Stephen O'Connell Quintet

Stephen is one of the most highly regarded and sought after saxophone players in Australia. He has a broad background and training in classical music traditions and has specialized in the fields of jazz, blues, funk, rock and pop with extensive recording and live experience. He has toured, played and recorded with many well-known artists including Dorian Mode, Bob Henderson, Simon Tedeschi, Kevin Hunt, Ross Wilson, Phil Manning (Chain), Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges, Steve Arvey, Kamahl, Rolf Harris, Four Kinsmen and JW Jones. In May-June 2008 and August-September 2009, 14 Artists Travelled to Luritja Country in Central Australia to create visual art works and music. Camped at Illara, a sacred Aboriginal site, they created artworks of great beauty, spirituality and intensity. Reacting to the intense isolation of the environment, Stephen created compositions that fused jazz and blues. These works were triggered by the unique characteristics of our ancient harsh land, its inhabitants and the creatures that live in Illara. These works are written for Saxophones, piano, bass and drums.