Since forming at the Sydney Conservatorium in 2020; Ben Lerner, Nick Jansen and George Greenhill’s trio has become a mainstay of the Sydney jazz scene.

With a specific focus on the study of great composers as well as often unknown and under-appreciated material, the trio also has become a workshopping space for original music, both by members of the band, and from other bandleaders projects.

The group have comprised the bands of Mike Nock, Steve Barry, Wilbur Whitta, and many more in various combinations. The trio travelled to New York City in early 2024 on a scholarship to study as a group and individually with the likes of Fred Hersch, Kevin Hays, Ron Carter, Mark Turner and Kendrick Scott.

The band are now releasing their debut album, ‘Play Trio’, with this performance being apart of a larger tour of Australia and New Zealand to promote its release. With Greenhill relocating to New York City last year to pursue his Masters degree at the Manhattan School of Music, and with Lerner to follow in July, this is perhaps the trio’s first and last appearance in New Zealand for a considerable time.

Lineup: Ben Lerner (Saxophone), Nick Jansen (Bass), George Greenhill (Drums)