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| Trio Apoplectic are Dave Jackson (alto saxophone), Abel Cross (double bass) and Alex Masso (drums) |
Our second album, Sofia is out now through Rufus Records and features all new original material.
Go to www.rufusrecords.com.au to buy a copy...
...hear some samples here
...or read a review here.
Trio Apoplectic demonstrates with remarkable consistency that it is possible to sound contemporary - freshly minted in fact - play freely interactive improvisation, and create pure melody. Their position in Australian jazz is all but unique, in that they can evoke at the same time the effortless lyricism of the West Coast cool school and the freedom of post - Ornette Coleman jazz.
The pellucid sound of Dave Jackson's alto saxophone has been likened to that of Paul Desmond of Dave Brubeck Quartet fame, but the differences are as interesting as the points in common. Playing them in juxtaposition only accentuates the distinctiveness of Jackson's contemporary voice. What they share is an ability to avoid licks and develop freely running ideas in lines that unfold almost like Bach, with atmospheric echoes of Debussy.
Bassist Abel Cross and drummer Alex Masso can accompany these flights immaculately and discreetly, but even in this role they are part of a free three-way dialogue that is completely engrossing. Bass and drums are so melodic and tonally beautiful that they can move seamlessly into the foreground with no loss of intensity and feeling. The trio can swing lightly, blithely, but with a mounting intensity, and they can create fields of limpid beauty. This aspect is very much to the fore on Sofia, their new CD.
A number of the opening melodies are slow, poignant and languorous. But races of speed and biting passion can spring up within these slow expanding panoramas. Sometimes bass and drums create a busy, delicate texture under Jackson's floating sustained notes, and sometimes they interact explosively. There are a couple of fast, quirky tunes that create a quirky, dancing and supremely happy momentum. This is very accessible music.
It is time for a wider audience to join the cognoscenti. The three have known each other for some time, and you can feel that friendship and intuitive understanding in the music. You can also hear youth. This is to be savoured, yet it is certain that in later years they will still be developing - in the way of great musicians in their maturity. Start now with these brilliant musicians and see where it takes you.
Get their first CD on the Rufus label. It is a delight. This is another step. Sofia fills the room with tranquility and light, beauty and passion - enhanced by the superb recording quality achieved by young engineer Richard Belkner.
- John Clare.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trio Apoplectic
began in 2003 with the meeting of the three members at the Sydney Conservatorium
of Music. Initially, the three began working together on original compositions
for performances at the Conservatorium, but it became evident quite
early on that the group was going to continue outside of the institution.
The group now plays in and around Sydney, with a repertoire comprising
of everything from jazz standards, to original compositions, to free
improvisation. In addition to the regular trio format, the group has
worked as a quartet with trumpet master Warwick Alder and other guests,
and has been involved in a project collaborating with a number of poets.
Trio
Apoplectic have toured seven times between 2006-2009, many focusing on regional
NSW. An enthusiasm for performing together (and travelling together)
has taken the group to many of the regular homes of Jazz and Improvised
Music in Australia, as well as areas with little or no live exposure
to the music. They have performed in each state and territory of Australia, including: Sydney (Jazzgroove, SIMA, the NOWnow,
Sydney Opera House), Melbourne (Melbourne Jazz Co-op, Lebowskis,
The Make It Up Club), Canberra (including the inaugural 'Jazz at the
White Eagle', Jazz at The Gods, Hippo Bar), Brisbane (Jazzworx!, Judith Wright Centre), Perth (Perth Jazz Society, The Ellington Club), Hobart and Darwin
as well as Dubbo, Mudgee, Springwood, Orange, Cowra, Bathurst, Nowra,
Bowral, Wollongong, Albury, Ballarat, Moruya, Armidale, Glen Innes,
Mittagong, Goulburn, Richmond, Parkes, Canowindra, Cobar, West Cambewarra, Broken Hill,
Mount Gambier, Lithgow, Newcastle, Sawtell, Byron Bay, Forbes, Rylstone, Cairns, Townsville and Stuart Town. Trio Apoplectic has also performed at several festivals, including Melbourne Jazz Fringe, Wangaratta, Jazz:Now, Valley Jazz and Living Sound Festivals. The group is keen to assert the
relevance of jazz as a contemporary art form, and to take it beyond
the confines of metropolitan centres.
Trio Apoplectic's debut album is available on iTunes and
"Sofia" is available through Rufus Records
Both Trio Apoplectic albums are available online through Birdland Records
