The Teen Town Quintet is a dynamic ensemble dedicated to honouring the electrifying legacy of legendary bassist Jaco Pastorius. Known for revolutionising the role of the electric bass, Pastorius brought a lyrical, expressive voice to jazz fusion, redefining its possibilities.
His collaborations with Pat Metheny, Weather Report, Joni Mitchell, and his own Word of Mouth big band showcased his genius across genres and generations. The Teen Town Quintet channels this spirit, breathing new life into Jaco’s iconic compositions and arrangements with passion, precision and groove.
Teen Town Quintet features five accomplished musicians.
David Galea – electric bass
A seasoned performer with a deep reverence for Jaco’s artistry, David anchors the group with melodic flair and rhythmic authority. His tone and technique pay homage to Pastorius while forging his own expressive path.
Mina Yu – piano
Korean/Australian Mina Yu is one of Melbourne’s most distinctive jazz voices, drawing inspiration from both classical impressionists and modern masters. A nominee of the 2025 Australian Music Prize and the APRA Art Music Award for Best Performance, she has a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music and a Master of Jazz Performance from Manhattan School of Music. While at Manhattan School of Music, she was the recipient of many awards, including the CJ Culture Scholarship and the MSM Scholarship.
Jack Pantazis – guitar
Jack’s fluid phrasing and textural command add depth and drive to the quintet. With a background in jazz, fusion and contemporary styles, he complements Jaco’s adventurous spirit with his own inventive approach.
Jono Wright – drums
A powerhouse behind the kit, Jono combines finesse with fire. His dynamic interplay and rhythmic precision provide the perfect foundation for the group’s explorations of Jaco’s complex grooves and shifting time signatures.
Will Laren – saxophone
Will’s expressive tone and agile improvisation bring a melodic edge to the ensemble. His command of both lyrical ballads and high energy solos makes him a standout voice in the quintet’s interpretation of Jaco’s repertoire.
Fiona Burnett – alto saxophone
Musician, composer, ensemble leader and educator, internationally recognised as a specialist on the soprano saxophone. Fiona has led ensembles since the early 1990s performing at major arts and music festivals in Australia, Asia, Europe and Canada. She is an advocate for women in improvised music, founding the all female jazz Quintet Morgana and developing workshops for young women for the Melbourne Women’s Jazz Festival.
Together, the Teen Town Quintet delivers a compelling tribute to one of jazz’s most innovative figures. Their performances are a celebration of Jaco Pastorius’s enduring influence and a testament to the vitality of live jazz fusion today.
Eat & Drink
Make a meal of it! The music gets underway at 7.30pm, but arrive a bit earlier if you can. From 6.30pm, enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks at The Count’s Italian-style kitchen and bar. Reservations are not required when you purchase a ticket to a show. Order from the QR code on your table, or at the bar. View the menu.
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