JAZZGROOVE MOTHERSHIP ORCHESTRA (Sydney)

Mon 4 May 2009 @ 8:00pm

Admission Members $15 PJS Student Members $8 Concessions $18 Guests $22

Orchestra on a mission

JAZZ COMPOSERS must love the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra - and the moment this big outfit opens its PJS show, audiences will know why. The orchestra formed in 2003 to give composers the chance to have its original works rehearsed, performed, recorded and broadcast.

In keeping with this `mission statement' their opening set will feature an all-original repertoire with improvisations from key soloists.

The gentlemen of the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra are predominately members of Sydney's Jazzgroove Association; a musician based collective that presents a weekly concert series at Sydney's Excelsior Hotel, runs Jazzgroove Records, and co presents the JazzNow Festival at the Sydney Opera House.

In 2008 the orchestra presented the inaugural National Big Band Composition Awards. The winning composition Falling of Seasons by Sally Greenaway (ACT), will be performed at the Charles along with compositions from veteran and emerging Australian composers alike. They include David Theak, Tony Hobbs, Dave Panichi, Andy Fiddes, Evan Lohning, Kelly Ottoway, Mike Nock, Florian Ross (Germany) and Steve Newcomb. Pieces by all these writers will be part of the orchestra's first set.

The second set will feature the artistry of their international guest Bert Joris, both in his capacity as a trumpet soloist and composer/arranger. Bert is a leading figure of European Jazz, best known for his work with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra and Belgian guitar legend Phillip Catherine.

Bert Joris is also recognised internationally as a leading performer and composer as evidenced by his recent invitation to present his music in New York with the Village Vanguard Orchestra.

The Mothership Orchestra first became acquainted with Bert's music during their East Coast tour with German pianist Florian Ross in 2006. Florian also a wonderful composer, who featured on the orchestra's 2008 CD Dream Wheel held Bert in the highest professional regard and introduced the band to his work over the course of the long road trips undertaken during the tour.

Joris compositions are an incredible blend of European orchestration and the US big band swing tradition, offering audiences a night of truly intriguing and exciting music, and musicians an extraordinary challenge. Elements such as stop time, terraced harmonic tension and release, explosive soli and beautifully crafted orchestrations are the main features of the music.

Prior to this tour the orchestra spent four days in residence at the Arthur Boyd Education Centre, Bundanon, NSW. The final two performances in Sydney will be recorded for release as their third album at Christmas 2009. Don't miss your chance to catch this incredible body of musicians live and up close, and experience an evening of original orchestrated jazz of the highest calibre.

For more -
www.mothershiporchestra.com