Ready to tour: Origami (Image supplied)
CD LAUNCH TOUR
Origami is touring this month to support the release of two new CDs, Karaoke and The Usefulness of Art.
The line-up: Adam Simmons alto sax and bass clarinet, Howard Cairns double bass, Hugh Harvey drums (Anthony Baker played drums on the albums)
This tour and these two albums are a must not to miss, not only because of the music, but also to view the wonder of the hand-folded album covers that have become the hallmark of this trio. These are bound to be collector’s items — if you can get one.
Anyone who has heard Origami’s earlier album The Blues of Joy will know that the band is capable of enfolding the listener in music that is accessible as well as beautiful, while at other times daring to unfold our preconceptions and take us down pathways that are not as familiar.
I am sorry to have to miss the Melbourne launch of The Usefulness of Art, but I highly recommend this collection of compositions, which gives voice to Simmons’ feelings at a time when the arts are not always considered too important in our society. In particular, this album is apposite given the recent cut to funding of the Melbourne Jazz Co-operative.
I had the privilege of sitting in at the recording session for this album. Don’t miss it. As for Karaoke, who can resist? Go on, you know you love it. This is Origami’s take on some songs that are well known.
The Origami tour dates and places are listed below:
Melbourne Mon 11 March. Musica @ La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond St, Carlton 7:30pm
Ballarat Sun 17 March. L’espresso, 417 Sturt St 8pm
Canberra Mon 18 March, The Front Gallery & Cafe, Shop 3, 1 Wattle Pl, Lyneham 7:30pm
Newcastle Tue 19 March, The Grand Hotel (presented by NIMA), cnr Church & Bolton streets 7:30pm
Sydney Thu 21 March, Colbourne Ave, cnr Colbourne Ave and St Johns Rd, Glebe 8pm
Canberra Fri 22 March, The Village Festival, Glebe Pk – http://www.thevillagefestival.com.au time TBC
Paraparap Sun 24 March, Wolseley Winery, 1790 Hendy Main Rd, Paraparap 3pm
Melbourne Thu 28 March, Melbourne Recital Centre, 31 Sturt St, Southbank 7pm
Here’s some background provided by the band:
Origami is the most recent of Adam Simmons’ various projects, which include the Adam Simmons Quartet, New Blood, Collider, La Société des Antipodes and the renowned Adam Simmons Toy Band. He has contributed to numerous ensembles and recordings over many years, including in recent times: Gotye, Tania Bosak, John McAll’s Black Money, Kutcha Edwards, bucketrider and many others.
Howard Cairns , a band leader in his own right as well as a pivotal member of Way Out West, brings a beautifully gentle strength in his bass playing that helps to define the sound of Origami. Founding drummer, Anthony Baker, has unfortunately withdrawn from regular duties with Origami , but the incoming Hugh Harvey complements the trio’s sound with ease, bringing his own exuberant style to the group.
Peter Wockner in Limelight Magazine, 2012, writes:
Simmons has been on the Melbourne scene since the 1990s, but this could be his defining moment. Origami, with masterly technique, embraces some of the most vital aspects of jazz tradition and yet has an utterly contemporary relevance. Swing, groove, interplay, self-expression, and in the example of past masters such as Rollins, has embraced pop without compromising artistic integrity.
Karaoke (2013) and The Usefulness of Art (2013) are distributed nationally by Trailblazer Records – contact Richard Fields, (03) 9510 1435
For physical and/or digital sales, (inc. 24bit, 96Khz quality) visit Fatrain
ROGER MITCHELL
Ausjazz Blog 