The Vampires’ music is a unique blend of soulful jazz, old-school reggae, romantic Afro-Peruvian, danceable Afro-Cuban, exotic Balkan and all-out funk-laden Afrobeat. Combined with risk-taking improvisation, sophisticated compositions and an uncanny sense of dialogue and emotion between the sax/trumpet front line, the band defies these genres and have wrought a style of their own.

The band has enjoyed success from their four critically acclaimed albums South Coasting, Chellowdene, Garfish, and Tiro, as well as extensive touring and festival appearances over the past eight years, performing at every major jazz festival in Australia, the Sydney Opera House and more recently touring Italy, Germany and performing at The Love Supreme Festival, Glasgow and Edinburgh Jazz Festivals (UK). The band features award winning saxophonist/composer Jeremy Rose trumpeter/composer Nick Garbett, and drummer/percussionist Alex Masso. This special gig sees them collaborate with local favourites Ben Hauptmann on guitar and Jonathan Zwartz on bass.

The Vampires’ music builds on the rich history of piano-less jazz quartets with a unique twist, adopting reggae, balkan, afrobeat and latin rhythms in unexpected ways. The dual saxophone and trumpet melodic lines have a strong sense of dialogue and emotional range – from exciting to soothing. The band draws on many influences, but have been compared to the likes of early Ornette Coleman, the Catholics, Bob Marley and John Zorn/Dave Douglas’ Masada.

“Played with verve, high ability and inspiration, The Vampires have produced another distinguished album.”  **** – 4/5 stars – The Australian

“The Vampires play with wit, soulful melody and invention”  **** – 4/5 stars – Sydney Morning Herald

Jeremy Rose -  alto/tenor/soprano saxophone, clarinet

Nick Garbett – trumpet

Alex Masso – drums

Jonathan Zwartz - bass

Ben Hauptmann - guitar