Name: Geoff's Jazz at Smith's: Tom Fell Quartet: Jazz and the Soprano Sax
Start: 2025-10-01T09:00:00+10:00
End: 2025-10-01T11:00:00+10:00
Location: Smith's Alternative

Geoff's Jazz at Smith's: Tom Fell Quartet: Jazz and the Soprano Sax

The soprano saxophone has always represented the esoteric, the mysterious and the rebellious, from Coltrane’s searching spirit to Wayne Shorter’s enigmatic lyricism, from David Liebman’s fiery explorations to Jane Ira Bloom’s lyrical poise. This concert merges iconic standards with original pieces to celebrate the giants of the soprano saxophone in jazz.
Meet the Band
Tom Fell (soprano saxophone)
Tom Fell is a Canberra-based saxophonist, composer and educator recognised for his expressive sound and inventive approach to improvisation. He has performed with many leading figures in Australian jazz at major festivals and venues, and his projects showcase original music that explores both tradition and contemporary improvisation. Alongside performing, he is saxophone tutor and jazz ensemble conductor at Canberra Grammar School.
Steve Barry (piano)
Dr. Steve Barry is a Newâ€‘Zealand born, multiâ€‘awardâ€‘winning pianist, composer, improviser, and educator, based in Sydney. He leads the Jazz program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has been hailed as “one of Australia’s most inventive and accomplished composer/improvisers.” His album In the Waves (2023) received widespread acclaim for its "bristling musical intelligence, rhythmic mutability, melodic flair and compositional gifts."
Nicholas McBride (drums)
Hailing from Canberra and a graduate of the ANU School of Music, Nicholas McBride is one of Australia’s most celebrated modern drummers. After nearly two decades performing and recording in China, he's worked with luminaries such as Sam Rivers and Dee Dee Bridgewater, and released acclaimed albums as both leader and sideman including Bandika (1998) and Rectangle (2001).
Chris Pound (bass)
A Canberra native and ANU alumnus, Chris Pound studied under Eric Ajaye and spent a decade performing across Europe before returning home to contribute vibrantly to the Australian jazz scene. His rich, grounded sound and rhythmic finesse have seen him collaborate with a wide array of international and local artists, including Steve Barry and Sean Wayland.