Damien Kingston Quartet
Biography Damien Kingston Quartet
Damien Kingston
is a Hobart born guitarist and composer who, after completing a Bachelor of Music at the University of Tasmania, relocated to Europe to work as a freelance musician and further his studies. After two years spent as an active member of the Berlin jazz and improvised music community Damien furthered his studies in the Netherlands, receiving his Masters of Music from the prestigious Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2013, studying under Dutch guitar greats Martijn van Iterson and Jesse van Ruller.
As an improvising guitarist and composer Damien has performed throughout Australia and Europe, and has received multiple awards including first place in the 2016 Berlin Jazz & Blues Awards, and a finalist spot in the 2013 Keep an Eye European Jazz Awards. Damien has released five albums as a bandleader, receiving multiple composition and recording commissions from the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) and MONA (Museum of New & Old Art).
As a researcher Damien investigates areas concerning improvisation, performance, composition and community. Damien is cofounder of Hobart improvised music label Scratch Match Records and performs regularly at festivals and club dates. Damien is also a passionate advocate for the local improvised music scene - running jam sessions, festival organising and music programming.
Dr. Damien Kingston a Lecturer in Jazz & Popular Music at the School of Creative Arts and Media. Damien is a guitarist, composer and researcher working in the fields of jazz, improvised music and composition. Damien has performed internationally both leading his own projects and as a sideman, and has to date released five albums comprised of his original compositions. His most recent release Wells – Damien Kingston Quartet was recorded and released by ABC Jazz.
