James Sherlock and Lillian Albazi are Naarm-based improvisers with careers spanning jazz, classical and experimental music.
Lillian Albazi is an internationally acclaimed vocalist and composer who debuted at the 2016 Melbourne International Jazz Festival and gained acclaim for her 2021 album After-Image. Her boundary-pushing work has received international radio rotation and praise from Stereogum, Australian Arts Review, Rhythms Magazine and Brooklyn Vegan. Touring across Australia, New Zealand and Europe, Albazi’s artistry bridges jazz, art music and the alternative, anchored by a captivating, emotionally charged voice.
James Sherlock is a celebrated guitarist and winner of the 1997 Ike Isaacs International Jazz Guitar Award. He has performed internationally and collaborated with Sheila Jordan, Cyrille Aimée, Jeff “Tain” Watts, John Riley, Leroy Jones, Paul Grabowsky, Howard Shore and the MSO. With six albums as a bandleader, Sherlock remains one of Australia’s leading guitarists.
“Whether interpreting a jazz standard or delivering an original composition, their interplay felt effortless yet profound… holding the audience in quiet awe from the first note to the final, lingering chord.” — Aotearoa 2025 Tour Live Review
“The Verb Not the Noun makes the case for Sherlock as one of modern jazz’s most elegant guitarists.” — Ian Patterson
“Lillian Albazi has the qualities of a fine artist – a beautiful voice, excellent presence and commitment to her art.” — Tony Gould AM
The Band:
Lillian Albazi – Vocals
Dave Sanders – Drums
James Sandon – Tenor Saxophone
James Sherlock – Guitar
Double Bass – TBC
GIG DETAILS:
Thursday 19th February 2026
$20 Entry (+GST & BF)
Doors open from 7:30pm
Music starts at 8pm
ALL AGES (people under 18 need to be accompanied by a guardian)
LICENSED BAR
Head to our Humanitix to purchase limited seated tickets
How do I purchase a ticket?
Tickets are being sold through Humanitix. Purchase limited seated tickets here. Due to JMI Live being an intimate space, we have a maximum number of guests allowed in the venue. We highly recommend it is best to get in early before tickets sell out.
What is JMI Live?
JMI Live presents live jazz in Brisbane every Thursday night from 8pm and a jam session after each gig. JMI Live is renowned for its intimate setting, providing the best opportunity to listen to live jazz in Brisbane. Just like a jazz club in New York, this venue is the ideal location for great jazz music, acoustics and atmosphere.
Location
JMI Live is located at 10 Exhibition Street, Bowen Hills.
Ticket Refund Policy
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are unable to attend after having purchased a ticket, please contact the JMI office (07 3216 1110 or email play@jazz.qld.edu.au) as soon as possible during business hours (10AM-4PM) to let us know you won’t be able to attend. A full refund will be given if we are contacted prior to a performance. Refunds will not be processed if we are contacted after the gig.