Presented by City Band Inc as part of Enlighten After Dark
Can I Kick It? Yes, I CANcophony!
CANcophony is two worlds colliding, Canberra’s contemporary music scene, reimagined for Jazz Orchestra.
Come and see Canberra’s best artists perform their original music backed by Canberra’s 30-piece (30!) premier Jazz Orchestra Spectrum Big Band! Featuring; Citizen Kay, Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds, The Burley Griffin, Lucy Sugerman, Gia Ransome, Peach Lane, Sesame Girl and super special guest Viktor Rufus. When better to showcase the Canberra music scene reimaged, than Canberra Day Weekend.
To celebrate this magnanimous occasion, BMA caught up with the megabrains-with-the-looks-to-match, Andrew Kimber, to learn about himself, his illustrious career, all things CANcophony from inception to fruition, and just how far we need crank the excitement dial past 11.
Dear Andrew… Tell us about yourself:
I’m a proud Canberran and proud family man. I have played saxophone for 27 years [which is remarkable, considering the man is 26]. I am a public servant. I grow giant pumpkins. I’ve managed artists, run tours, been to 42 US states, and I once had a business hiring vans to touring musicians. I’ve also been the Spectrum Big Band Music Director for two years.
Big Band, you say? Do go on…
Canberra City Band Inc. turns 100 next year. It is the longest running community concert band in the country and comprises Canberra City Band, Spectrum Big Band (that’s us), John Agnew Band, and Prism Jazz Ensemble, who are the social concert band and Jazz ensemble of Canberra City Band, Inc.
That’s quite the pedigree. So, just where did this wonderfully mad CANcophony idea spring from?
I think the idea has always been in my head. As a kid I learned piano and then saxophone. I wanted to be a rock star, but played a very un-rockstar instrument. When I started my career as a sax player, I found that I was frequently encouraging people to put “horns with that”.
I think the Jazz Orchestra or Big Band format is incorrectly tied to a period of American Jazz music from the 1930s up to World War II. Following the swing era, a lot of people perceive the type of ensemble to be stuck playing music from that time. I don’t think this is true and feel it is as socially relevant now, as it was then, the Revive Big Band is a great example of this.
How did you get such a lofty event happening?
The first step was a practical one masked in self doubt.
One of the first people I asked was Bec Taylor “I’ve had a bit of a crazy idea…”, and her response was “Sounds incredible Andrew!”. Once I said it out loud to her, I had to follow through.
From there it grew to include the arrangers, artists, seek funding from the ACT Government, support from sponsors, and partners like Colquhuon Murphy, UCX, Instant Colour Press, SideStage and, of course BMA, who have all helped to make the event happen.
Mostly, it wouldn’t happen without the insane crew of Spectrum members who put their faith in me and volunteer their time to make our events epic!
How did you go about selecting the talent for CANcophony?
This is the most ambitious thing I’ve done, and the biggest thing for Canberra City Band Inc. so it was important to make sure people were invested in the idea, and wanted to be involved.
I’ve reached out to a lot of artists and composers in the last 12 months; there are so many extraordinary Canberrans. We have amazing award winning composer Neille Williams, Canberra and Melbourne Jazz favourite Joe McEvilly.
We have the amazing artists [who you can hear from further down this article] including Citizen Kay, whose recent album—so, where are we? —is the perfect material to perform with a jazz orchestra.
Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds will be releasing their new single Photograph at CANcophony, and The Burley Griffin will be recording footage for the video clip to their song Cornerstone.
Add to that Gia Ransome, Ruth O’Brien, Lucy Sugerman, Peach Lane, and Sesame Girl and it’s going to be an epic night!
Remarkable talent, all. So, what can we expect on the night?
Your favourite Canberra music accompanied by a 30-piece Jazz Orchestra, all lit by an impressive light show courtesy of Canberra’s SideStage. And did we mention that we are part of Enlighten After Dark program???
Yes, you did. Just now. And all this will be pretty hard to top. With that in mind, what’s in store for 2024 and beyond?
Spectrum Big Band has another exciting year ahead. We will return to the stage for The Rat Pack Show, the music and humour of the famous Las Vegas troupe. We’ll again host an event for UNESCO International Jazz Day on 30 April, and head into the studio to record and release some original arrangements.
Joe McEvilly
How did you start in music?
I was lucky enough to grow up with a piano in the house, and started picking out songs by ear at a young age. Eventually this led to me coming up with my own compositions. Then, in Year 3, my school organised volunteer mentors to help kids with topics they were interested in. I chose composing. My mentor was a wonderful lady named Pip who got me composing formally and writing things down.
