by Brenton Foster
Brenton Foster The Nature of Light (PBS Feature Record)
The Nature of Light by Melbourne-based pianist and composer Brenton Foster is simply put, a modern jazz triumph. A confident follow up to his (Music Victoria 2016 Jazz Album of the Year nominated) Two Cities record, Foster is quietly forging a path to the upper echelon of the contemporary jazz world.
His playing is bold yet musically sensitive, demonstrating his weighty virtuosic chops in places throughout the album whilst generously showcasing his backing band’s talent. Foster has assembled an excellent band for the record and the songs feature heavy solo contributions from all artists, a standout contributor of which is Gideon Brazil (sax/flute) a match seemingly made in heaven for Foster’s compositions. (I hear much potential for a Brazil solo record written by Foster, these two just seem to be telepathically communicating and a perfect creative combo).
Speaking of the compositions, the writing has a sweeping cinematic quality that stirs mental images and deeply emotional responses. Taking on themes of colour and light, each song is like a sonic portrait that is all-encompassing. Beautiful in parts, sad and dark in others, The Nature of Light is an apt title for this thought-provoking body of work. The album liner notes state that Foster finds emotional expression challenging; if this album is anything to go by it seems he has found his mode of expression – and has run to hell and back with it.
Sitting easily alongside his contemporaries Mike Nock, Andrea Keller and even Barney McAll, Foster’s new album places him alongside Australia’s finest jazz composers and pianists.
Favourite track: 'Hundreds and Thousands'
Piano: Brenton Foster
Trumpet: Tom Jovanovic
Saxophone: Gideon Brazil
Trombone: Nick Pietsch
Double Bass: Marty Holoubek
Drums: Aaron McCoullough
Review by Chelsea Wilson (Jazz Got Soul)
Heat Wave Dead Beats (featured on The Breakfast Spread)
Dead Beats is 13 tracks of post-pop-punk party jams - driving 808 beats, non stop fuzzed-out bass, buzzing synths and duelling vocals.
It's a super-fun collection of call and response anthems about everything from horror movies to running away from Australia, from haunted houses to staying safe in the streets. Kalindy and Kurt have been playing Heat Wave songs live for a little over 6 months, and have shared a stage with the likes of HEX, Swim Team, A. Swayze and the Ghosts, Hi-Tec Emotions, Lazertits, Witch Hats and so many more.
This week's Top 10:
