Monday, August 04, 2008

Alister Spence Trio and the Alcohotlicks

This week on the 6th August I am presenting Alister Spence Trio and the Alcohotlicks in music at the factory.

Alister Spence Trio

This is the sound of the hammer striking the nail right on the head, sweetly, every time’ Australian Financial Review

This trio brings together three of the most exciting, innovative and experienced musicians in original, contemporary Australian jazz music.

‘Soothing atmospherics, flying swing, free improvising and tranquil pools of lyricism all come and go, beautifully played … always
guaranteed to draw you into their captivating musical worlds.’ SMH.

Joining them will be the wonderful moving image artist, Louise Curham.

When these three long time collaborators get together, a bewitching musical world unfolds, full of excitement, surprise and beauty.
The wealth of experience that the band has, both separately and together, allows the music to ebb and flow seemingly effortlessly, as they move through highly original compositions and free passages.

From shadowy insistent funk, to racing swing, or trance-like ambient echoes, this is contemporary jazz and improvised music of the highest order.

The trio’s last two CD’s Flux and Mercury both received ARIA nominations, and they are now beginning to attract attention overseas.
This performance at the factory comes on the eve of their first tour of Japan.

Also appearing - the Alcohotlicks! Check them out here

The AlcohotlicksArne Hanna Composer (The Honourable Wally Norman, New York Times Critic’s Pick 03’) ‘I am firmly of the opinion that the Alcohotlicks are the finest, most inventive musical group working within the jazz idiom in Sydney.’

John Shand wrote ‘…Flower, Hauptmann and Mannell may just be on to something rather wonderful.’ (Sydney Morning Herald)

aaron flower-guitar
ben hauptmann-guitar
evan mannell-drums

The Alcohotlicks are a Sydney based band formed in the later part of 2002. The instrumentation of the band is unique comprising of two electric guitars and drums. The first two years were spent writing and performing in the local Sydney Jazz scene. As a band The Alcohotlicks have over thirty compositions registerd with A.P.R.A. and have released two self produced live recordings. Performance highlights include: the Jazz:Now festival - Sydney Opera House, Stonington Jazz festival, and Wangarratta Festival of Jazz.

In 2007 Aaron Flower won the prestigious Wangaratta National Jazz award, with Ben Hauptmann a close second.

From late 2005 The Alcohotlicks began featuring artists in their live performances, which most recently included incorporating Cesar and Steve Marin, both leading exponents of traditional South American music. Other featured artists include:

ARIA and Mo. award winner James Muller ‘I believe Evan, Ben and Aaron have created music that is not only fresh and brilliant, but uniquely Australian.’

Art Orcehstra of Australia guitarist and composer Carl Dewhurst ‘(I) believe TheAlcohotlicks to be one of most original and captivating groups in Australia today.’

Melbourne based National Jazz Award winner Steve Magnusson ‘Their compositional approach, architecture and arrangements are unique to their sound.’

Doors @ 7pm, Performance begins at 8pm

Joanne

www.placesandspaces.com.au
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Piano fund raiser


Well it was a good night out for the SIMA piano fundraiser night. Have to admit I didn't last the distance as my daughter was sick at home and I got a plaintive "mummy come home".

However I did manage to see Judy Bailey playing some delightful interpretations of some classics, Chris Abrahams, I am always amazed at the sound he can get out of a piano, Mark Isaacs and Matt mcMahon. We have some fabulous pianists in this town, great that SIMA has a new piano.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Friday, July 25, 2008

Classical Music Awards

This year was an interesting classical music awards, with jazz pianists having a very strong presence on the stage. Judy Bailey won the lifetime achievements and Mark Isaacs a recording award.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Metalog - Liquid Architecture

In the spirit of the Liquid Architecture Festival, low moody lighting, intensity and absorption of the audience, listening for the sounds.

This performance was by Metalog, some leading artists in this media. It was part of the Sound Travellers touring program.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.soundtravellers.com.au

Mace Francis Orchestra


This week the Mace Francis Orchestra were in town for an appearance.

The big band sounded good, they are on a gruelling national tour, with Mace alluding to some of the "traditional" feel of touring by bus that they are experiencing.

Some great young players and composers in the band.

They are currently touring as part of my Sound Travellers initiative.

Joanne Kee
www.ceressolutions.com.au
www.soundtravellers.com.au

Monday, July 07, 2008

places+spaces present Elana Stone Band

The last gig I presented was the Elana Stone Band and I am wondering if it is going to be the only one where I will be able to say that I had crowd and singer surfing.

It was a pretty eclectic night of music. Elana has an amazing range and of course a fantastic band with Zoe Hauptmann, Evan Mannell and Aaron Flower.

Next gig in the series is Alcohotlicks and Alister Spence Trio on Wednesday 6th August.

www.placesandspaces.com.au
www.ceressolutions.com.au