“A brilliant Sydney jazz composer and instrumentalist, a young man with a social purpose.”
The Australian
JEREMY ROSE
Born in Sydney on August 21st, 1984, saxophonist Jeremy Rose’s familiarity with music began at an early age. His parents exposed him to jazz and world music through their record collection, being particularly inspired by the music of Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Cannonball Adderley. He began piano studies at the age of six and clarinet at eight, before taking up saxophone at 11. Jeremy was determined to be a bandleader, forming his first group in primary school and composing solos for all the performers.
As a music student at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Jeremy studied with Dale Barlow, Phil Slater Judy Bailey and Mike Nock. He received the Margaret Henderson Dean’s List for Academic Performance in 2005. In 2006 Jeremy spent six months on exchange in Oslo, Norway, studying composition with Geir Lysne and learning the importance of unravelling limitations of style and conventions. In 2007 Jeremy completed his Bachelor of Music (jazz saxophone) with First Class Honours. In 2017 Jeremy completed a Phd A Deeper Shade of Blue: Creative Processes in the Sydney Jazz Scene – a case study of five compositions and ethno-musicological investigation at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, studying with Matthew Hindson.
Jeremy's accolades include nomination for an ARIA Award, a short-listing for the Australian Music Prize, Bell Awards for Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year and Best Produced Album, an APRA Professional Development Award for Jazz, a two-time Freedman Jazz Fellowship finalist, a four-time Art Music Award finalist for Excellence in Jazz, and a finalist for the NSW Creative Achievement Awards.
Jeremy has pursued numerous studies abroad with mentors and at workshops. In 2008 Jeremy received a BBM Award to study in London with saxophonist Tim Garland, and attend the School for Improvisation in Brooklyn, NYC. Jeremy attended the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music in Canada in 2009 and 2011. In 2012 Jeremy received an Ian Potter Cultural Trust scholarship to attend a residency in Agios Lavrentios, Greece. In 2012 Jeremy undertook studies and collaborations in Havana, Bali, and the Dominican Republic. In 2016, Jeremy curated the inaugural APRA Song Hub for Jazz in Berlin, recording with an international quintet including US guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel. In 2017, Jeremy was selected for the Art Omi International Arts Centre Residency in New York.
One of Jeremy’s mainstays has been his quartet, releasing three albums and performing regularly throughout Australia and appearances in Toronto, Cape Town, London, and throughout Europe. Jeremy’s first album, Chiba, was a Norwegian-Australian collaboration, recorded in Oslo in 2007. The album received four stars in the SMH, stating that “his compositions stand out from the pack.” His second album, Sand Lines featured his Sydney based group, received reviews including, “I have always been intrigued, amazed, challenged and – to be frank – totally gassed by his restless artistic nature and his consistently questing music, both as a composer and as a soloist” (australiajazz.net). Jeremy’s third solo album, Within and Without, featuring Kurt Rosenwinkel, received critical acclaim, saying “immediately striking is Rose’s alto sound: light, singing and organic… Rose’s compositions are ruthlessly crafted affairs” (SMH). Jeremy toured Europe with Kurt Rosenwinkel in November 2018, performing numerous sold-out venues throughout Germany and Austria.
Jeremy founded the world-roots jazz quartet The Vampires in 2005, releasing six albums, touring throughout Australia, the UK and Europe, and performing at major festivals including The Wangaratta, Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane International Jazz Festivals, The Love Supreme Jazz Festival (UK), Edinburgh Jazz Festival, Glasgow Jazz Festival and the Enjoy Jazz Festival (Germany). The band was selected to showcase at the highly competitive Jazzahead! Trade fair event in Bremen, Germany in 2014. The band was a finalist for Australian Jazz Ensemble of the Year at the 2018 Bell Awards.
The band’s fifth album, The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke, featured a collaboration with Blue Note, Benin-born guitarist, Lionel Loueke. The album received airplay worldwide including the BBC’s Jamie Cullum and Iggy Pop, was nominated for an ARIA award, was the first instrumental album to be short-listed for the Australian Music Prize, and was on numerous top ten album lists for the year, including #1 on All About Jazz (Friedrich Kunzmann). The band’s sixth album Pacifica (2019) has been described as “such a good album that it’s difficult to know which superlatives to start with (4 ½ stars, The Australian), “choosing to slay with impeccable and relentless congeniality” (4 stars, US Downbeat), and received a notable mention in the NYC Jazz albums of the year and Cadence Magazine’s Top 10 2019 releases (Ken Weiss).
