The Baartz Freeman Sextet began its life in 2000 when saxophonist Martha Baartz and guitarist Lliam Freeman decided to put together a group dedicated to the performance of their own original music. They had both spent many years playing together as members of other bands and musical projects but neither of them had ever worked on an original project of their own. After initially getting together to play, jam and write music they began working towards the performance and recording of their own original work.

The Baartz Freemen Sextet has played at various venues throughout Australia including Bennetts Lane and The Planet in Melbourne, Maggy Mores in Lismore NSW and The Holiday Inn and The Zoo in Brisbane. A mini Victorian tour to support the launch of their Move CD southeast included the Apollo Bay Music Festival in late March 2003, a CD launch at Bennetts Lane in Melbourne on the 1st April and the Mallacoota Music Festival in mid-April.

The Baartz Freeman Sextet's musical philosophy:

"We both have diverse musical backgrounds and the music that has evolved out of our collaborations reflects numerous musical influences from West Africa to New Orleans to Cuba to Brazil and New York. We are aiming to produce music that is open, generous and which allows for musical expression and improvisation by everyone in the band. The benefit of having two composers with very different but complementary writing styles also adds to the musical interest for band members.

We both believe in the cohesion and meaningful musical interactions of a band that plays regularly together and we have intentionally gathered musicians around us who respond to the music in similar ways to us."
(Martha Baartz and Lliam Freeman)

UPCOMING GIGS

Thursday 3rd June, Dizzy's Jazz Club - Swan St. Richmond (cover charge)
Friday 9th July, The Boite Cafe, North Fitzroy (acoustic gig)

STOP PRESS - ANOTHER UPCOMING TOUR!

The Baartz Freeman Sextet is going on tour this November. Some details are still to be confirmed, however this is the preliminary information:

Friday 7th November, Side On Cafe, Sydney
Saturday 8th November, Tide Restaurante, Mallacoota
Sunday 9th November, Willow Cafe, Buchan
Tuesday 11th November, Dizzy's Jazz Club, Richmond (Melbourne)

More details to follow!