James O’Brien Quintet

Pianist and composer James O’Brien returns to the MJC with his quintet to perform a compelling program of original music. A graduate of the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) who relocated to Melbourne in 2023, James is a standout voice among a new generation of Australian jazz artists. Known for his creative, forward-thinking approach grounded in jazz tradition, O’Brien’s virtuosic playing has been praised for its striking maturity and depth. Performing with celebrated ensembles such as the Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, Horizon Art Orchestra, and the WA Jazz Project, he had appeared at the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival and the Perth International Jazz Festival, among others. James O’Brien (piano) is joined in this dynamic quintet by Richard Pavlidis (tenor saxophone), Fran Swinn (guitar), James Shortland (double bass) and Luke Andresen (drums).