Leah Berry Quartet

“…superb scatting and vocalising by Leah… This is a voice of our jazz future.” – Eric Myers

Rising jazz vocalist Leah Berry will be spotlighting the sounds of Betty Carter at SIMA’s International Women’s Jazz Festival with her quartet. Featuring Hugh Barrett on piano, Jacob Graham on double bass, and Tim Geldens on drums, they will be presenting an array of Betty’s compositions, electric arrangements, and their own reimagined standards. 

Berry is quickly establishing herself as a notable emerging figure in the Sydney jazz scene. She is an impressive performer, improviser and lyricist, who captivates audiences with her storytelling, and velvety tone. Leah concluded her bachelor’s degree studying Jazz Vocal Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2024 and is eager to continue her growth as a musician in Sydney and Australia. 

Discovering the voice of Ella Fitzgerald in high school, Leah connected with the storytelling and improvisation that jazz offered and fell in love with the music. She continues to take huge inspiration from jazz greats such as Ella, Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter and Anita O’Day. With the support of the Sydney Conservatorium, Leah attended the Siena Jazz International Summer Workshop in 2024 where she learnt from prestigious musicians such as Melissa Aldana, Theo Bleckmann, Yumi Ito, Jen Shyu, Ethan Iverson, Joe Sanders and Lage Lund. 

Join the quartet on 29 October to celebrate the repertoire of Betty Carter, delivered through the unique and captivating voice of Leah Berry.

• Leah Berry, vocals

• Hugh Barrett, piano

• Jacob Graham, double bass

• Tim Geldens, drums