Vashti

Hailing from the red desert of the central Australian outback, Vashti began her love affair with the saxophone as a little girl. After moving to Adelaide to study at the Elder Conservatorium she collected a string of accolades including Most Outstanding Undergraduate (2003), Most Outstanding Honours Graduate (2004) and the Minter Ellison ‘Rising Star’ Award (2004).

Often likened to Dutch saxophonist Candy Dulfer, Vashti is a founding member of Adelaide based jazz/hip-hip fusion outfit Sukatash (www.myspace.com/sukatash). Influenced by greats such as Maceo and Kenny Garrett she also draws inspiration from Skerik and Morpheine to push the boundaries of the saxophone sound.  

A Freedman Fellowship nominee, Vashti has recently returned to Oz from critically acclaimed performances in Europe, Scandinavia and the US. Her versatility as a multi-instrumentalist (switching effortlessly between alto/soprano/baritone saxophones, flute, piccolo and clarinet) has seen her play with such well known South Australian groups as Marmalade Circus, TNT Latinoz and The Swing City Studio Orchestra.  Vashti has shared the stage with members of the Hilltop Hoods, Blood Sweat and Tears, ConFUNKtion and Barry Manilow.

Listen to live excerpts to hear her blow her horn, and stay tuned for upcoming CD releases.