Visions of Nar, Hymns of New Hope, is a new project born of many vital elements, sourcing two of the most progressive new voices in Australian jazz today, pianist Zela Margossian and saxophonist Jeremy Rose, with the ancient sounds of renowned tabla player Bobby Singh and the electric soundscapes of guitarist Hilary Geddes.

In Armenian mythology, Nar is the goddess of water, sea and rain. A fiery creature that would force the heavens to open with her powers. The music takes this female energy as inspiration in a set of new compositions by Margossian and Rose commissioned by ABC Jazz. The new music offers hope into the world and a celebration of new beginnings.

Jeremy Rose has been described as “one of the most creative and restless musicians in the Australian jazz scene” (Australianjazz.net). His career spans a dozen original releases with collaborative and solo projects including The Earshift Orchestra, the Jeremy Rose Quartet, Vazesh and The Vampires, and is the artistic director of label Earshift Music.

Classically trained pianist Zela Margossian draws influences from her Armenian heritage and Lebanese upbringing with her passion for jazz. Her debut album Transition was nominated for an ARIA Award and received glowing reviews around the world - “this is glocalisation of jazz writ large.. my album of the year” (Jazzwise), “a bright new force” SMH, "an entrancing and dazzlingly unique kaleidoscopic niche” (Downbeat).

Bobby Sing is an internationally renowned table player both in traditional Indian classical music and inter-cultural music. Singh studied in Mumbai with Aneesh Pradhan. Since moving to Australia, he quickly became one of the most in-demand and respected tabla players. Recent collaborations include Sandy Evans Mamadou Diabate, Jeff Lang, Joseph Tawadros and Jeremy Rose.

Guitarist Hilary Geddes is a rising star on the Australian jazz scene described as “already a strikingly distinctive guitarist” (SMH). In her short career Geddes has performed with luminaries Mike Nock and Barney McAll and received the 2019 Jann Rutherford Memorial Award. She is also part of the punk band The Buoys signed to Spunk Records.

Read more about the project in a recent interview with Resonate magazine
https://www.australianmusiccentre.com.au/article/visions-of-nar-hymns-of-new-hope

Jeremy Rose - saxophones & bass clarinet

Zela Margossian - piano

Bobby Singh - tabla

Hilary Geddes - guitar