Acclaimed Queensland pianist, composer and educator Dr Jeff Usher joins our 18-piece Catalyst Jazz Orchestra at The Ellington Jazz Club on Thursday 15 October.

Directed by Tom Salleo, the orchestra will explore a program spanning jazz classics by Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones and Oliver Nelson, alongside a collection of Jeff’s original compositions. The repertoire brings together soulful standards, blues-inflected arrangements and hard-swinging big band music, giving Catalyst musicians the opportunity to work directly with one of Australia’s most experienced jazz artists.

Jeff Usher has spent more than four decades performing, composing and teaching across Australia and internationally. A highly regarded pianist and specialist in traditional blues and jazz, he has performed with artists including Richie Cole, David Murray, James Morrison, Bernie McGann, Bob Barnard and Dale Barlow. He has released seven albums, recorded more than 50 of his own compositions, and has been a jazz lecturer at Queensland Conservatorium since 1998.

Blind since birth, Jeff’s career has been shaped by a deep and lifelong engagement with jazz and blues. His contribution to Australian jazz has been recognised by composer and pianist Paul Grabowsky AO, who describes Jeff as “one of Brisbane’s living treasures.”

For Jeff, the opportunity to work with young musicians is part of what makes the collaboration exciting.

“It’s always a pleasure and a thrill for me to meet and play with musicians I’ve never met before, especially the next generations to enter this musical universe that is jazz.”

Tom Salleo, Catalyst Jazz Orchestra’s Musical Director for 2026, is looking forward to putting the musicians through a challenging new program.

“I’m excited to welcome Jeff Usher to work with the Catalyst Jazz Orchestra. Jeff is a one-of-a-kind artist who I’m sure will have a profound impact on the band members and offer them a unique perspective on jazz and big band music.”

Following the success of the orchestra’s recent regional tour, Tom says the musicians are preparing an entirely new set of music for the performance.

“It’s a challenging program that will push the band to even greater heights than we’ve seen from them yet.”

Jeff Usher with the Catalyst Jazz Orchestra

Thursday 15 October 2026
Doors: 6pm
Artist talk (upstairs): 6:10-6:30pm
Show: 7-9pm
The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
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