In 2016 Jeremy formed the Earshift Orchestra, comprised of “some of the most creative improvisers of his generation” (Paul Grabowsky), and released his extended suite Iron in the Blood (ABC Jazz). Inspired by Robert Hughes’ book The Fatal Shore, Iron in the Blood is a musical production with 17-piece jazz orchestra, visual projections and narration by two actors. Iron in the Blood explores Australia's colonial history, weaving together Hughes’ text with projections, the documented voices of colonists and a score praised for its eclecticism and boldness. Iron in the Blood premiered at Parramatta Riverside Theatre in 2018 and was presented at the 2020 Sydney Festival. Iron in the Blood received critical acclaim, with SMH stating that “the work is a dialogue between idioms and eras…. a major Australian work” (4 ½ stars), “A brilliant Sydney jazz composer and instrumentalist, a young man with a social purpose…. extraordinary music, reminiscent of comparable works such as Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite and Wynton Marsalis’ Blood on the Fields.” – (The Australian), “Rose’s composition and orchestration here is reminiscent not only of Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus and Gil Evans but, at times, of Igor Stravinsky and Peter Sculthorpe. It is a powerful mélange to which Rose has added much of his own as well.” (4 stars, The Australian Book Review), and “harrowing history told by a bold, emerging Aussie voice.” (4 ½ stars, Limelight Magazine).
In 2021, Jeremy Rose and The Earshift Orchestra premiered a new work, Disruption! The Voice of Drums, at the Sydney Festival. The work features two drummers, Simon Barker and Chloe Kim with a six-piece electro-acoustic ensemble and audio-visual projections by Racket Studio. The work explored the power of drums as a force for disruption (both socially and musically), for transcendental experience and a source of healing.
In 2009 Jeremy founded Earshift Music, a Sydney based Jazz Record Label reflecting the next generation of talent from the Australian jazz scene with a global reach. Described by NYC Records as "hell bent on pushing the very definition of jazz," Earshift Music is a forward-thinking label that not helps distribute new music and develop creative strategies for musicians in a rapidly evolving music industry. Earshift Music has developed a sphere of like-minded artists, fostering a community around Jeremy’s sphere of influence. Jeremy has released 35 albums through the label and curated two festivals in Sydney and its surrounds. Notable recent releases include Phil Slater’s The Dark Pattern, Sam Anning’s Across a Field As Vast As One, and Elly Hoyt’s The Composer’s Voice: Celebrating Australian Women Composers www.earshift.com
Jeremy has had commissions and performances in the contemporary classical music space, non-western collaborations and other contemporary music styles. Jeremy has composed and performed with Ensemble Offspring, SCM’s Modern Music Ensemble, saxophonist Nick Russoniello with Acacia String Quartet, Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony Orchestra Fellowship and Leichardt Expresso Chorus.
Jeremy composed three albums of music for his saxophone quartet Compass Quartet; Abrazo Tango (Tall Poppies), Ode to an Auto Rickshaw and Oneirology (Earshift Music). His work River Meeting Suite, for saxophone quartet, sitar, voice, table and electronics was shortlisted for the AMC Art Music Awards, Jazz Work of the Year. The work was featured at the 2019 Four Winds Festival, where Jeremy was showcased as a composer-performer.
Jeremy founded, co-managed, performed and composed for the afro-beat-reggae band The Strides (2008-19). The band released three critically acclaimed albums and performed throughout Australia on tours and at major festivals including Womadelaide, Blues & Roots Festival, and supported international acts including Tony Allen, Julian Marley and Third World.
CAREER SUMMARY
Jeremy Rose a Sydney/Gadigal based woodwind specialist, composer, band leader, label and festival director, whose music explores the intersection of socio-culture and genre, creating interesting and unique collaborative projects that span the globe. His music has been performed at festivals around Australia, Europe and the UK, and has relentlessly toured throughout Australia. Jeremy’s music often displays influences from folk, contemporary classical and intercultural music in a jazz context, with the result being lyrical yet highly inventive music. Jeremy’s vision is to be an artistic leader and champion of Australian jazz and adventurous music, providing leadership and a global reach for Australian music.
