Celebrating Roger Frampton: A Tribute to a Jazz Visionary

Honouring a Jazz Legend

Join us as we celebrate the memory of Roger Frampton, one of Australia’s most influential jazz musicians.
This special event honours a legacy that continues to inspire artists and audiences across generations.

At the heart of the evening is the documentary Roger Frampton Comes Alive! by Dr Emily Rytmeister.
The film offers a vivid portrait of the late musician (1948–2000). Moreover, it highlights how his creativity and innovation shaped the future of Australian jazz and improvised music.

Event Highlights

The program begins with an introduction by Bruce Johnson, an esteemed Australian jazz historian. His insights will help set the stage for this inspiring celebration.

After the screening, audiences will experience a live performance by the Gary Daley Quintet, featuring:
 Gary Daley – Piano & Accordion
Steve Elphick – Double Bass
Gordon Rytmeister – Drums
Paul Cutlan – Reeds
Daryl Pratt – Vibraphone

A number of musicians have worked, toured, or recorded with Frampton. Furthermore, every member has made a unique contribution to Australia’s artistic landscape.

Together, they will bring Frampton’s powerful compositions back to life.

Therefore, this event promises to be a heartfelt and memorable celebration—one that both honours his enduring legacy and showcases the brilliance of Australian jazz.

Film Trailer

About Roger Frampton

Early Life and Musical Journey

Roger Frampton was born in Portsmouth, England, in 1948.
By the age of 15, he had already formed his own modern jazz band. Shortly after, at 19, he migrated to Australia with his family.
From that point onward, he became a central figure in the Australian music scene. In addition, he explored new forms of contemporary and improvised music with fearless creativity.

A Visionary in Sound

According to Bruce Johnson in the Oxford Companion to Australian Jazz:

“A musician of often intimidating energy and unpredictability.”

Indeed, Frampton’s energy and originality were unmatched. The word genius is often overused; however, in his case, it truly fits.
He was gifted, daring, and endlessly inventive. Consequently, he pushed the limits of jazz in Australia and influenced countless musicians along the way.

Jim McLeod (ABC Jazz Presenter) makes the following observations on the cover  of the album Ten Part Invention – Live at Wangaratta, recorded on 31 October 1999.

For Frampton, jazz was not merely entertainment—it was art.

It had the power to move people, change moods, and speak directly to the heart.

Moreover, through improvisation and collaboration, his music continues to evolve and inspire.

His commentary offers valuable insight into Frampton’s remarkable final years.

A Final Bow

In 1999, Frampton performed with Ten Part Invention knowing he was battling a brain tumor. Although he faced great challenges, his artistry never wavered.
Tragically, he passed away only three months later. Nevertheless, his legacy lives on—through his recordings, compositions, and the musicians he mentored.

A Celebration of Legacy

This tribute at The Mil brings together film, music, and shared memory.

It unites musicians, friends, and fans in honour of a life devoted to sound, innovation, and creativity.

The performance by Gary Daley Quintet will stand as both a remembrance and a revival of Frampton’s extraordinary spirit.

Ultimately, Roger Frampton’s spirit endures—alive in every note, every improvisation, and every heart it touches.

HOMAGE TO ROGER FRAMPTON w/ The Gary Daley Quintet: LIVE @ THE LAWSON MECHANIC’S INSTITUTE[the mil]  // Sunday, 26 October 2025 // Doors 11:15 am; Film 11.30 pm -Live Music  2.00pm – 3.45pm with interval // Location: The Mechanics Institute Lawson. 284 Great Western Highway, Lawson. // Tickets: From $56 [ student] –

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