Experience the sublime synergy of vocalist Olivia Chindamo and pianist Matthew Sheens as  they launch their new album, Portraits & Propagations at the Birdland Theatre. These two great  exponents of the Australian Jazz scene combine forces to transform the simple piano and  voice format into a playground of musical exploration; their sentimental storytelling uniquely  influenced by their shared lived experience as Australian New Yorkers.  About the album:   Portraits & Propagations is a democratically curated collection forgotten Great American  Songbook gems, masterfully reworked classics and originals composition.  “Simply the best piano/vocal duo album I have heard in many years. Precision and passion, humor and tenderness and superb musicianship throughout. It's a terrific program which shows Olivia and Matthew's incredible stylistic range while never losing sight of the story of each song. They are always completely in sync and deep listening abounds on every track.”  Fred Hersch   —  About the artists:   Olivia Chindamo  Olivia Chindamo is a New York-based jazz vocalist from Australia and a Master of Music  graduate of The Juilliard School, where she made history as its first ever jazz voice graduate.  With a special love for improvisation, Olivia's musical endeavors offer a fresh combination of  old and new, a deep understanding of jazz history with modern sensibilities, impressive  technique and versatility.  Matthew Sheens  Listed as one of Fred Hersch's "pianists you should know", and described as "an outstanding  pianist, stoked full of creative ideas and limitless technique....totally innovative and luminous"  (The Australian), Matthew Sheens is a genre-bending Jazz pianist and composer based in New  York City. Sheens has performed/recorded alongside musical luminaries including John  Patitucci, Eric Harland, Kendrick Scott, Donnie McCaslin, Jerry Bergonzi, Jon Gordon, Matt  Penman, Myron Walden and Ben Wendel.