‘This sax virtuoso will make you believe you can fly!’ – ★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald

★★★★ Jazzwise (UK) | ★★★★½ The Australian

One of Australia’s most respected saxophonists, Matthew Ottignon, brings his latest project Volant on tour, following the release of their acclaimed self-titled album.

Matthew Ottignon invites listeners on a journey that celebrates the beauty and elegance of birds, both in their physical flight and as symbols of freedom to explore through music. ‘The essence of our music feels akin to the enchanting dance of birds, creating otherworldly shapes, silhouetted against the night sky’ Ottignon shares.

This motif shapes the music’s ethereal quality. As John Shand (Sydney Morning Herald) writes, ‘the impression of flight is not observed, but is experienced and exhilarating.’

Volant will perform at Bellingen Memorial Hall, on Sunday March 23rd. Tickets available from here

Throughout, Lauren Tsamouras’s piano, rich in chromatic hues, is sparse yet deliberate; as are Hannah James’s supple basslines and Holly Connor’s finely etched, minimalist percussion. In these moments, as Hayley, Hannah, and Lauren’s artistry shines, the music reaches a heightened beauty.

This is hopeful music born from deep introspection. Recognizing jazz’s global gender imbalance, Ottignon rethought his approach to selecting band members. ‘I’m fortunate to have outstanding, diverse musicians within reach in Sydney.’ Volant features three exceptional female musicians, and when drummer Holly Connor couldn’t join the tour, ‘I invited Hayley Chan, an emerging young talent with phenomenal sensitivity and feel to step in.’

Together, they create music that is lyrical yet raw, meditative yet explosive. Their interplay is intuitive, their sound deeply expressive. As Sputnikmusic notes, ‘When Ottignon and company play, you listen, unable to be distracted, unable to not take something away from the endeavour.’