Pianist/accordionist Jo Abbott has been : Music Director/arranger for Kid’s Thrive, 2013; pianist with Andrea Rieniet’s “Cha Cha Sam” (Arts Centre, Melbourne); Circus Oz “pianist/musician" “Straight Up” Tour ; USA 2017”; Arena Theatre Company “Robot Song” - role of “Mum and onstage pianist” and Theatreworks season 2019, NSW tour (2022) and Dunstan Playhouse at the Adelaide Festival Centre for the Dream BIG Children’s Festival (2019); Isabel Hertaeg’s “Death by Soprano” - pianist and role of “accompanist”- Melba Spiegeltent, Melbourne Fringe Festival (2014), Qld regional tour, 2018 and Music for the Heart and Mind Collective (Brisbane) - composer/ pianist/performer (1992 -1996).
Jo has performed with Annie Lee (“Kransky Sisters”), for the Melbourne Comedy Festival; as pianist for Lachlan Bartlett “And I, in my chair” -‘Chapel off Chapel’, Melbourne Cabaret Festival (2021); as pianist for Sarah Ward/Yana Alana “Between the Cracks -“Auckland Cabaret Festival (2015); and Adelaide Fringe Festival, (2015); and most recently as pianist for Kelly Cuppo’s Melbourne Comedy Festival show “Slightly Unhinged” (Melbourne Comedy Festival (2026). Apart from her project “Sanfona”, Jo currently dep’s with “Deep South Brass 8” on Hammond organ/piano; is a jazz pianist and performs accordion in various French and German ensembles.
Jo Abbott’s musical influences range from Arvo Part, Ralph Towner, Pat Metheny, Debussy, Ravel and Satie to Jacques Brel, Kurt Weill, Bill Evans, Don Burrows and Fats Waller.
Jo grew up on a farm in NSW, honed her accordion skills in Galway, Ireland in 1997 and is inspired by nature, jazz, French culture and the occasional glass of rose.
“Thank you Jo for your wonderful playing which certainly added a French happy vibe for us. Many comments from attendees who enjoyed having you there.” - Jane
— Client - Birthday function, December, 2025. Jo Abbott, solo accordion and piano
“"Everything went very smoothly with Jo who was very personable and performed beyond expectation. She was in touch prior to the event and confirmed her attendance arriving at the time indicated. Very pleased all around."”
— Client - Dec, 2025 French themed Xmas function Jo Abbott solo accordion
“We felt like we were in a Parisian Jazz Club ”
— audience member at Sanfona performance Bar 303, July 2025
“I love this trio.Love her sublime playing and her facial expressions. They genuinely share the love of their music. Wonderful! Youtube video of Django Rhythm performance of La Valse des niglos. With over a 1,000,000 views, please view the video to read 300 + comments.” - Anet M.
— Youtube
“As mum and the onstage pianist and co-singer, Jo Abbott is enchanting. (Robot Song, Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre)” - Theatre Travels
Jo Abbott pianist and accordionist
Jo Abbott is a pianist and accordionist specialising in jazz and French styles. Jo performs solo and with a variety of ensembles playing jazz standards, gypsy swing, French instrumentals, valses. With over 30 yrs experience working in the entertainment industry as a bandleader/musician, theatre musician/performer, associate artist and a contributor to film and tv soundtracks.
“Bloody brilliant (Jo Abbott performance of Handful of keys Victorian Jazz Club)” - Kent F.
— YouTube
“Hertaeg is delightfully accompanied by Jo Abbott on piano, who interacts with Hertaeg slyly and wittily at times (to the great enjoyment of the audience). 4 stars (Death by Soprano, Riverside theatres, Sydney)” - Arts Hub
“Her performance was a real highlight of the night. (French themed event, Melbourne)”
— French themed party host