The Melbourne International Jazz Festival is proud to present this world premiere concert performance from three international jazz pioneers reshaping our conceptions of jazz music in the world today: guitarist Nels Cline, saxophonist Tim Berne and drummer Jim Black.

A shining light in the international jazz scene, saxophonist Tim Berne's soulful body of work is carving a new musical language which continues to push the boundaries and possibilities of jazz music. Unafraid to break the barriers of traditional jazz and modern composition, Tim Berne is a major figure in turn of the century music weaving multiple melodies to create extraordinary interplay between composition and improvisation.

Nels Cline is popularly known as a band member of Wilco, however the New York guitarist has been steadily building an international profile for his genre-defying style for several decades, exploring jazz, avant garde, rock, country and noise with the likes of Charlie Haden, Thurston Moore and John Zorn. With an individual style that showcases diverse moods and styles, Nels Cline is a musical chameleon.

Virtuosic drummer Jim Black is celebrated worldwide for his limitless technique and innovative concepts. With a highly individual approach to jazz drumming, his style has expanded to include Balkan rhythms, rock songcraft and laptop soundscapes. Jim Black's performances are fuelled by a relentless feeling of bliss and invention. Having led groundbreaking jazz groups including AlasnoAxis and TYFT with Hilmar Jensson and Andrew D'Angelo, Jim Black's kinetic and unpredictable presence is enthralling and inspiring.

Tim Berne (alto saxophone)
Nels Cline (guitar)
Jim Black (drums)