Tell us of a career highlight:
When I was studying at ANU, I put together a nine-piece band and started writing music for it, and basically never stopped.
A highlight would be recording a suite of my compositions and arrangements for national broadcast on ABC Jazztrack, and having a composition from that session featured on ABC’s Best Of Australian Jazz compilation. There have been many highlights over the years.
What’s your creative process?
I like to take long walks while I figure out the big picture of an arrangement or composition. That’s the most important part; if an idea is strong enough to capture my inner ear, it’s strong enough to write an arrangement around.
Then I’ll start honing at the piano or in a DAW like Logic Pro. I’ll brainstorm, walk away, and return to it over the course of several days with fresh ears so I can hear what’s working and what isn’t.
I don’t write a note of sheet music until the end, when the arrangement is almost done and I’m ready to start thinking about how best to communicate it to the musicians who’ll be playing it.
What are you excited to hear at CANcophony?
The possibilities are endless with a project like this. There’s such a vast array of artists, styles and instruments. I find some of the most compelling music happens when different styles crash together.
Where can we check you out?
Right now, I’m based in Spain and focusing on soaking in the musical richness that exists here, from the worlds of jazz, flamenco, salsa, boleros, tango, choro, and so on. There’s much to explore, with many colours to add to my musical palette for my future composing and arranging adventures. https://joemcevilly.com/
Neille Williams
How did you start in music?
Around Year 9 in school. I was learning the clarinet and my parents couldn’t afford to buy me any new music – so I went and darn well wrote my own!
Tell us of a career highlight:
Winning the 2021 Australian Women’s Wind Band Composition Award (both categories) was an amazing high. And to hear the pieces performed so beautifully by the Queensland Wind Symphony later that year was an absolute treat!
Your creative process?
I’m very melody-oriented. What musical elements in and around the melody help make it shine? I don’t compose at a piano, it’s purely in my head, so I sit down, let it float around in my imagination until all the elements start to appear and attach themselves to the melody.
Then I use Sibelius Pro software to notate it all. And while doing that, occasionally other ideas jump right on in and I’ll change what I’m doing. It’s fun, chaotic, beautiful and exciting, and I’m my best self when I’m writing music and indulging in this creative process.
What are you excited to hear at CANcophony?
Beautiful songs reimagined as bigger, brighter, jazzier big band arrangements. It’s like taking one small exquisite gem and surrounding it with a cluster of diamonds – it’s going to be a wonderful evening full of spectacular music!
Where can we check you out?
A violin/clarinet/piano trio of mine called Eponymous is being included in a collection of autobiographical pieces, called 50/50-Towards a Shining Light, that includes pieces from composers from all over the world. It’s been performed several times, published in the USA, and marketed globally. I was so excited to be included.
Other than that, my website nwilliamscreative.com has many pieces for bands and ensembles, and my very cool family band, Manchild and the Blues Kids, keep me out there performing on the contemporary scene. There’s certainly lots to keep me busy!
Andrew Kimber
How’d you start in music?
Reluctantly, in my music degree. But I ended up enjoying discovering voicings and as a Sax player, it was essentially to be able to put horns to anything! Otherwise I’d never have performed half the cool gigs I’ve done.
Career highlight:
In arranging, it would have to be a fun project I did with PBS FM’s Black Wax program (Melbourne broadcaster). During Covid/lockdown, around 20 jazz musos arranged a James Bond Theme each. I overdubbed six saxophones in an arrangement of From Russia With Love. Was a lot of fun, great music, and given the situation, it was such a highlight of that period.
What’s your creative process?
When I arrange something, I try and play along to the recording or play the music an infinite amount of times. Each time, I’m looking for space; notes that aren’t played but “should” fit, and kind of fill the palette up with possibilities. I then essentially delete everything from my brain/notepads, and pursue the best idea.
Composing; it’s just trying to do something every day. 360 terrible songs a year, but you usually get five great ones… Maybe a few in between, if you’re lucky.
What are you excited to hear at CANcophony?
Luckily, I’ve been able to hear CANcophony. I’m most excited to see it! 50 musicians, all these great Canberra songs and artists, and all with a ridiculous amount of lighting that’s been designed especially for these songs!!!
And there’s a Lucy Sugerman arrangement by Joe McEvilly. That’s what I want to hear!!!
Where can we check you out?
An abundance of sleep after this ambitious event is over! A couple of recordings coming out this year, including some cheesy Christmas saxophone for Grandma’s Christmas table this December.
