Baartz Freeman Sextet
Jazz sextets are rare, so you owe it to yourself to check out the Baartz Freeman Sextet, headed by co-composers Martha Baartz (saxophone) and Lliam Freeman (guitar). It's new, it's all original and it's Australian!
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)
Baartz Freeman Sextet is featured on the following titles
Southeast
Southeast is the debut recording of the Baartz Freeman Sextet: original jazz that draws freely on West African, New Orleans, Cuban and New York currents in a warm, open contemporary language.
Members of Baartz Freeman Sextet
Martha Baartz
Saxophonist Martha Baartz has an impressive musical history and is one of the rising female stars in the Australian Jazz scene. She has toured extensively in Europe and throughout Australia.
Lliam Freeman
Lliam Freeman is a versatile Melbourne-based musician, guitarist, composer who has worked over many years with a diversity of artists and groups including Christine Sullivan, Sally Ford and The Pachuco Playboys, Skazz and WJAZ.
Steven Grant
Steve Grant is an instrumental musician with over forty years performing experience, starting in the local community brass band and turning freelance professional aged 18.
Stephen Russell
Pianist Stephen Russell has twenty years experience as a side man with artists such as James Morrison, Dale Barlow, Richie Cole and Chuck Findley as well as Don Burrows and George Golla.
David Sanders
David Sanders has been involved in virtually every aspect of the music industry in Australia and over recent years has gained a reputation as one of the most in demand drummers in Australia.
Jack Thorncraft
Jack Thorncraft has worked as professional musician for more than three decades. He spent many years working in Sydney where he was the first choice double bass player and his warm and rich tone is the envy of bass players all over Australia.
Andy Price
Andy Price is a versatile Melbourne-based bassist who has played in a number of groups including the Moovin' and Groovin' Orchestra.