The Exhibits

3pm Recital Hall East

Tom Noonan alto saxophone

James Muller guitar

Lyndon Gray contrabass

Tim Firth drums & cymbals 

  • brand new original modern jazz compositions by James Muller and Lyndon Gray

    highly responsive and inventive quartet arrangements

    constant exploration of new rhythmic and harmonic frameworks for group interaction

    a strong focus on composition balanced against bursts of exciting improvisation

  • The Exhibits are a “supergroup quartet” hailing from Adelaide co-led by guitarist James Muller and bassist Lyndon Gray. Following their critically acclaimed 2025 debut release, the group is excited to be launching their new album at this year’s Sydney Con Jazz Festival. With saxophonist Tom Noonan deftly twinning with Muller’s guitar and drummer Tim Firth energetically propelling the music, this performance promises scintillating solos, rich harmonies and compelling rhythmic inventions.

    This project serves as a vehicle for the two leaders to explore their compositional interests including Gray’s continued interest in South Indian rhythmic principles and Muller’s integration of European classical compositional techniques into his chordal writing. Alongside the compositional aims, The Exhibits have developed a tight knit group dynamic over their two albums and enjoy delving into new formats for improvisation with Muller and Noonan playfully trading phrases or melding into a single extemporaneous … while Gray and Firth expertly morph the rhythmic backdrop behind them. The band also can’t resist swinging out or sitting on a groove as well since Muller especially is a master of all jazz styles and a joy to hear in any context.

  • “a musician widely considered Australia's greatest jazz guitarist… Muller's powers are as impressive as ever…the superb bassist Lyndon Gray, whose five extremely interesting compositions sustain the album, and whose brilliant improvisations give it real distinction. Such a fine album suggests that this outstanding quartet is now carrying the flag for jazz in Adelaide.” - The Australian

    "It was an absolute cooker leaving the house, in that great tradition of jazz, panting for more" - Ian Muldoon