Phil Bywater B Music (VCA), Grad Dip Education (Melbourne)

has been performing professionally, leading and booking ensembles since 1989. Phil plays tenor, alto and baritone saxophones, clarinet, flute and a range of world music instruments, as well as vocals, keyboards and percussion.

He is one of the finest saxophonists in Australia, an exciting and dynamic performer. His experience is diverse, encompassing jazz and world music, free improv, reggae, funk, rock and contemporary classical music. He has toured Australia, the United States, Europe, the South Pacific and South East Asia, played most Australian music festivals, and has many years of experience as Musical Director for festivals, events and functions.

Phil has released 3 independent CDs featuring his own playing and compositions, and appeared on dozens of other recordings as a band member or featured guest. He has performed extensively on radio and television, and performed and recorded with an array of Australia's finest musicians. Phil was a key member of the board of the Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival from 2005-2009, and was a curator and publicist for the Make It Up Club improvised music series 2004-2007.

Phil is currenty completing his Masters of Music at  Melbourne University.

2007/8 highlights include:

Tribe of Jubal tours to Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea
Season with Camille O'Sullivan (Ireland) at the Sydney Opera House
Big Day Out with Spoon (USA)
Esplanade Hotel show with Ernest Ranglin (Jamaica)
St Kilda Festival and Federation Square shows with indigenous artists Bart Willoughby and Deline Brisoce
Big Fela performances for the St Kilda and Globe to Globe Festivals
Fallingwater Trio shows for Apollo Bay Music Festival and Darebin Music Feast.
Adam Simmons Toy Band appearances on ABCTV's 'Spicks and Specks' music quiz show
John Cage's 'Musicircus' for Melbourne International Festival of Arts
La Mama Theatre 40th birthday celebration with Anita Hustas
The Boite Xmas Party with Tania Bosak's Velika Buka

More details here

Phil currently performs with a range of ensembles, including:

Big Fela
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Bywater/Hustas Duo
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Tania Bosak  Quintet

Tania Bosak and the Beijao
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