PROJECTS
THE MARK GINSBURG BAND
Mark Ginsburg · James Kennedy · Ryan Grogan · Brett Hirst · Nick McBride
Led by saxophonist Mark Ginsburg, the band brings together a dynamic group of Sydney jazz musicians to perform original compositions by Mark Ginsburg and pianist Ryan Grogan, alongside adventurous interpretations of the jazz repertoire.
Shaped by musical conversation and a constant exchange between the musicians, the music draws on the individual voices of the ensemble while creating a distinctive collective sound.
“...Ginsburg rains gorgeous melodies about our ears….”
— John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald
OCEANS TOGETHER
Mark Ginsburg · Ryan Grogan · Brett Hirst · Fabian Hevia
Oceans Together is a collaboration between saxophonist Mark Ginsburg and pianist Ryan Grogan, born during the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic. Its original compositions draw on jazz, improvisation and a shared sense of musical exploration, bringing four musicians together in an open and conversational setting. With hand percussion replacing the conventional drum kit, the music creates a spacious, airy soundscape in which the instruments can breathe, listen and respond to one another.
Moving between composed material and spontaneous interaction, the musicians respond to one another, shaping each performance in the moment.
IN CONVERSATION
“Two great musicians reflecting a mature and well executed project… Highly recommended.”
— Dave Liebman
CONVERGENCE
Mark Ginsburg · Vittorio Mezza
Sometimes musical collaborations begin in unexpected places. Mark Ginsburg and Italian pianist and composer Vittorio Mezza first met at Penn Station in New York, both on their way to a music workshop in Pennsylvania. Vittorio noticed Mark's saxophone case and realised they were heading to the same place.
At the workshop, they began playing each other's compositions. Mark was immediately drawn to Vittorio's music and later took some of his compositions back to Australia to perform with his quartet. One thing led to another, and the musical connection continued — eventually bringing them together in Rome in 2015 to record what would become Convergence.
In 2018, Convergence was awarded Best Jazz Album by the USA-based Indie Acoustic Project.
The result is a meeting of two distinctive musical voices — a convergence of composition and improvisation, shaped by the spirit of discovery that first brought the musicians together.