'Antipodes' are a group of some extremely fine NZ and AU musicians writing original jazz music blurring the lines between art music and more traditional forms of jazz as a folk music. The unique trans-tasman amalgamation of the group allows for music that, as John Fenton of Jazz Local 32 writes is "...the communication of a shared vision that lifts them above the ordinary."
"Good Winter" is Antipodes' first studio album, following four years of touring and live recordings throughout New Zealand and Australia. It was recorded at Free Energy Device Studios in Sydney with help from Creative New Zealand funding. Richard Belkner engineered the session and mixed the album, and Nate Wood mastered the album in New York City.
The album is a collection of compositions by longtime members Jake Baxendale (saxophone) Luke Sweeting (piano) and Callum Allardice (guitar). It also features a single composition by Max Alduca (bass) and the talents of Aidan Lowe (drums) and Ken Allars (trumpet).
Good Winter brings together a number of themes that the band has explored over the years. Opening track "Carousel" is a nod to the band's often playful, irreverent improvisational interplay; Cosmos takes it's cue from the openness of the night sky, and explores textures and soundscapes; "Haritomeni" (which Luke was commissioned to write in memory of an immigrant relative) recalls the themes of travel over vast oceans; "Good Winter" is a bright, folk-pop melody that descends into a jostling, crowded epilogue; and "Hipster Jam" and "Night Watch" are two of the band's signature power ballads (no joke!). The album also features a new arrangement of the award winning "Deep Thought", the APRA Best NZ Jazz Composition of the Year 2017.
Good Winter released on September 7th, 2018, and is available on major music distribution platforms.
ANTIPODES ON TOUR 2018:
AUSTRALIA
Sep 27 WOLLONGONG, Rad Bar
Sep 28 WAGGA Wagga Conservatorium, 7:30pm concert, Adult $27 | Concession $17 | RCM Students $10
Sep 29 WAGGA Wagga Conservatorium, 10am-12pm Workshop, $30
Sep 29 TUMUT Tumut River Brewing Company, 7pm dinner, 8pm show
Sep 30 COOMA St Paul's Church Hall, 2:30pm (book tickets)
Oct 03 SYDNEY, Scots Church Sydney, 12:30pm, $15 (book tickets)
Oct 04 NEWCASTLE, Grand Hotel Underground, 7:30pm
Oct 05 NORTH SYDNEY, Halfback Books, 8pm, Entry by donation (book tickets)
Oct 06 BLUE MOUNTAINS, Hydro Majestic, 8pm, $35
Oct 09 SYDNEY, Bohemian Grove, 7:30pm, $10
Oct 10 CANBERRA, Hippo Co, 8:30pm
Oct 11 CANBERRA, Smiths Alternative, 7pm, $20 Full / $15 Concession / $5 Student
NEW ZEALAND
Dec 12 - AUCKLAND, Backbeat Bar, 8pm
Dec 13 - HAMILTON, Nivara Lounge, 8pm (book tickets)
Dec 14 - HAWKES BAY (TBA)
Dec 15 - MANAWATU (TBA)
Dec 16 - WELLINGTON, The Rogue and Vagabond, 5pm
Dec 18 - CHRISTCHURCH, Space Academy, 7pm
Dec 19 - NELSON, Fairfield House, 7pm (book tickets)
Dec 20 - GOLDEN BAY, The Mussel Inn, 8.30pm (book tickets)
Dec 21 - BLENHEIM, Dharma Bums, 8.30pm