The Exhibits Album Launch at the Wheatsheaf Hotel
On Monday 17 March, The Exhibits launched their self-titled debut album at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, packed with an entirely new set of original tunes. Co-led by James Muller (guitar) and Dr Lyndon Gray (bass), the ensemble also features Tom Noonan on saxophone and Josh Baldwin on drums (Josh's artwork 'Wonoka Saltbush' appears on the album cover). The Adelaide launch included an appearance from special-guest drummer Tim Firth, who flew in from Sydney for the occasion. You can listen to the album on bandcamp.
The album recently reviewed a 4.5-star review in The Australian:
'For a musician widely considered Australia's greatest jazz guitarist, James Muller's recording output over the years has been slim. His last outing under his own leadership was seven years ago, with his 2018 album Live at Wizard Tone. Meanwhile, he has been featured as a sideman on several albums under other leaders. The Exhibits is therefore a welcome venture, which confirms that Muller's powers are as impressive as ever. If anything, his playing in 2025 reveals the high degree of maturity he now possesses. He is fortunate to have discovered in Adelaide the superb bassist Lyndon Gray, whose five extremely interesting compositions sustain the album, and whose brilliant improvisations give it real distinction. The other three compositions are written by Muller, and are just as interesting. The quartet also includes Tom Noonan (alto saxophone) and Josh Baldwin (drums), both excellent players doing everything right behind the virtuosos Muller and Gray. Such a fine album suggests that this outstanding quartet is now carrying the flag for jazz in Adelaide.'
– Eric Myers, The Australian