US saxophonist Gary Bartz is one of the few surviving influential jazz figures from the sixties. Early on, he played with some of the legendary jazz figures of that era, such as saxophonist Eric Dolphy and pianist McCoy Tyner, in bassist Charles Mingus’ Jazz Workshop.

He went on to play with drummer Max Roach, Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers, Miles Davis and Pharoah Sanders. He formed his own trailblazing group, NTU Troop, in 1970, fusing African folk, soul and avant-garde jazz influences.

Now, at the age of 85, with more than fifty solo albums and guest appearances on over 200 albums, Bartz is still moving forward musically. His performance at 170 Russell Street for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival leaves no doubt that here is a master musician and a seeker of new influences and inspirations.

Gary Bartz. Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Photo © Duncographic

Performing with him was long-time member of his Gary Bartz Quartet, Melbourne-based pianist Barney McAll, and a selection of mostly younger Melbourne musicians, including singers Rita Satch and Belle Bangard, guitarist Gilly G, drummer Felix Bloxom, percussionist Jason...