Sophia Rose Quartet presents: City Tidda
I grew up surrounded by music—CDs, stereos, concerts, and live gigs. Artists such as The Cat Empire, Gurrumul, Paul Kelly, Archie Roach, and Lenny Kravitz shaped my musical tastes and sense of self. My mum’s love of the arts opened the door to these experiences and profoundly influenced who I am today.
City Tidda (city sister) is a project that showcases the music that has shaped me. It reflects my experience of living an urban life as a First Nations woman through both original compositions and carefully curated works.
The project also explores connections between the musical traditions of Blak Australians and African American musicians. As an Aboriginal (Wiradjuri and Barkindji) trumpet player, I am inspired by the ways Indigenous artists have embraced Western instruments to express culture and identity. Jazz, born from African American resistance and resilience, resonates deeply with me through its spirit of freedom and self-expression. Both Aboriginal people and African American people have experienced horrific segregation. One of the reasons I love jazz music is that it represents African Americans’ rebellion against enslavement; it is centred on freedom and gives the performer liberty. It is my privilege to honour the art of both Blak Australians and Black Americans in this music program.
Joined by Sydney-based musicians (all originally from Canberra): Nate Griffin (drums), Oscar Lubbock (piano), and Harrison Whalan (bass), I created this project to share my love of music, my roots, and my identity. I hope you enjoy!
