ALLY | ARIA nominated Afro-Latin jazz

ARIA-nominated ALLY unites some of Australia’s leading jazz, Afro-Latin and world music artists in celebration of Afro-Peruvian, Afro-Cuban, Andalusian and contemporary jazz traditions. Musically, ALLY moves between traditional Afro-Peruvian festejo and landó, Cuban son and rumba, Andalusian tangos and bulerías and contemporary jazz inspired original compositions. The ensemble features saxophonist/composer Gai Bryant, legendary trombonist James Greening, pianist Ed Goyer, Peruvian percussion master Giorgio Rojas and bassist Dave Quinn. Performances blend virtuosic improvisation and infectious rhythms creating a vibrant dialogue between Africa, Latin America and jazz influences. Since 2021, they have toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally, including appearances at Enjoy Jazz Festival (Germany) with Realms Beyond Borders, while collaborating with leading Latin artists including Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca and Afro-Dominican artists Josean Jacobo and Otoniel Nicolas.

ALLY unites some of Australia’s most accomplished jazz, Afro-Latin and world music artists in a vibrant collaboration that celebrates the musical traditions of Peru, Cuba, the African diaspora and contemporary Australia. Combining virtuoso improvisation, powerful percussion, rich horn textures and traditional song forms the ensemble creates performances that are both artistically sophisticated and immediately engaging.

Led by acclaimed saxophonist, composer and bandleader Gai Bryant (Elio Villafranca, Jim McNeely), the group draws on decades of intercultural collaboration across jazz, Afro-Cuban and Afro-Peruvian music. Alongside her is legendary Australian trombonist James Greening, one of the country’s most influential jazz artists, whose distinctive sound and creative improvisation have shaped landmark ensembles including Ten Part Invention, Wanderlust, the catholics and the Australian Art Orchestra.

The ensemble also features renowned pianist Ed Goyer, whose expressive playing and versatility bring both harmonic richness and rhythmic drive to all his projects including CODA, Polymorphic Orkestra. Peruvian-born percussion master Giorgio Rojas (Mi Tierra, Ursula Yorich) contributes deep knowledge of Afro-Peruvian and Afro-Cuban traditions, providing the rhythmic heartbeat of the ensemble through a vibrant palette of traditional and contemporary percussion. Bassist Dave Quinn (Steve Clisby, Delay 45), a leading voice of Sydney’s younger jazz generation, anchors the music with dynamic groove, harmonic sophistication and versatility on both double and electric bass. 

Since 2021, the ensemble has toured extensively throughout Australia and internationally, including appearances at Germany’s Enjoy Jazz Festival with the intercultural project Realms Beyond Borders. In 2025 they further expanded their collaborations through performances with Grammy-nominated Cuban pianist Elio Villafranca and distinguished Afro-Dominican artists Josean Jacobo and Otoniel Nicolas, continuing their mission of connecting communities through world-class music and cultural exchange.