Aziza: Holland, Potter, Loueke & Harland

Celebrating a decade of the modern jazz supergroup

Aziza - the internationally acclaimed jazz quartet featuring Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland - reunites in Sydney for one night only this October, marking ten years since the release of their acclaimed debut album.

Aziza stands apart as one of the defining modern jazz groups of our time. Combining deep groove, rhythmic complexity, electric intensity and global musical influence, the quartet created a sound that connected the sophistication of modern jazz with the physical force of a live band operating at full power. Drawing from African, Caribbean, jazz-rock and improvisational traditions, Aziza became recognised for performances that could shift from hypnotic pulse to explosive momentum within seconds - precise, fearless and completely locked together.

The project united four of the most influential musicians in contemporary music who have played and collaborated with greats from Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea to Wayne Shorter and Steely Dan. Dave Holland’s revolutionary approach to rhythm and ensemble writing, Chris Potter’s relentless improvisational fluency, Lionel Loueke’s singular blend of guitar, harmony and West African influence, and Eric Harland’s generation-defining rhythmic language formed a band that quickly developed a global cult following.

For this special performance at the Hall, Aziza will revisit music from their legendary debut album while opening the door to new improvisation, new energy and a decade of shared musical evolution. Few modern jazz groups have combined this level of musicianship, identity and live intensity. Ten years on, Aziza still sounds entirely its own.

This is what City Recital Hall was made for – exceptional music and craft wrapped in acoustics that only Angel Place can deliver. Jazz fans, you’re in for a treat.

“In African mythology, ‘Aziza’ is the god of inspiration. Across four careers that leave nothing left to prove, Holland, Potter, Harland and Loueke look to each other for further inspiration.”  Something Else Reviews

“A better album opener you will not find…..This foursome phrases over and around bar lines like nobody's business, essentially opening up new vistas by obliterating a sense of grid-like space and time.” All About Jazz

“…the musicians, while clearly still conscious of time, seem to be floating above it.” JazzTimes

Joining Aziza are special guests Hilary Geddes and Niki Johnson

Percussionist-composer Niki Johnson and guitarist-composer Hilary Geddes unite for a duo performance that traverses the boundaries between jazz, improvisation, and experimental sound. Johnson’s work spans solo percussion commissions for the Sydney Powerhouse Museum and AGNSW to interdisciplinary collaborations with sculptors, theatre-makers and sound artists, creating immersive sonic worlds that blur art forms. Geddes, one of Australia’s most compelling young jazz guitarists, is the 2021 Freedman Jazz Fellow and leader of her AIR award-nominated quartet, whose sophomore album Redleaf (Earshift Music) debuted at #4 on the ARIA Jazz & Blues Albums Chart, #20 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart and #2 on the AIR Independent Album Chart. Known for her expressive approach to the electric guitar, Geddes’ compositions draw together timbral approaches to improvisation. Together, the duo create richly textured soundscapes and improvisatory dialogues that are shaped by a shared sense of curiosity and adventure - an exciting collaboration between two of Australia’s most inventive improvisers.