'Antipodes' are a group of some extremely fine NZ and AU musicians writing original jazz music blurring the lines between art music and more traditional forms of jazz as a folk music. The unique trans-tasman amalgamation of the group allows for music that, as John Fenton of Jazz Local 32 writes is "...the communication of a shared vision that lifts them above the ordinary."

Antipodes is a collective of New Zealand, Australian and European jazz musicians co-led by pianist Luke Sweeting (Freedman Jazz Fellowship finalist 2016) and saxophonist Jake Baxendale. The group plays original compositions that emphasise melody, emotive soundscapes, and an open improvisational aesthetic. Described during their recent tour of Australia as “a great blowing band with dense heads, occasional free and floating segments, room for solos and some great grooves” (Canberra Jazz) this is music drawn from diverse influences – modern New York jazz meets Swedish indie pop and European free improvised music. Audiences are first drawn in by introspective, timbral improvisations and then set to foot-tapping with danceable beats, songlike melodies and fiery solos. Antipodes was formed after a chance meeting between Jake, Luke and drummer Aidan Lowe at a jam session in Berlin in 2013. Their musical connection became immediately apparent and they began writing and performing original compositions together. With Jake hailing from Wellington and Luke and Aidan both being native Canberrans, Antipodes seemed like an apt name for the far-flung trio. Joined by guitarist Callum Allardice (winner NZ Jazz Composition award 2016-17) in 2014, they have toured NZ and Australia every year to rapt audiences. The music draws from diverse influences – modern New York jazz meets Swedish indie pop and European free improvised music – that reflects the vibrant Berlin music scene.

Join the boy of Antipodes this Friday Night for their Blue Mountains return, 6:30-8:30 pm. Come along early if you want a seat as it's first come, first served. Bar & Kitchen open, family-friendly, free event. Live music @ Hotel Blue is brought to you by 'Music in the Mountains'.