CURRENT ENGAGEMENTS
2015-present Sydney Conservatorium of Music, lecturer in jazz, improvisation, composition, saxophone, Music Business Skills
2009-present Earshift Music label director
2018-present Earshift Music festival director
SELECTED AWARDS
2023 ARIA Award Jazz Album of the Year, The Vampires, Nightjar
2023 AIR Award nomination – Jazz Work of the Year, Face to Face
2022 AMC/APRA ART MUSIC AWARDS Winner, Improvised/Jazz Performance of the Year, Disruption! The Voice of Drums: Jeremy Rose and the Earshift Orchestra feat. Simom Barker and Chloe Kim
2021 AMC/APRA ART MUSIC AWARDS finalist for Improvised/Jazz Performance of the Year, Vazesh, The Sacred Key
2021 ARIA Award nomination, Jazz Album of the Year, Vazesh, The Sacred Key2019 AMC/APRA ART MUSIC AWARDS finalist for Excellence in Jazz
2018 AIR award finalist for Best Jazz Release Within & Without
2017 ARIA Award nomination, Australian Music Prize shortlisting, finalist Bell Award, AIR Award for The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke
2017 Australian Jazz Bell Award - Best Produced Album – Iron in the Blood by Jeremy Rose & The Earshift Orchestra
2016 Curator for inaugural APRA Berlin Jazz Song Hub featuring US guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel
2015 APRA Professional Development Award for Jazz
2014 Finalist: NSW Creative Achievement Awards
2013 Finalist: Freedman Jazz Fellowship, performance at Sydney Opera House
2013 Finalist: APRA/MCA Art Music Award Excellence in Jazz: Recording, Performance and touring
2012 Finalist: Freedman Jazz Fellowship, performance at Sydney Opera House
2012 Finalist APRA/MCA Art Music Award Jazz Work of the Year: River Meeting Suite
2009 Bell Award for Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year
STUDIES
2023 Graduate Certificate in Higher Education
2017 OMI International Arts Centre Residency, New York2016 PhD Composition, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney University, Prof Matthew Hindson, Dr Christopher Coady
2014 Ensemble Offspring Hatched Academy, Composition
2016 PhD Composition, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney University, Prof Matthew Hindson, Ass. Prof Christopher Coady
2014-16 Australian Art Orchestra Creative Music Intensive
2013 Music Village, Greece – Balkan Music, Overtone Series
2011 Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music - Canada
2009 Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music - Canada
2009 BBM scholarship – London residency, composition and performance
2008 School for Improvisation – Brooklyn, New York City
2007 BMus (1st Class Honours), Jazz Performance, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney
2006 Exchange Program, Composition, Performance, Oslo University, Norway
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
2024 Sounds NSW: Creation and Promotion Grant, to create and promote a second album for Disruption! The Voice of Drums, $30,000
2024 Creative Australia: New Work grant to create Visions of Nar second album, $21,000
2023 Create NSW: To attend Performing Arts Market, Seoul, $5,000
2019 Australia Council of the Arts Career Development Grant: two-year mentorship with three industry experts and attend three European jazz network events $18,000
2017 Australia Council of the Arts: OMI International Arts Centre Residency, New York $5000
2016 Australia Council of the Arts: New Work, PPCA Recording Initiative: To tour and record The Vampires fifth album Lionel Loueke, produced by Lloyd Swanton $15,000
2013 Australia Council of the Arts: New Work - Iron in the Blood: Music inspired by Robert Hughes' The Fatal Shore $20000
2012 Australia Council of the Arts: New Work The Strides New Work and Workshop Residency at Campbelltown Arts Centre. Artistic director of collaborative creative development of 12 new works. Conduct Hip-Hop, Songwriting and jazz improvisation workshops with High Schools, Juvenile Detention Centre and Claymore Community Centre
2012 Ian Potter Cultural Trust to attend Music Village Workshop (Greece) on Balkan Music and Applications of Overtone Series $3000
2011 PPCA Trust Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music with The Vampires, $3000
SELECTED COMMISSIONS
Over Wind and Waves (2021) for Saxophone Quartet, for Nexas Quartet
Disruption! The Voice of Drums (2021) for Jeremy Rose & The Earshift Orchestra featuring Simon Barker and Chloe Kim, premiered at the Sydney Festival, 2021.
Aubade (2020), a suite of digital graphic scores for mixed ensemble, performed by the Earshift Orchestra
Liminality (2016) for chamber ensemble, performed by the Sydney Conservatorium Modern Music Ensemble
Border Control (2014) for piccolo/vibraphone, bass clarinet, trumpet and vibraphone, in three movements, performed by Ensemble Offspring
Rites for trumpet (2014) vibraphone and microtonal percussion, performed by Ensemble Offspring
In Wild Solitude (2013) saxophone quartet and choir (SATB) in three movements. Libretto from Watkin Tench’s 1788, Leichardt Expresso Chorus Choir
Between Worlds for saxophone and string quartet, three movements. Performed and recorded by Nick Russoniello with Acacia Quartet
River Meeting Suite (2011) for saxophone quartet, tabla, sitar, vocals and iphone, five movements
Released on Compass Quartet with Bobby Singh and Sarangan Sriranganathan CD: Ode to An AutoRickshaw (Earshift/MGM)
*Finalist in Art Music Awards – Jazz Work of the Year
Tango Suite (2019), for saxophone quartet, acoustic guitar and accordion, four movements
Released on Compass Quartet with Marcello Maio and Julian Curwin CD: Abrazo Tango (Tall Poppies)
SELECTED SCHOLARSHIP PUBLICATIONS
2024 Beat breakers and disrupting jazz norms through creative collaboration, Jazz Research Journal Special Issue (Nov)
2022 ARC linkage grant, R. Dean, S. Evans et al - ‘To map and enhance Australian musical improvisation as a creative industry’
2023 The Gathering Ground: Composing Collaboration in Nyilipidgi, a Dynamic Meeting of manikay and jazz, Jazz Perspectives
2022 Three decades of The Necks: Reciprocal Patterns of Improvised Music and Organisational Behaviour, Vol. 15 No. 1 (2022) - Critical Studies in Improvisation
