Tessie Overmyer - Tidelines
Released 26 September 2025, via CD and digital
Tessie Overmyer - alto saxophone,
Tom Avgenicos - trumpet,
Sandy Evans - tenor,
Harley Coleman - guitar,
Kevin Hunt - piano,
Jonathan Zwartz - double bass,
George Greenhill - drums
Tidelines is the debut album from alto saxophonist-composer Tessie Overmyer, recorded just before her move to New York City to study at the Manhattan School of Music. The self-titled release presents a heartfelt document of a unique moment in time—capturing the sound and spirit of a band assembled to play Overmyer’s original compositions. The core ensemble includes Harley Coleman (guitar), Kevin Hunt (piano), Jonathan Zwartz (double bass), and George Greenhill (drums), with special guests Sandy Evans (tenor saxophone) and Tom Avgenicos (trumpet/flugelhorn) joining for the recording.
Overmyer reflects, “This project was never meant to be anything more than an honest reflection of where I was musically at the time. I just wanted to get my favourite people together to play my music, and document that moment before leaving Sydney.” The music is rich in emotion and personality, drawing on Overmyer’s deep love of melody, her growing interest in folk traditions, and her commitment to telling musical stories. From the swinging energy of “The Imposter” to the intimate, hymn-like textures of “Sunset Walk,” each track invites listeners into a deeply personal and reflective world.
Highlights include “Muriwai,” inspired by a watercolour of the New Zealand coastline and featuring lyrical solos by Avgenicos, Hunt and Overmyer. “Why Does the Water Sparkle So?,” a romantic-era-inspired ballad that builds to a powerful emotional climax. “Intro to Sunset Walk,” a freely improvised duet between Overmyer and Sandy Evans, capturing an unplanned, intuitive musical dialogue.
Overmyer’s journey as a composer began alongside her development as a saxophonist, but it wasn’t until 2019, during her undergraduate studies, that she began writing music she wanted to perform with others. “I’ve always written music for fun, but it took me a while to find my voice,” she says. “I actually didn’t write anything for about a year before this album, but recently I’ve been getting back into it. I’ve been really inspired by folk music and how it can tell stories so simply and beautifully.” This renewed creative energy is evident throughout the album, where songlike melodies, emotional arcs, and rich harmonic textures serve as a foundation for spontaneous interplay.
Though the compositions are carefully crafted, there’s a spirit of openness and joy that permeates the recording—perhaps reflective of the spontaneity with which it came together. “Originally, I wasn’t planning to record at all—at least not for a few more years,” Overmyer recalls. “But once I knew I was moving to New York, I felt this urgency to capture what we had.” With limited time, she pulled together her dream band—friends, mentors, and musical kindred spirits—and the result is an album full of life, connection, and purpose. “If even one person walks away from this music feeling uplifted,” she adds, “then I’ve done my job.”
Formed in early 2023 for a performance at Foundry 616, the band became a vital creative vehicle for Overmyer’s compositional voice. The resulting album balances spontaneity and structure, groove and space, seriousness and play. “This band means a lot to me,” says Overmyer. “It’s made up of people who’ve shaped my musical journey—friends, mentors, and heroes. It wouldn’t be the same music without them.”
Originally from Newcastle, Australia, Tessie Overmyer has performed at major festivals across the country, including the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and the Perth International Jazz Festival. She was recently awarded second place in the 2024 National Jazz Awards and received a commission from the ABC, as well as a Freedman Jazz Fellowship nomination.
As celebrated pianist and composer Barney McAll puts it: “Tessie has a gift that can't be learned: a natural flow for the future and the ability to speak the poetry of life and death through her horn.”