The James ‘Larry’ Carter quartet was formed after an 18-month residency which saw four musicians create a distinct and individual sound. This music combines the energy and tradition of American Jazz, the sensitivity and melodic intricacy of European improvised music and the chamber-like qualities of Western Classical music.

Trained in the tradition of Jazz and Improvised music, these musicians share a desire to create a simpler sound. Their debut album ‘After All’ was recorded in October 2011 at Newmarket Studios, mixed and mastered by Philip Rex and distributed through Newmarket music. The majority of the material was composed by James Carter as a suite after a period of study in New York City, and could be likened to a song cycle in classical music or a concept album in popular music.

Featuring Monash University graduates James ‘Larry’ Carter on alto saxophone, Christian Meyer on guitar, Daniel Sheehan on piano and Ben Christensen on double bass, the group is made up of young musicians who are beginning to make an impact on the Melbourne music scene. 

Pianist and composer John McAll has been in-demand as a musician and Musical Director for over two decades, working with a range of artists including Ross Wilson, Wycliffe Gordon, Brian Abrahams and Renee Geyer. With a featured role in over 40 albums, McAll's first foray into the bandleader/composer role was the CD Black Money, recorded in New York in 2007. After the success of Black Money, McAll followed with more originals on his Alter Ego album. The group's appearance at the Stonnington Jazz Festival in May (in a double bill with brother Barney McAll), displayed the continued development of his concept.
The current line-up features David Rex (alto sax), Julien Wilson (tenor sax & bass clarinet), Jordan Murray (trombone), Philip Rex (acoustic bass) and Sam Bates (drums), plus some a very special guests.