2021 Memory and Mindfulness in the Musical Rituals of the Necks, Jazz & Culture
2016 Glocal Dialects in the Sydney Jazz Scene: Indigenisation Through the Influence of Oz Rock and Asian Musics, Context
SELECTED PERFORMANCES
2024 The Vampires – 10 date Europe Tour, New Colours Festival Cologne, Australian Jazz Showcase New Morning, Paris.
2023 The Vampires – Nightjar 16 date Australian Tour
2022 Disruption! The Voice of Drums, Melbourne Recital Centre, presented by Melb Int’l Jazz Fest2021 Jeremy Rose & The Earshift Orchestra – Disruption! The Voice of Drums, featuring Simon Barker and Chloe Kim, presented by Sydney Festival
2021 Visions of Nar - SIMA International Women’s Jazz Festival, Sydney Opera House
2021 Earshift Music Festival – 10-day online series of performances and artist chats hosted by Jeremy Rose
2020 Vazesh live at Utzon Room, Sydney Opera House
2020 Visions of Nar live at Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith NSW
2020 Jeremy Rose & The Earshift Orchestra – Iron in the Blood, City Recital Hall, presented by Sydney Festival, Sydney Writers’ Festival
2019 Artist in residence, Four Winds Festival, Barraga Bay NSW.
2019 The Vampires – 9-show Germany, Austria, Czech Republic
2019 The Vampires – 18-show Australia Tour
2018 Jeremy Rose Within & Without Quartet featuring Kurt Rosenwinkel: Germany and Austria tour
2018 The Vampires 12-show Australian Tour
2017 Jeremy Rose Quartet: international shows including Cape Town, Vienna, Toronto
2017 The Vampires European Tour: Paris, Edinburgh, Berlin, London, Vienna
2016 The Vampires with Lionel Loueke Australia tour: Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney International Jazz Festivals
2016 WOMADelaide Festival with The Strides
2015 The Vampires UK, Germany and Italy tour, Love Supreme Festival, Glasgow and Edinburgh Jazz Festivals
2014 Germany Tour, Jazzahead Festival with The Vampires
2014 featured saxophonist on The Voice TV Show
2012 Tour of Norway with Jeremy Rose’s Chiba, sideshow in Holland
2012 Solo Benefit concert in Peurto Plata, Dominican Republic
SELECTED RELESES
2024 Jeremy Rose and the Earshift Orchestra – Discordia (Earshift Music)
2023 The Vampires – Night Jar Featuring Chris Abrahams (Earshift Music)
2023 Visions of Nar – Daughter of the Seas (ABC Jazz/Earshift Music)
2022 Jeremy Rose – Project Infinity: Live at Phoenix Central Park (Earshift Music)
2021 Vazesh – The Sacred Key (Earshift Music)
2019 The Vampires – Pacifica (Earshift Music)
2017 Jeremy Rose – Within and Without feat. Kurt Rosenwinkel (Earshift Music)
2017 The Vampires – The Vampires Meet Lionel Loueke (Earshift Music)
2016 Context: A Journal of Music Research (issue 41 2016) Glocal Dialects: the Indigenisation of Oz Rock in the Sydney Jazz Scene
2016 Jeremy Rose & the Earshift Art Orchestra Iron in the Blood, A Musical Adaptation of Robert Hughes’ The Fatal Shore (ABC JAZZ)
2015 Jeremy Rose Quartet – Sand Lines (Earshift/MGM)
2015 The Strides – The Youth The Rich & The Fake (Earshift Music/MGM)
2013 The Vampires – Tiro (Earshift Records/Fuse)
2013 Compass Quartet with Jackson Harrison – Oneirology (Earshift Music)
2012 The Vampires – Garfish (Earshift Records/Fuse)
2011 The Strides – Reclamation (Earshift Records/Fuse)
2011 Compass Quartet with Bobby Singh and Sarangan Sriranganathan – Ode to an Auto Rickshaw (Earshift Records/Fuse)
2009 The Vampires – Chellowdene (Earshift Records/Fuse)
2009 Jeremy Rose – Chiba (Earshift Records/Park Grammofon)
2009 Compass Quartet with Marcello Maio and Julian Curwin – Abrazo Tango (Tall Poppies)
2009 The Strides – The Strides (Earshift Records/Fuse)
2008 The Vampires – South Coasting (Jazzgroove)