Meet our Jazz Festival Musicians
Get ready to be transported as world-class talent takes centre stage. This winter, Winter on The West Deck proudly welcomes an elite line-up of Perth International Jazz Festival Musicians.
Expect masterful improvisation, rich cultural influences, and unforgettable live moments as these artists bring their signature styles to Perth. With an eclectic mix of jazz styles and instruments, everything from gypsy jazz to Brazilian jazz, mainstream to contemporary jazz. Trio, duo and solo formats, vocals and instrumentals.
Come and feast your ears and soul on some of the best local jazz you can find. Whether you're a long-time jazz aficionado or simply curious to experience something extraordinary, these musicians offer a rare chance to see the best of jazz — right here, up close and personal.
Austin Salisbury Trio
Austin Salisbury has been captivated by jazz music for the last decade and there is seemingly no end in sight. The Perth-based pianist has led a steady stream of creative projects after graduating from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts in 2017, and since becoming a staple of the WA jazz scene. Inspired composing and remarkable playing can be heard on recordings from Melve (Take Care, 2019), Afro-Cuban inspired jazz project Mejadra (Mejadra, 2019), and the Austin Salisbury Trio (High Bebop Vol. 1, 2022 & Out West, 2023).
Colourful Zoo Magic
The Bob Tweedie Colourful Zoo Magic Trio are bringing their energetic, technicolour sound to Karrinyup Shopping Centre this August. United under the vision of local pianist Bob Tweedie, these three vibrantly virtuosic musicians will be exploring many corners of a diverse spectrum of sounds and influences, from acoustic modern jazz to electronic jazz fusion, with a pinch of dance music from the early noughties. Expect to hear original music that has been especially crafted to push their abilities, and to allow the trio's rich and unique musical personalities to shine. The night will be filled with unexpected turns, infectious grooves, spontaneous dynamicism, and the unflappable rapport of a trio with nothing to lose.
Jackson Van Ballegooyen Trio
Based in Perth, this pianoled trio features Jackson van Ballegooyen on piano, supported by a dynamic rhythm section of bass and drums. Jackson—an expressive and versatile pianist—is a graduate of WAAPA (First Class Honours) and trained at the James Morrison Academy. He has performed nationally with James Morrison and studied under some of Australia’s leading jazz artists.
The trio draws inspiration from the classic swing piano tradition, with clear nods to the elegance and technique of the Oscar Peterson Trio, the deep groove of the Ray Brown Trio, and the post-bop sophistication of Mulgrew Miller. Expect swinging standards, lyrical ballads, and inventive modern improvisation in every performance.
Lady M Duo
Miella Mondlane will be performing an intimate duo set featuring a blend of jazz and soul arrangements. Known for her rich, expressive vocal tone and nuanced phrasing, Miella brings a fresh and emotive approach to reimagined standards and contemporary favourites.
Oliver Taylor & Tom Salleo
Saxophonist Ollie Taylor and pianist Tom Salleo have shared the stage in various musical outfits across Perth, but rarely do they get the opportunity to perform as a duo. Both graduating from the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), Ollie and Tom’s musical explorations showcase a rare musical trust that delivers on exciting, emotive, and passionate music. Their unspoken synergy embraces improvisation with a refreshing sense of trust and openness, all underpinned by their deep appreciation for the art of the duo.
Sassafras
Formed in late 2015, Sassafras quickly established a reputation as one of Perth’s premier gypsy jazz groups. The band performs in a range of different formats but is perhaps best known as a five-piece featuring vocalist Jessie Gordon and violinist Emily Gelineau (“Sassafras”). The band also performs as an instrumental quartet with Emily Gelineau (“Sassafras Quartet”) and sometimes even as a sextet, adding pedal-steel guitarist Lucky Oceans and saxophonist Marc Osborne. All the different band formats do however have one thing in common - the core rhythm section of string players Lachlan Gear, Aaron Deacon and Pete Jeavons, otherwise known as Sassafras Trio.
Chris Jones
Japanese/Australian/English guitarist Chris Kazuki is a versatile artist currently in Western Australia. The early stages of his journey has been blessed with rich experiences performing in all sorts of places alongside the likes of Pareidolia, Paul Grabowski, Linda May Han Oh and Melissa Aldana. His incorporation of classical guitar idiosyncrasies with the jazz idiom curates a musical sound and style you don’t want to miss.
Jazz Tupi Trio
Danilo Pazz is a spirited ensemble exploring the rich landscape of Brazilian jazz with a contemporary, global touch. Led by Danilo da Paz and Emily Gelineau, they blend the infectious swing of samba and baião with the improvisational freedom of modern jazz.
Drawing from traditions like Choro and Samba-Jazz, Jazz Tupí delivers a vibrant and expressive performance that honours Brazil’s deep musical roots. Expect to be transported from Rio to Recife — with a stop at the jazz clubs along the way.
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Lachlan & Isabelle
Lachlan and Isabelle first met as members of WAYJO’s Monday Night Orchestra in 2024, continuing to Tuesday Night Orchestra this year, and ever since have been collaborating in a myriad of musical settings. Both musicians are studying Jazz at WAAPA; Isabelle is a recipient of the inaugural Ellington Jazz Club Prize of Equity and Excellence while Lachlan was featured in the 2025 Performing Arts Perspectives Showcase at His Majesty’s Theatre. Lachlan and Isabelle enjoy exploring many different styles of music, they centre in jazz and look back through the vast lineage of Saxophone/Keyboard collaborations.
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Ricki Malet Trio
The Ricki Malet Trio bring a bold and dynamic sound to the West Deck Winter Festival, blending over two decades of musical experience into a thrilling live performance. Trumpeter Ricki Malet—joined by Dr. Nick Abbey on bass and Sir Alex Reid on drums—delivers a high-energy mix of modern jazz, hard bop, blues, free jazz and traditional swing. After playing together for four years, the trio’s deep musical connection fuels their spontaneous interplay, groove-driven energy and creative fire. Expect fresh compositions, inventive arrangements and maybe a little madness!
Sophie Kerr
Sofie has built a loyal following performing in Perth in festivals and live shows gaining recognition for her captivating live performances and her unique blend of traditional jazz standards and modern interpretations. Sofie’s original compositions draw on her wide range of inspirations and love of story-telling. Her charming, dynamic stage presence and emotive vocals leave audiences mesmerised and wanting more. She has had the pleasure of working closely alongside some of Perth’s most esteemed musicians such as Ben Vanderwal, Harry Mitchell and Jessica Carlton as well as some incredible Australian and international artists such as Emma Pask, Varijashree Venugopal and Paul Grabowsky. Sofie’s love for big band, traditional swing and more modern compositional work has shaped her to be a versatile artist with a focus on storytelling and musical expertise.
Two Thirds
Two thirds is Ben Vanderwal on drums with Ben Witt on Guitar and Karl Florison on Bass.
Inspired by Ben's favourite cd’s, two thirds is a mash up of Jazz, Brazilian, African and Ballajurian influences.
As well as the usual bass, guitar, drums format, the band will be augmented by classic Drum machine sounds, immersive loop pedal layers, tremolo effects wide enough to swim in and bass octave pedals
dense enough to momentarily fill every existential gap.
Daniel Garner
Dan Garner is a Guitarist and Vocalist based in Perth WA. He has recorded and performed with many local artists such as Gemma Farrell, Artemis Orchestra, Mace Francis Orchestra, Matt Smith's Driftwood and Brass Party. In 2020 he released his debut album 'East of the West.' 2022 and 2023 saw him receive WAM Nominations for 'Best Guitarist' and 'Best Jazz Act.' He has been featured in the Perth Jazz festival, York Jazz Festival and RTRFM's Jazz Supreme. In 2025 Garner released a solo EP of original music and travelled all over the state playing music as much as he can.
Lachie Glover & Danny Moss Jnr
The Lachlan Glover trio brings you the standards of the great American song book.
Lachlan Glover is a 4-time James Morrison Scholarship Finalist at Generations in Jazz and holds the record for youngest ever. He has recently returned to Perth after completing his studies at the James Morrison Academy, for which he was granted exceptional entry at the age of just 16!