Gai Bryant’s ALLY

ALLY unites some of Australia’s most accomplished jazz, Afro-Latin and world music artists in a vibrant collaboration that celebrates the musical traditions of Peru, Cuba, the African diaspora and contemporary Australia. Combining virtuoso improvisation, powerful percussion, rich horn textures and traditional song forms the ensemble creates performances that are both artistically sophisticated and immediately engaging.

Led by saxophonist, composer and bandleader Gai Bryant (Elio Villafranca, Jim McNeely), the group draws on decades of intercultural collaboration across jazz, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Peruvian music.

Alongside her is legendary Australian trombonist James Greening, one of the country’s most influential jazz artists, whose distinctive sound and creative improvisation have shaped landmark ensembles including Ten Part Invention, Wanderlust, the catholics and the Australian Art Orchestra.

The ensemble also features renowned pianist Ed Goyer (CODA, Polymorphic Orkestra), whose expressive playing and versatility bring both harmonic richness and rhythmic drive to all his projects.

Peruvian-born percussion master Giorgio Rojas (Mi Tierra, Ursula Yorich) contributes deep knowledge of Afro-Peruvian and Afro-Cuban traditions, providing the rhythmic heartbeat of the ensemble through a vibrant palette of traditional and contemporary percussion.

Bassist Dave Quinn (Steve Clisby, Delay 45), a leading voice of Sydney’s younger jazz generation, anchors the music with dynamic groove, harmonic sophistication and versatility on both double and electric bass.

Since 2021, the ensemble has toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally, including appearances at Germany’s Enjoy Jazz Festival with the intercultural project Realms Beyond Borders.

In 2025 they further expanded their collaborations through performances with Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca and distinguished Afro-Dominican artists Josean Jacobo and Otoniel Nicolas, continuing their mission of connecting communities through world-class music and cultural exchange.

FEATURING

Gai Bryant - saxophones Guitar/Compositions

James Greening - trombone

Ed Goyer - piano

Dave Quinn - bass

Giorgio Rojas - drums / percussion

Buy Tickets

Limited earlybird pricing until 31 August or sold out.

$50 General Admission ($40 earlybird)

$40 CJC Members ($30 earlybird)

$25 Students / Unwaged (& working musicians)

$15 Under 18 (with legal guardian)

Presale tickets available from Eventfinda

Cash & EFTPOS door sales

unless sold out prior

Doors: 7.30pm

Performance: 8-10pm

with intermission

The Kingslander

Come upstairs to Nectar bar.

470 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland

Fully Licensed

Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian

CJC events are supported with funding from Creative New Zealand