The Alastair Kerr Quartet was formed in 2009, primarily as a vehicle for Kerr's compositions. A distinctly Australian sound, but clearly influenced by a love of Brazilian and Cuban music, the group’s sound combines a quirky harmonic sense and high level of group interaction.  The first edition of this quartet was underpinned by the responsive rhythm section of Kerr and Sam Zerna (bass), with Marc Hannaford’s energetic and highly rhythmic work on piano spurring on trumpeter Pat Thiele in his improvisations – alternatively angular and cascading – in a band that uses delicacy and space in equal measure with intense, driving grooves.

In 2017 Alastair launched the new edition of this group, with the exciting young talents of Stephen Byth (sax), Daniel Mougerman (piano), and Jordan Tarento (bass).  Following Byth's move to Boston to undertake his Masters at Berklee, trumpeter Paul Williamson joined the group.

In 2010 the Quartet opened for Chucho Valdes at the Melbourne Recital centre, and this was followed by the release of their debut album The Ultimate Fate of... Buy the album here!

Trio Agogo features three of Australia’s finest exponents of Brazilian music – guitarists Paul Carey and Adam May, with percussionist Alastair Kerr. Trio Agogo perform classic works from the choro repertoire, as well as originals by Carey. In addition to the standard 6-string guitar, this group features the Brazilian 7-string guitar, and the ukulele-like cavaquinho. Percussionist Kerr focuses on the quintessential Brazilian percussion instrument – the pandeiro – but also brings are range of textures and rhythms to the group with his collection of authentic instruments.

Formed in 2010, the group released their debut album - The Story of Benjamin Constant - in January 2012. All three musicians have spent extensive time studying and performing in Brazil, and bring an authentic touch to their performances.

Visit us at www.trioagogo.com

Doug de Vries is one of Australia’s foremost guitarists and a significant composer for the guitar, excelling in many musical genres, from jazz to choro, samba and bossa nova. He is considered Australia’s leading exponent of Brazilian guitar repertoire and recently released a solo album of Brazilian repertoire, DdV Solo. He is particularly noted for his sophisticated accompaniments, deep knowledge, and daring improvisations - in jazz and other settings.

In this Trio he is joined by bassist Frank Di Sario and drummer/percussionist Alastair Kerr. Di Sario has performed with the cream of Australian jazz, including Paul Grabowsky, Dale Barlow and Don Burrows, and has also appeared alongside international artists such as George Coleman jr, and Nigel Kennedy. Kerr is an in-demand percussionist in Australia's burgeoning Brazilian music scene, as well as leading his own jazz groups, Panorama do Brasil and The Alastair Kerr Quartet.

De Vries leads the Trio through a broad range of Brazilian music - afro-sambas, bossa nova, choro, forró and Brazilian jazz. Their performances convey the depth and beauty of this music while maintaining the spontaneity of jazz, with intricate interplay seamlessly woven through the sublime rhythms of Brazil.

The Trio has played to full houses at the Melbourne International and Wangaratta Jazz Festivals, and opened for legendary Brazilian musician Hermeto Pascoal at the Melbourne Recital Centre.

Visit us at www.dougdevries.com

Drawing on the rich repertoire of Brazilian Choro, Sexteto Zona Sul is a Melbourne combo put together by Doug de Vries, a leading exponent of this mostly instrumental music. Featuring classic compositions by Jacob do Bandolim, Pixinguinha and new original works in an ever expanding genre that combines polka and samba with virtuosity and ingenuity.

Doug de Vries – mandolin & tenor guitar
Asha Henfry – flute
Adam May – cavaquinho
Ken Murray – guitar
Julian Scheffer – 7-string guitar
Al Kerr – pandeiro

Visit us at www.dougdevries.com

Adventurous Aussie singer-songwriter Diana Clark is blending all her influences in her first single release ‘Sunny Daze’ - an electrifying, hooky 60s pure pop extravaganza. This new mix of Beatlesque 'yeah, yeah, yeah' and pop styles with Diana's well established Brazilian Jazz fluency is both unique and instantly charming. Her groove driven songs speak of willing the sun into the darkest places, family, unity, travel and having an escape plan. The full original album will be released in 2014, including a very special guest appearance from Chico Cesar!

Visit us at www.dianaclark.com.au