"Wonderfully big expressive tone on the tenor saxophone" Mal Stanley ABCFM Jazztrack 2009
"Wonderful saxophonist, a beautiful album" Jessica Nicholas, RRRFM 2009
Phil Bywater B. Music (VCA), Grad Dip
Education (Melbourne)
Australian saxophonist Phil Bywater 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.
Born
and raised in Hobart, Tasmania, Phil is based in Melbourne, currently
completing his Masters of Music at the Victorian College of the
Arts.
2009/10 highlights include:
Tribe of Jubal (PNG/Aust) at Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival
Australasian tour with Camille O'Sullivan (Ireland) : Sydney Opera House, Perth International Arts Festival, Auckland Festival
Dawn Penn (UK) and Stranger Cole (Jamaica) with Melbourne Ska Orchestra
"Dreaming at the G" at the Melbourne Cricket Ground with
Bart Willoughby and Deline Briscoe
St Kilda Festival with Deline Briscoe
Big Fela Afrobeat Orchestra performances for Brisbane International Arts Festival
Australian World Music Expo performances with Grace Barbe, Deline Briscoe
Fallingwater Trio shows for Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Brisbane Jazz Club and City of Melbourne
"American Radicals" concerts with Donna Coleman, Peter Neville, Anita
Hustas and ensemble for Melbourne International Festival of Brass and
Melbourne University
More
details here
Phil currently
performs with a range of ensembles, including:
