A MODERN abstract jazz band will combine with indigenous musicians - both traditional and contemporary - at a unique show in Darwin this weekend.
The project is the result of a four-year collaboration between the Australian Art Orchestra, the Wagilak Gujarra/Nyilapidji musicians from Ngukurr and singer Ruby Hunter.
In Darwin yesterday AAO artistic director Paul Grabowsky said the show and music, called Crossing Roper Bar, was unmistakably Australian".
It's combining essentially very ancient and very modern music. I love that kind of juxtaposition. The songmen from Ngukurr have been very generous in letting us learn these songs. It's been gestating over four years - very slowly given the distances involved. I don't think that there's any similar kind of project to this. There is the underlay of the traditional music which is a very recognisable sound - we use that as a jumping off point for jazz ... and jazzy improvisation.
Paul Grabowsky
Crossing Roper Bar is at the Star Shell in the Botanic Gardens at 8pm tomorrow (Sunday). Tickets $16/$12.
The Australian Art Orchestra plays the Town Hall Ruins on Smith St at 8pm tonight (Saturday). Tickets $55/$50.
Visit the Darwin Festival website for more details.
The project is the result of a four-year collaboration between the Australian Art Orchestra, the Wagilak Gujarra/Nyilapidji musicians from Ngukurr and singer Ruby Hunter.
In Darwin yesterday AAO artistic director Paul Grabowsky said the show and music, called Crossing Roper Bar, was unmistakably Australian".
It's combining essentially very ancient and very modern music. I love that kind of juxtaposition. The songmen from Ngukurr have been very generous in letting us learn these songs. It's been gestating over four years - very slowly given the distances involved. I don't think that there's any similar kind of project to this. There is the underlay of the traditional music which is a very recognisable sound - we use that as a jumping off point for jazz ... and jazzy improvisation.
Paul Grabowsky
Crossing Roper Bar is at the Star Shell in the Botanic Gardens at 8pm tomorrow (Sunday). Tickets $16/$12.
The Australian Art Orchestra plays the Town Hall Ruins on Smith St at 8pm tonight (Saturday). Tickets $55/$50.
Visit the Darwin Festival website for more details.
For more information contact All About Jazz.