NAT BARTSCH TRIO with special guest GIAN SLATER

Saltwater Sax is a group of four quite distinctive saxophone improvisers in Melbourne: Paul Williamson (baritone sax), Tony Hicks (tenor sax), Martha Baartz (alto sax) and Leo Dale (soprano sax). While all four of these players have had vast experience with many varying contexts and brilliant artists, the overall emphasis of this group is 'staying far away from headache jazz', and 'bringing soul deep into the heart of the saxophone'. Their originals incorporate elements of delta blues, grooving out with urban funk or creating shimmering images of sound to uplift the audience with the warmth of their melodic groove. Performances have included the 2006 Melbourne Womens International Jazz Festival, The Boite, and The Quiet Music Festival. Drummer Sonja Horbelt will be joining the group as a guest, adding the flair of her dynamic skills. With Martha Baartz relocated to the Far North Coast of NSW, this is a rare opportunity to see this special ensemble.