Australian jazz is one of the most under-collected genres in the vinyl world, and that creates a genuine opportunity for crate diggers. While American and European jazz pressings command enormous prices, excellent Australian jazz records can still be found at reasonable prices — for now.

I’ve been quietly building my Australian jazz section for years, and the interest from customers has grown steadily. Here’s what’s worth knowing.

The Contemporary Scene

The current Australian jazz scene is extraordinary, and much of it is being pressed on vinyl.

Surprise Chef are the gateway drug. Their instrumental soul-jazz, released on Big Crown Records, sounds like lost library music from the 1970s. Every album is worth owning, and the pressings are consistently excellent. If you know someone who says they don’t like jazz, play them Surprise Chef.

30/70 combine big band energy with electronic production in a way that shouldn’t work but absolutely does. Their live shows are legendary, and the vinyl releases capture that energy remarkably well.

Hiatus Kaiyote straddle jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and something entirely their own. Nai Palm’s vocals are singular. Their records reward repeated deep listening, which is exactly what vinyl is for.

The Putbacks are a Melbourne institution. Funky, tight, and deeply groovy. Their records are the kind you put on when you want to cook dinner and feel good about life.

Oscar Jerome (Melbourne-based, British-born) brings a global sensibility to the local scene. His guitar work is stunning, and the vinyl pressings have been excellent.

The Archival Treasures

This is where it gets interesting for collectors. Australian jazz from the 1960s-80s was pressed in small quantities on local labels, and many of these records are now genuinely rare.

Brian Brown Quintet. Brian Brown was a towering figure in Australian jazz. His records on labels like Mushroom, 44, and W&G are increasingly sought-after. Original pressings can be found for $50-200 depending on title and condition, which is a fraction of what comparable American jazz originals would cost.

The Tony Gould Trio. Gould’s piano work is world-class, and his Australian recordings on local labels are beautiful and affordable. Look for releases on Move Records.

Bernie McGann. One of Australia’s greatest alto saxophonists. His recordings are rare but occasionally surface in estate sales and at record fairs. Chapter Music has done some archival work in this area that’s worth checking.

Mark Simmonds. Another significant Australian jazz figure whose recordings are undervalued by the international market. Local knowledge is your advantage here.

The Label to Watch: Worldwide Award

Based in Melbourne, Worldwide Award is doing exceptional work releasing contemporary Australian jazz and soul on vinyl. Their roster represents some of the most exciting music being made in the country, and their pressing quality is excellent.

They’re a label that understands vinyl as a format — the artwork is always considered, the running times are appropriate, and the mastering is tailored for the medium.

Collecting Tips for Australian Jazz

Move quickly on contemporary releases. Labels like Big Crown, Brainfeeder, and Worldwide Award press in modest quantities. Popular titles sell out fast and can become expensive on the secondary market.

Check op shops for older releases. Jazz records from the 60s-80s regularly show up in op shops and charity sales. Most people don’t recognise Australian jazz labels, which means these records get priced at the standard $2-5 regardless of their actual value.

Attend estate sales and auctions. Serious jazz collectors tend to maintain their collections well, and estate sales can yield beautifully preserved records at fair prices.

Talk to jazz-specialist shops. Not every record shop curates jazz well, but those that do often have deep knowledge and access to stock that doesn’t make it to the general floor.

Why Australian Jazz Deserves Attention

The international jazz world has largely overlooked Australia, which is both an injustice and an opportunity. The quality of musicianship in this country is exceptional, the scenes in Melbourne and Sydney are vibrant, and the vinyl releases are excellent.

For collectors, this means you can build a world-class collection of Australian jazz without the price barriers that exist for American and European titles. Original Blue Note pressings might cost thousands. An equally compelling Australian jazz record might cost fifty dollars.

That pricing gap won’t last forever. As the international vinyl community discovers Australian jazz, prices will rise. But right now, the value is extraordinary.

Start listening. Start collecting. This music deserves your attention.