The Lyric Theatre was graced by the mesmerizing performance of Melbourne-based musicians James Sherlock and Lillian Albazi. This dynamic duo, both distinguished in their own right, brought a rich tapestry of jazz, classical, and experimental music to our stage, leaving the audience spellbound.
James Sherlock, an internationally acclaimed guitarist and recipient of the 1997 Ike Isaacs International Jazz Guitar Award, showcased his virtuosic talent that has been honed over decades. Having performed at prestigious venues like the Montreux Jazz Festival and collaborated with luminaries such as Sheila Jordan and The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, James's intricate melodies and harmonic sophistication were a testament to his illustrious career.
Complementing James's guitar mastery was the enchanting voice of Lillian Albazi, an acclaimed vocalist and composer who made her debut at the 2016 Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Lillian's fearless approach to music, evident in her acclaimed debut album "After-Image" and her diverse projects like "Bright Phantoms" and "Objects Without Pain," brought a fresh and emotive depth to the performance. Her ability to traverse genres seamlessly added a unique dimension to the evening.
Together, James and Lillian formed the Sherlock Albazi Duo, delivering a performance that was both innovative and deeply moving. Their synergy on stage was palpable, weaving through an eclectic mix of jazz standards and original compositions that resonated with both aficionados and newcomers alike. The audience was treated to a night of musical excellence, marked by improvisational brilliance and heartfelt expression.
Their combination was marked by a remarkable sense of intimacy and musical conversation. With each piece, James and Lillian demonstrated an intuitive understanding of one another’s phrasing and emotion—James’s guitar lines dancing gently around Lillian’s expressive vocals. Whether interpreting a jazz standard or delivering one of Lillian’s original compositions, their interplay felt effortless yet profound. The duo’s ability to balance technical brilliance with emotional nuance created an atmosphere that was both sophisticated and warmly inviting—holding the audience in quiet awe from the very first note to the final, lingering chord.
The Lyric Theatre is proud to have hosted such exceptional talent, reaffirming our commitment to bringing world-class performances to our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to James Sherlock and Lillian Albazi for an unforgettable evening and look forward to welcoming them back in the future.
The Lyric Theatre is proud to have hosted such exceptional talent, reaffirming our commitment to bringing world-class performances to our community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to James Sherlock and Lillian Albazi for an unforgettable evening and look forward to welcoming them back in the future.
