Under four gentle spotlights, four jazz musicians serenade a full theatre. The crowd connects deeply, tapping their feet, bobbing their heads and closing their eyes to fully take in the world class music.

This is a quartet comprised of the titans of modern jazz: we have Dave Holland on bass, Chris Potter on saxophone, Lionel Loueke on guitar and Eric Harland on drums.

This tour is to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of their self-titled album, Aziza.

The group is led by Holland, a three-time Grammy winner, whose career kicked off as a member of Miles Davis’ band. He has gone on to be considered as one of the most influential bassists and composers in jazz history.

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Holland keeps impressive company in Aziza, with Chis Potter on saxophone, one of the most virtuosic jazz saxophonists alive today, revolutionary guitarist, vocalist and crowd favourite Lionel Loueke, and Eric Harland on drums, described as one of the most sought-after drummers in contemporary jazz.

They open with ‘Aziza Dance’, a rhythmic, meditative, driving composition by Loueke. By the end of the almost 10-minute piece, the audience is transfixed.

This is the quartet’s first time in Adelaide as a collective. They charm the crowd at Her Majesty’s, not only with their music, but their authenticity between songs, connecting with the audience as if they are our old friends. Their composition of ‘Another Land’ is a somewhat gift to this Australian audiences, as the musicians themselves explore this other land of Australia.

A highlight of the evening is the track titled ‘Friends’ arranged by Harland. It starts delicately with soft vocals from Loueke, slowly building and gently layering the different instruments. The friendships on stage – the joy and synthesis – make this work the emotional journey that it is.

The set closes, appropriately, with ‘Sleepless Night’ written by Loueke, opening with nods to his birthplace in Benin, West Africa. The audience wants more, and they get it in an encore.

There is such a delicate balance between the four musicians. They have great restraint, letting each other shine at different crucial moments. There is palpable chemistry between the four, a somewhat spirituality to the group which allows them to ooze carefree, soulful energy.

As the audience rises for standing ovation, and as the four musicians put their arms around each other and take a bow, there is a sense of awe in the room, as the crowd knows it has witness a world-class jazz combination in Aziza.

Aziza performed at Her Majesty’s Theatre on October 29