Divergence launch recording and commissioning fund
To record and produce a new Divergence Jazz Orchestra album featuring recent output and new works. This will showcase our current line-up of exceptional band members while collaborating with special guests.
Photo by Mike Cave, Divergence Jazz Orchestra, September 2020
For 9 years Divergence Jazz Orchestra have been performing original and innovative Australian big band music in Sydney. Made up of top soloists and ensemble musicians, they play music by bandleader Jenna Cave and other composers. 5 years since the release of their 2nd album Fake it Until You Make It, Divergence plans to record a selection of recent works developed through performances. This includes music by Paul Cutlan (commissioned by Divergence), Cave, Andrew Scott and tunes by Miroslav Bukovsky arranged by Cave with Bukovsky. They’ll be joined by Sandy Evans, Cutlan, Bukovsky and as guest soloists.
Due COVID lockdowns the recording date in August 2021 has been postponed to 2022. While disappointing, this has provided an exciting opportunity to broaden the scope of the project. Our first two fundraising targets have now been met to cover post recording album production costs, and to record for an extra day to create a full-length album. Now we are working towards commissioning a new big band work from Jenna Cave for the recording, to feature Marie Le Brun (vocals).
The album will document Divergence’s significant creative development and output over the past 5 years, during which time they have been joined by a number of exceptional new band members creating a shift in their sound. The album release will allow them to share their new music more broadly with listeners and supporters across Australia and internationally, while contributing to the cannon of original Australian music for jazz orchestra. The project will employ over 28 musicians and arts freelancers, while supporting local small businesses in what has been a devastating time for Australian performing artists and the music industry.
The first recording day and set-up will be self-funded by the band and featured composers ($11,000), and now fundraising targets have been met ($9300) to record for a second day and complete the post-recording stage of album production. Divergence now are seeking donations from friends, listeners and supporters to fund a second recording session, to commission a brand new work from Jenna Cave for the recording ($2,500).
Divergence Jazz Orchestra:
DIRECTOR/RESIDENT COMPOSER -Jenna Cave TROMBONES: Paul Weber (Co-Musical Director, lead), Alex Silver , Rose Foster, Luke Davis (bass) TRUMPETS AND FLUGELHORNS: Matt Collins, Paul Murchison, James Power, Will Endicott, Will Gilbert SAXOPHONES AND WOODWINDS: Loretta Palmeiro (lead alto, soprano, clarinet, flute), Abi McCunn (alto, flute) Dave Reglar (tenor, alto, clarinet), Louis Klaassen (tenor, clarinet), Laura Power (baritone, clarinets) RHYTHM: Yutaro Okuda (guitar), Adrian Keevill (piano), Hannah James (bass), Mike Quigley (drums)
Divergence J.O.'s Next Gig
Come and see what the new generation in Australian jazz has to offer.
The Divergence Jazz Orchestra returns to “the Wall” at the Bald Faced Stag on November 11 for another exciting concert of all-Australian jazz. They will debut music by Steve Newcomb (Brisbane/NY), Elliot Hughes (Melbourne) and Bill Motzing (Sydney), alongside pieces by Jenna Cave.
Divergence was formed in early 2012 by Paul Weber and Jenna Cave to perform repertoire by Cave and other Australian composers. With an average age of just 23 years, Divergence is made up of 18 of Sydney’s most talented young jazz musicians. Together they’ve been impressing audiences with their high energy super-tight ensemble playing and an infectious sense of groove.
At the age of 28 Jenna Cave’s music has been commissioned and performed around Australia by The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (as the 2011 composer in residence), the Melbourne International Women’s Jazz Festival, the Bennett’s Lane Big Band, the Sirens Big Band and the Sydney Con Big Band amongst others. She has composed music for film and TV productions funded by the ABC, Screen Australia and SBS, and has been the recipient of various awards, prizes and scholarships for her composing work and studies.
Paul Weber is a jazz trombone graduate from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (2011). A committed section player, Weber payed his dues as lead trombone in the Sydney Con Big Band (2007-2011), Judy Bailey’s Jazz Connection (2007 to present), and the Sussudio Big Band (2003-2008). A recipient of the prestigious Big Brother Memorium scholarship, Weber travelled to the UK in 2011 to study with Jiggs Whigham, Gordon Campbell and Mark Nightingale; as well as sitting in on rehearsals and a recording session of the BBC Big Band.
WE ARE: Jenna Cave (composer/bandleader), Paul Weber (trombone/bandleader); Dane Laboyrie, Rob Campbell, Matt Collins, Will Gilbert, Paul Meo (trumpets); Justin Buckingham, Josh Willard, Louis Klaassen, Evan Atwell-Harris, Chris O’Dea(saxes); Brendan Champion, Tim Coggins, Mitch Nissen (trombones); Luke Liang (guitar); Dave Groves (bass); James McCaffrey(drums).
7:00 pm, Sunday 11th of November.
The Wall, Bald Faced Stag Hotel, 343 Parramatta Rd Leichhardt. $10/15
Book tickets: www.gobookem.com. Tickets also available at the door.
www.divergencejazzorchestra.com
