James Sandon Program

JAMES SANDON A program of jazz standards and original compositions with a focus on group improvisation.

James Sandon - saxophone Originally from Perth, James Sandon is one of the most natural and talented musicians in the country. His sound oozes soul as well as substance and has the rare combination of instrumental technique and natural melodic and rhythmic drive. Having performed around the world and now based in Brisbane, James is currently a lecturer in jazz studies at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Steve Newcomb - organ An Australian pianist and composer equally in demand for his unique touch on the piano, detailed writing, and comprehensive style of arranging that explores the realm shared by jazz and new music. He maintains an active solo career and shares the stage with a multitude of artists, performing in various styles and making “music in a knotty zone where Thelonious Monk meets classical music” (Sydney Morning Herald). Based in Brisbane, Steve is Senior Lecturer and Head of Jazz at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.

Jamie Clark - guitar A guitarist, songwriter, composer, arranger, and bandleader in musical endeavours ranging from jazz, rock, country, and folk to bluegrass, cabaret, and music theatre. Jamie has performed / recorded with many worldclass artists such as: Katie Noonan, Kate Miller-Heidke, James Morrison, Kristin Berardi, Emma Pask, Frances Madden, Jamie Oehlers, Elly Hoyt, Vika and Linda Bull, Leah Cotterell, The Queensland Symphony Orchestra, The Ten Tenors, Carol Lloyd, Women In Voice, Topology, Mark Sholtez and many of Australia’s finest jazz players.

Dom Machen - drums Dom completed his Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University majoring in performance for jazz drums. During his time there, Dom received the Sid S.J Bromley Jazz Award for Outstanding Student (2020) and the Griffith Awards for Academic Excellence (2018, 2019, 2020). In recent years, Dom has performed with acclaimed Australian artists including Steve Newcomb, James Sandon, Jef Usher, and The View From Madeleine's Couch. He continues to perform throughout South East Queensland in a range of styles including jazz, funk, Brazilian, and other contemporary music genres.

Hannah Macklin - vocals During her 12-year career, Hannah has performed and released music under monikers MKO Sun, Ha Na and Bastard Amber. She has opened shows for internationally renowned artists such as Peaches, Ibeyi, Cody ChestnuTT, Hiatus Kaiyote, Fama and Katie Noonan. Hannah has collaborated with a plethora of musicians from around Australia and beyond, crossing jazz, rock, hip-hop/soul and electronic circles. Currently based in Brisbane, she is teaching at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, fronting a band called “Laik”, and collaborating with Nepalese tabla master Dheeraj Shrestha.

Percy Robinson – vocals Percy comes from Gisborne and Rotorua on the East Coast of New Zealand and has been performing, singing, recording, and touring nationally and internationally in a wide variety of musical contexts for most of his working life. He has sung and played guitar with the likes of Randy Crawford, Daniel Merriweather, Gin Wigmore, Gary Pinto, Sean Paul and Guy Sebastian. Percy recently returned to New Zealand, after many years living in Australia, to pursue his interests in Māori language, Māori musical instruments, and cultural studies at Waikato University.