About Us
Avant Raag is a boundary-pushing trio that explores the intersection of jazz, live electronica, and global rhythms.
The project features multi-instrumentalist Casey Greene, guitarist Jeremy Sawkins, and acclaimed drummer and percussionist Mark Sutton. Together, this formidable trio crafts an immersive sonic experience where traditional acoustic instrumentation meets cutting-edge technology.
Our Sound & Evolution
The music of Avant Raag is predominantly original music and is constantly evolving. Driven by a shared passion for spontaneous creation, our performances serve as vehicles for raw, live improvisation. No two shows are ever the same.
By blending world music influences with modern electronic soundscapes, we bridge the gap between organic roots and futuristic textures.
The Sonic Landscape
We manipulate sound in real-time to create deep, cinematic layers. Our live setup seamlessly integrates:
- Acoustic Elements: Saxophones, flute, clarinet, and sitar-guitar.
- Electronic Production: Synthesizers, sequencing, and intricate loops.
- Atmospheric Textures: Custom effects pedals and dynamic soundscapes.
- Global Grooves: Expressive, improvisational drums and world percussion.
Avant Raag takes listeners on a hypnotic musical journey—balancing structured composition with the thrilling unpredictability of total improvisation.
Meet the Band
Casey Greene
A versatile multi-instrumentalist and composer, Casey is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has toured extensively throughout Australia, Europe, Asia and the U.S. His career spans work with major theatre productions (Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, Cats, Chicago), also with luminaries such as Olivia Newton John, Sydney Symphony Orchestra with Ray Charles and 2 years with Vince Jones, Casey also led his own bands in the UK including Quiver and The Cal Tjader Project.
From Sydney jazz clubs and international festivals in the UK, where he lived for 16 years, Casey has continually evolved his craft while staying rooted in jazz expression. Now based on the NSW South Coast, he focuses on composing, teaching, and performing in new collaborative projects—including Avant Raag.
Jeremy Sawkins
One of Australia’s most respected and versatile jazz guitarists, Jeremy has been an influential force on the Australian music scene since the late 1970s—as a performer, composer, bandleader and recording artist. He has shared the stage with artists as diverse as Sting, Katie Noonan, Wendy Matthews, Kristin Berardi, and Glenn Shorrock, while also featuring in long-standing ensembles such as Wanderlust and Alma Orquestra.
Jeremy’s discography as leader spans five acclaimed albums, from his debut Toys (1994) to the ambient explorations of Somnambience (2021). His guitar work moves seamlessly between modern jazz, fusion, Latin, and experimental soundscapes—qualities that now find fresh expression in Avant Raag.
Mark Sutton
Mark Sutton is a highly accomplished drummer who brings a wealth of elite experience to the Avantraag trio. A mainstay of the Canberra and Sydney jazz scenes, he has performed with Australian jazz royalty like Mike Nock and Bernie McGann, as well as international legends including Wynton Marsalis and Brubeck bassist Eugene Wright.
Mark’s versatile career spans prominent local outfits like Swing Street, the Canberra Pops Orchestra, major musical theatre productions, and international cruises. An educator at the ANU School of Music, his deep rhythmic mastery drives Avantraag’s new trio lineup into exciting creative territories.
Avant Raag News
We are excited to announce that Avant Raag has officially expanded into a powerhouse trio! Acclaimed drummer and percussionist Mark Sutton has joined Casey Greene and Jeremy Sawkins, bringing an explosive new layer of rhythm, world percussion, and live sequencing to our performances.
We are currently in the studio recording our very first album, and we will be issuing the new tracks online soon. In the meantime, you can catch our new three-piece dynamic live on stage—for our next live shows, head over to the EVENTS page.
