From the Media Release
Launch details: Wednesday 25 September 2013 | Ellington Jazz Club, Perth www.ellingtonjazz.com.au
Gemma Farrell returns to Australia after completing her Masters at Conservatorium van Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Her return coincides with he release of debut CDs of The Gemma Farrell Group and Say What?!, a hard-bop quartet with Hammond organ.
Joining Farrell at this very special double CD launch will be: Marty Pervan – Trumpet and Flugel Horn, Jeremy Greig – Trombone, Ross Dwyer – Guitar, Russell Holmes – Piano and Hammond Organ, Robin Murray – Double and Electric Bass and Sousaphone, Daniel Susnjar – Drums; playing the music from both albums.
Vicissitude (The Gemma Farrell Group)
“…an album of thoughtful and eclectic pieces … passionate, makes a personal statement and makes you want to move!” Steve Newcomb
Farrell has been on a journey of change and discovery with her music; one that’s taken her across Australia, on to Europe and back again. She’s recently graduated from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam Masters program, released two CDs and journeyed back to our shores with her young family. Well grounded in the jazz tradition, as a composer she is committed to exploring possibilities and developing a unique voice and an authentic narrative. That commitment really shines out on this release and Farrell is also a powerful and inventive player with a sound full of energy and vigour.
“I’m always being told I should specialise, but I like to switch constantly.”
The tunes on this album of originals range in style across hip hop, funk, swing and New Orleans. A woodwind specialist, she is able to achieve a deeply expressive tone whether playing Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Baritone.
“It was time to get my act together and make an album of originals… Vicissitude is not just a fancy word for change. I play all four saxophones and have a genuine interest in most styles of jazz; the album is eclectic – and it’s all jazz… it’s the culmination of a long journey of study and change.”
Performing on the CD: Gemma Farrell – Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones, Robin Kahl – Trumpet and Flugel Horn, Filippo Vignato – Trombone, Nico Maas – Guitar, Thomas Goralski – Piano and Hammond, Theo Balbig – Electric and Double Bass, Richard Struck – Drums
Get It Together (Say What?!)
Get it Together is the debut album of Say What?! The album features the band’s original brand of music, with elements of funk, swing and New Orleans street music. Featuring tunes penned by Farrell and band members Stefan Franssen (drums) and Thomas Goralki (Hammond organ), the CD is distinguished by funky grooves and vibrant, swinging energy.
Say What?! is an international group formed in 2011 by musicians who met while studying for their Bachelors and Masters of Music degrees at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Members are Gemma Farrell (Australia, saxophones), Thomas Goralki (Germany, Hammond Organ), Gianluca Liberatore (Italy, double bass) and Stefan Franssen (The Netherlands, drums). They are joined by Nico Maas (Germany, guitar).
Listen and purchase CDs (digital and hard copies)
Links
Gemma Farrell on the web www.gemmafarrellmusic.com
Say What?! website saywhatjazz.com
