt McMahon and drummer Simon Barker.

Climbing Tree launched their debut album Tree Music with us back in february 2009 and have been regular visitors ever since.  I love them.  This music is good.  really really good.  if you're think trumpets are too loud, or bands without singers aren't interesting, or modern jazz is boring, come and have your mind changed.

here's what they say:

Climbing Tree are very happy to be back at Colbourne Ave, looking forward to the warm surroundings and friendly atmosphere of Café Church. Climbing Tree’s debut album Tree Music showcases Alexander Hewetson’s talent as a composer with the highly evocative music featuring all original compositions. Alexander’s group showcases three of Australia’s finest musicians in trumpeter Phil Slater, pianist Matt McMahon and drummer Simon Barker, with whom he previously played for about ten years in the group Baecastuff. The group played an integral part in the arrangements and Alexander notes that “sometimes the arranging and writing becomes one and the same thing, especially with such great musicians as these.”