Leon Stenning Hope’s Echo

a long awaited homecoming after over 25 years living in the UK

Intricate soundcapes evolving over groove and ostinatos

Improvisation and interplay woven into highly melodic compositions

Leon Stenning is a guitarist originally from Sydney who now resides in Melbourne after twenty-three years living in London. During his time in the UK he earned a strong reputation as a jazz and groove-oriented guitarist working with local and visiting artists, in live, studio and collaborative contexts.

He has worked with Nathan Haines, Sola Ackingbola, Vanessa Freeman, Giovanni Hidalgo, Reel People, Joe Bataan, Martha Reeves and Matt Bianco and has performed all over Europe and Asia; highlights include Tokyo, Java and London Jazz Festivals, Blue Note (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Milan), Ronnie Scott’s, Jazz Cafe and a monthly residency with Dill Katz at the 606 Club, for almost twenty years.

Since his arrival in Melbourne, he joined a new musical family in Afrospace Interchange, with South African legend, Brian Abrahams.

 For his Festival debut Leon will be presenting material from his forthcoming release Hope’s Echo. This will be the debut live performance of the material, which was written and recorded in London. The material was conceived with groove and interplay at the core.

Leon will joined be three legends of the Sydney jazz community, Matt McMahon, Cameron Undy and Jamie Cameron.

“This is very much a homecoming gig. I am deeply humbled by the invitation, and the opportunity to share this music, with this band, at this festival.” - Leon Stenning

“a most welcome discovery…highly impressive...” - Ian Mann, The Jazzmann

“Inventive” - John Fordham, The Guardian UK