Divergence Album Out Now

We are very pleased to announce the release of Divergence Jazz Orchestra's long awaited debut album The Opening Statement. “Four stars...A highly listenable album… Cave has established herself as a top-level composer, arranger and conductor in Australian jazz” – John McBeath, The Australian

Independently produced and funded,  The Opening Statement is a showcase of the music of bandleader Jenna Cave. The collection of selected works, composed between 2006 to 2013, were rewritten for Divergence Jazz Orchestra in collaboration with Paul Weber, and collectively developed for performance by the ensemble. At the time of recording the group was made up of 18 of Sydney’s most committed young jazz musicians, aged 19 to 34, who shared a special interest in performing original large ensemble music.

Composer and Conductor: Jenna Cave; Trombones: Paul Weber (Co-Musical Director, lead), Brendan Champion, Tim Coggins, Mitchell Nissen (bass); Trumpets and Flugelhorns: Dane Laboyrie (lead), Matthew Collins, Luke Stephens, Paul Meo, Will Gilbert; Saxophones and Woodwinds: Justin Buckingham (lead alto, soprano, flute), Joshua Willard (alto, clarinet), Evan Harris (tenor, flute), Michael Avgenicos (tenor),Chris O’Dea (baritone); Rhythm Section: Luke Liang (guitar), David Groves (bass), James McCaffrey (drums)

Produced by: Jenna Cave, Paul Weber, Jessica Wells and Guy Gross; Recorded by: Daniel Brown at Trackdown studios 20-21 April 2013; Mixed by: Christo Curtis at Utopia Audio, May & June 2013; Artwork and Design: Dean Ivamy; Photography: Aaron Blakey

Production of this album would not have been possible without the generous financial support of the 125 friends and followers who contributed to our crowd funding campaign. Special mentions to Verona Burgess, Deirdre O’Brien, Felicity Miller, and Dave Lisik for their contributions.

Divergence Jazz Orchestra with Judy Bailey

7:30pm, Thursday July 25 2013 at the Sound Lounge (Seymour Centre) In this special concert supported by the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the Divergence Jazz Orchestra will be presenting a contrasting set of exciting new Australian music with special guest jazz legend Judy Bailey. Bailey will join Divergence on piano while debuting her work Contrasts, composed especially for this concert. The performance will also premiere new pieces Flamenco Dreams by Jessica Wells, known for her work as a film composer and orchestrator; Circles in Life, a minimalist inspired work by PhD composition candidate Nadia Burgess; and Twerking it Nyabs Style; a raucous New Orleans brass band-inspired tune from band leader Jenna Cave. Recent works by Steve Newcomb, Rafael Karlen, Bill Motzing and Cave will also be performed.

Formed in 2012, the Divergence Jazz Orchestra is made up of some of Sydney’s most talented young jazz musicians, with highlight performances at the Jazzgroove Association, Bohemian Grove and the 2013 Autumn Vibes festival. Their music, by Jenna Cave and other Australian composers, is adventurous and captivating, drawing influence from many idioms including contemporary jazz, West African music, minimalism, swing, hip hop and New Orleans grooves.

Performers: Jenna Cave (composer/conductor), Paul Weber (trombone/co-leader); Dane Laboyrie, Matt Collins, Luke Stephens, Will Gilbert, Paul Murchison (trumpets); Justin Buckingham, Josh Willard, Evan Harris, Louis Klassen, Chris O’Dea (saxes); Brendan Champion, Ellie Shearer, Mitch Nissen (trombones); Luke Liang (guitar), Andrew Scott (piano), Dave Groves (bass), James McCaffrey(drums).

Tickets: $15/20 , book here