I had learned a lot about the 'Grand Tour' in art class: A rite of passage for young artists to undertake after graduating school, where they were to travel through Europe to learn of foreign cultures and gain new experiences to enrich their artistic output.
Much of the music on this album was written while on my own 'Grand Tour' through Europe. During this 10 month backpacking trip I sketched melodies and ideas on manuscript, collecting a sizable folder full of pieces. At the very end of the trip, everything was stolen from the back of a rental car. After a week of grieving and coming to terms with the loss, some good news emerged, police had found some of the stolen equipment.
The only item of mine to be retrieved was my folder of music.
These sketches went on to form most of the music found here, and an incredibly profound life lesson was learned.
Alan Corbet, then director of JazzWA, was invaluable in his assistance with applying for funding for this project, was a fearless ally, and a fervent promoter of the local jazz scene. Shortly after a release concert for this album, he passed away under tragic circumstances. This stunted any momentum I had gained for promoting the album any further, as I came to terms with the gaping hole he left in the WA music community. Without his support and guidance this project would not have happened the way it did, and for that I am extremely grateful to him.
Graham Wood was director of jazz studies at WAAPA while I was studying there. He was also my colleague and friend. He was another great motivator in the jazz community in WA, he has since passed away. His presence on this recording is a great honour and I am grateful for all his music and life lessons.
This album is dedicated to all the young ambitious artists who go for it, you are doomed to ecstacy.
credits
released October 1, 2006
Sam Anning - Double Bass
Mat Jodrell - Trumpet, Flugel
Carl Mackey - Soprano, Alto, Tenor Saxophones
Graham Wood - Piano
Daniel Susnjar - Drums
Graeme Lyall - Alto Saxophone (Re-Turning Point, Granada, Johnsberg, Illinois)
Produced by Sam Anning
Recorded by Kieran Kenderessy at Loop Studio
Mixed and Mastered by Lee Buddle at Soundmine studios
Piano technicians: Bob Hawker and Paul Tunzi
Photo: Angelyne Wolfe
Artwork: Isobel Baynes
Design: Elle Deslandes
This album was made possible by funding from ArtsWA and The Australia Council for the Arts.
four forces in the furnace of creativity, friendship and inspiration pushing their limits to find new modes of expression. Great band great album! Sam Anning
supported by 6 fans who also own “Re-Turning Point”
Superb album again, consistently brilliant playing and an absolute delight to listen to.
Hard to pick a favourite track as it’s all so good, but force me to and I’ll plump for Johnston St.
Excellent, classy piece of work, thank you. Dennis Smith
