JAMES RYAN: SAXOPHONE AND BAND LEADER
MICHAEL COGGINS: ELECTRIC GUITAR
STEVE HUNTER: ELECTRIC BASS
JACK POWELL: DRUMS

‘The Subterraneans’ are probably one of the hardest working all originals performing, instrumental bands in Australia. Since it's inception in 2009 the group has managed to present it's brand of jazz/rock/funk/reggae fusion in national (Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Brisbane Jazz Fest) and international festivals (Kuala Lumpur International Jazz Festival), hold residencies at iconic Sydney venues (every Sunday for 3 and 1/2 years at The Town Hall Hotel, Newtown) (once a month for ten years at Lazybones Lounge) and head line at leading jazz venues including The Basement, Blue Beat and Venue 505.

In 2011 ‘The Subterraneans’ debut self titled release won the Australian Jazz ‘Bell’ Award for best ‘Jazz Blend’ album.

2013 saw the release of their critically and popularly acclaimed live cd ‘Live At The Townie’. This album was the result of recording 20 nights at The Town Hall Hotel, Newtown. It features the playing of James Muller, Steve Hunter, Ben Hauptmann and James Hauptmann, plus special guest Rai Thistlethwayte and band leader James Ryan.

In 2013 ’The Subs’ performed over 50 live concerts including The Kuala Lumper International Jazz Festival and the Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Australia. They held residencies at The Town Hall Hotel and Lazybones Lounge, Marrickville performing every Saturday night for 5 months. They also presented one off concerts at Sydney venues such as Blue Beat and 505.

In 2020 The Subterraneans released their second studio album CONSTANT CHANGE with guests Rai Thistlethwayte, Pat Powell, Sangeet Mishra, James Greening and more.

2021 saw the release of 2 powerful live albums: Live At The Jazz Haus (Canberra) and One Night At Lazybones (with special guest Rai Thistlethwaite).

In 2024 The Subterraneans recorded live for 6 hours at Miss Celie’s, Ashfield. The dynamic LIKE A CHARM - LIVE AT MISS CELIE’S will be launched March 28th 2025 subsequent tour of the east coast of Australia.

The Subterraneans have contributed significantly to Sydney’s jazz scene, fostering a community of musicians and music enthusiasts. There blend of contemporary styles has influenced a generation of musicians.

“Hearing The Subterraneans for the first time was a hallelujah moment. Finally here was a band combining rock’s visceral energy with jazz’s lithe spontaneity, without compromising either.” John Shand Sydney Morning Herald

“sophisticated improvising and lithe melodies harnessed to raw power and savage riffs. The band is one of Sydney's strongest live acts, and this brilliant studio debut catches all that excitement, and delivers it with a mighty sonic punch.” Sydney Morning Herald

“The Subterraneans will almost certainly demand a re-think of how many people consider the music once called ‘fusion’.” Limelight Magazine

“Effects from Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin and others are utilised inventively but the album is no mere exercise in sampling: it's a highly original collection amalgamating rock influences into contemporary jazz expression.” John McBeath Weekend Australian

“This album should cure anyone of a prejudice against fusion, the playing of jazz over rock rhythms. My own conversion is prompted by the instrumental brilliance here. Led by saxophonist James Ryan, playing with the intensity of a latter-day Mark Simmonds, this quintet includes the
extraordinary electric bassist Steve Hunter.” Eric Myers Weekend Australian