After graduating from WAAPA, Sam Anning went on to study and perform in New York City, the UK, and Europe, where he also developed and broadened his compositional and performance style. Moving to Melbourne in December 2006, Anning quickly became one of Melbourne’s most sought after bassists, performing with numerous local, interstate and international artists including Paul Grabowsky, Joe Chindamo, Bernie McGann, Barney McAll, Gretchen Parlato, Andy Milne, and Greg Osby, as well as receiving the 2008 Bell Award for Young Jazz Musician of the Year. However, Anning’s talents as a composer have not had broad exposure here as yet, except through his few group performances. In addition to works from his debut album as leader (Re-turning Point), Anning has been composing fresh music for this new unit, which will feature alongside works from Ornette Coleman, Claude Debussy, and Thom Yorke (Radiohead). This group brings together some of Australia’s most accomplished and original musicians to form a highly interactive and unique sound, with Eugene Ball (trumpet), Andrea Keller (piano), Rajiv Jayaweera (drums) joining Anning. With Anning relocating to New York, this will be his farewell performance.
“…No other bassist in Australia swings like Sam. He has technique to burn, a beautiful sonorous sound, and great ears. I predict that he will carve out a name for himself as one of Australia’s most important musicians.” - Joe Chindamo
