The beginning of the trio
Michael moved to Melbourne in 2005 after completing his Bachelor of Music at the Christchurch Jazz School in New Zealand with support from the Jerry Wise Young Performers Scholarship and Dame Malvina Major Foundation’s Young Emerging Artist Grant.
He studied under the guidance of bassist Gary Costello and pianists Tim Stevens and Andrea Keller and wrote his honours dissertation on bassist Larry Grenadier entitled 'Larry Grenadier's contribution to collective improvisation in the Brad Mehldau trio'.
The trio was formed early that year performing around Melbourne and in late 2005 completed their debut self-titled album. The trio’s sound has developed from their previous release with a greater focus on collective improvisation, blending deep colourful harmonies and melodies with kick, hats, snare and woody double bass grooves.
Michael met Luke Howard (pictured top left) upon arriving in Melbourne at one of Ben Roberston's gigs at Bennetts Lane. A subsequent jam was booked at VCA and Luke got Daniel Farrugia (pictured bottom right) on drums. The musical chemistry was instant and so began the trio.
Their new album 'So you want more' features 12 tracks written and recorded in 2008 and is reflective of the group's dynamic interplay and shared melodic sensitivity.
Recording at Sound Research Studios
This new release by the trio was recorded at Sound Research Studios at The Victorian College of the Arts. The recording space is a giant orchestral rehearsal room and recording space with a beautiful Yamaha piano.
It is obvious in listening to the recording the necessity for this trio is record in one space, the unity of purpose and interactive collective improvising can be heard throughout, and this cohesive sound was achieved through close contact between the musicians.
The session was engineered by Myles Mumford who freelances at a number of studios in Melbourne and runs the VCA Sound Research Studio.
He has composed and designed for over 80 theatre shows, including dance, drama and installations, some 50 plus films and engineered and/or produced countless albums, EPs, demos and helped many artists and bands on their musical journey.
Mixing with Hadyn Buxton at The Dog House Studios
The mixing stage was done by Hadyn Buxton at The Dog House Studios. Haydn (formly of Metropolis Audio in South Melbourne) has worked alongside artists like John Farnham, editing and mixing of live recordings of bands like The Dandy Warhols, sessions with international artists such as Will Smith and members of Queen, as well as local independent and signed artists.
His sensitive ear and real musicianship took the session to the next level, sculpting the sound of each track and instrument.
Hadyn has also engineered and mixed one of Luke's other projects 'FGHR' and their latest release 'Going Home', and currently works engineering, mixing and producing between his own studio and other commercial facilities locally and nationally.
Mastering with Philip Rex at Paper Mache Studios
Philip Rex mastered the CD at Paper Mache Studios.
He has attracted the attention of many other recording artists for his musicality and individuality in music production, and has remixed or produced singles for acts such as Merrill Bainbridge, Sirens, Paul Grabowsky, the Australian Art Orchestra, and for the 'Big Brother' soundtrack. He has also mixed and/or mastered many albums for Australian artists in both Jazz, Latin and Dance Music fields.
Philip is one of Australia’s most in demand musicians, being a leading exponent of the Double Bass, and playing Tuba as his second instrument within the Australian Art Orchestra. Musicians and critics everywhere have noted his musical skill and versatility, both as an instrumentalist, bandleader, and producer.
He is also a founding and current member of the Australian Art Orchestra, and is currently a member of three of the finest Piano Trios in the country; the Joe Chindamo, Paul Grabowsky, and Jex Saarelaht trios.
