Doors 6pm
Show 7pm
The Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group is an award-winning 7 piece ensemble which presents original compositions influenced by Afro-Peruvian rhythms, and fresh, unique arrangements of traditional Peruvian folk songs. Founded in Miami in 2011, and driven by Susnjar’s extensive touring and research in Peru, USA and the Caribbean (culminating in a Doctoral drumming dissertation), the ensemble continually pushes forward with innovative ways to express artistic sensibilities from the Afro-Peruvian and Jazz musical traditions.
The results include multiple award wins (2019 and 2017 APRA/AMCOS Art Music Awards WA State Award, 2023, 2021, 2017, 2016 WAM awards, 2 x 2015 Australian Jazz Bell Awards, 2021 and 2015 WAMI Jazz Song of the Year), the release of 4 full-length albums, extensive touring throughout the USA and Australia, and collaborations with world class musicians including Grammy award-winning trumpeter Brian Lynch, Troy Roberts, Martin Bejerano, Vivian Sessoms and percussion legends Alex Acuña, Freddy “Huevito” Lobaton and Sammy Figueroa.
Combining infectious grooves, emotive melodies, risk-taking improvisation and extreme dynamics, the Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group “radiates a joyful energy that infects not just the band members but the entire auditorium” – Sydney Morning Herald.
Featuring:
Daniel Susnjar – drums
Ricki Malet – trumpet
Luke Minness – saxophone
Jeremy Thomson – guitar
Harry Mitchell – piano
Zac Grafton – bass
Iain Robbie – Percussion
Winner, 2023 WAM Global Song of the Year
Winner, 2021 WAM Awards Best Jazz Act
Winner, 2021 WAM Jazz Song of the Year
Media quotes:
“Susnjar radiated a joyful energy that infected not just his fellow band members but the entire auditorium, and sent us out into the still-damp night air with smiles on our faces and a syncopated spring in our step” – Sydney Morning Herald
“Afro-Peruvian jazz, a rarity in Australia, is far more than just a Latin-style beat. Studied in the US and Peru by Perth drummer Daniel Susnjar, his Australian septet showed that the genre includes forceful rhythms and melodies” – John McBeath – The Australian
“Brilliantly combined contemporary jazz with complex Afro-Peruvian rhythms to push the music into new areas of sound and texture. The talented ensemble’s playing and the soloing were of the highest quality, combining strong melodies, imaginative improvisation and solid grooves” – The West Australian
“Will reignite any Jazz listener’s love affair with that most important and irresistible element of the art form – rhythm” – John Hardaker
“Filled with energy, exemplary musicianship and toe-tapping beats” Roger Mitchell – ausjazz.net
“Refreshing, danceable and lively”
Euan Dixon –JazzViews.net
“Susnjar has created a fresh and bright thing”
John Hardaker – AustralianJazz.Net
“Impossibly beautiful drumming and performance by the core ensemble and stellar guests”
Raul Da Gama – Latin Jazz Network
“Susnjar’s Australian septet showed that Afro-Peruvian jazz is far more than just a Latin-style beat”
John McBeath – The Australian
“The Daniel Susnjar Afro-Peruvian Jazz Group’s high energy performance was a highlight”
– Australian Book Review
“A brilliant breakout percussion display from Susnjar”
John McBeath – The Australian
Susnjar website and social media pages links