Gia Ransome
Tell us about yourself:
I read a book recently that said ‘whatever pain you can’t get rid of, make it your creative offering’. That really stuck with me, because that’s my songwriting. My songs are the most authentic expression of myself, and a place where I can be completely honest.
That’s what I love most about music – it’s where you can say all the things usually left unsaid.
Fave Canberra acts?
I’m a big fan of ARCHIE. They bring out a joy in me that’s rare to surface. My face always hurts from smiling during their shows.
What excites you about CANcophony?
CANcophony is such a cool idea. I can’t wait to see all of these artists’ songs reimagined for a jazz orchestra. I’m most excited to play my songs with a large ensemble – it’s always been a dream of mine to sing with an orchestra.
What led to choosing the songs you did for CANcophony?
The obvious choice was Belladonna, which I’ve always imagined being played with a big string section. It’s not officially released, but I play it at every show and it’s a bit of a fan favourite. I’ve previously performed Belladonna with cellists, and the arrangement for CANcophony is a flow on from that.
I also chose my debut release, Boots, to give it new life with a crooner style jazz arrangement. Using my debut single felt like a nice way to close the chapter that is my first year of releasing music.
When I mentioned CANcophony to friends, they said they’d love to hear Thunder in the Night (from my EP Winter) with a large ensemble. The songs from that EP are from a really hard time in my life, which I have mostly moved on from. It’s nice to have a chance to give it a redo now that I’m in a better place.
Where can we check you out?
I’ve got a new single coming up soon called Buttercup, which is the last piece of the puzzle with the singles I’ve released so far. I don’t have a release date just yet but it will be in the next couple of months.
After Buttercup, I’m going to be working on new material that’s a bit of a shift in musical direction, and I’m really excited to start that chapter. Keep an eye on Gia’s up coming work here.
Bec Taylor
Tell us about yourself:
I write, sing and play music in a few different genres. The Lyrebirds is my alt-folk-pop project which I do with my wonderful band members, and I play piano, write, and sing in Hashemoto.
I play drums in country band Jason Recliner and mandolin in poetry folk band GWEN, and am really lucky to have recently joined cult-favourite Cell Block 69 as Kori-Ann Kennelly, which has been an incredible time.
Favourite Canberra acts?
There are just too many great Canberra artists. I am very humbled to be a part of CANcophany; everyone is so wonderful and inspiring.
What excites you about CANcophony?
When Andrew explained CANcophany, I thought, “Jesus, that’s ambitious! If he pulls it off, it would be amazing to see Canberra artists on stage supported by a full jazz orchestra”. What a privilege and an incredible musical moment. And it’s looking like he will pull it off.
What led to choosing the songs you did for CANcophony?
We chose Shed My Skin because it is a classic pop song from our first album that could be arranged in different ways, and I wanted to see how they would arrange it for the big band.
I chose Go On Without Me because it’s a story ballad about what happened the year after a break up, and it’s a song that I could hear orchestral instruments on. The arrangement that Spectrum did is beautiful and really did it justice.
Where can we check you out?
Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds have just released new single, Photograph (on all the streaming platforms), and we’re really excited to release our new album Limbs & All in April. It’s our best work so far.
Cell Block 69 are playing at The Baso on the 23rd and 24th of March and it’s gonna be HUGE.
Peach Lane
Tell us about yourself:
We’re Peach Lane, made up of Madeleine, Hannah, and Pierre. We met and formed the band in Canberra, with Pierre living in Melbourne now and us mostly working on music together remotely.
Musically, we’re a blend of our influences across pop, indie, folk, and ambient music. We often talk about The xx, Lorde, and Bon Iver as major influences, and we all had boygenius as a top artist in our Spotify Wrapped this year.
We love music – we love listening to it, seeing it live, making it, performing it. Music is such a powerful way to express feelings, thoughts, and emotions. Even when we’re not specifically creating songs for the band, making music feels therapeutic.
Favourite Canberra acts?
There are so many amazing bands coming out of Canberra. Some of our favs are Aya Yves, Sesame Girl, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, Lucy Sugerman, and Genesis Owusu.
What excites you about CANcophony?
Amazing Canberra artists, amazing Canberra Big Band. We’re so excited to be going as fans, let alone performing!
What led to choosing the songs you did for CANcophony?
Watch Me Leave: When getting the song ready to record, we threw in some horns to punch up the choruses, and create a big marching band vibe in the outro. Being synth horns from a keyboard, we leapt at the opportunity to hear it with a real Big Band.
You Love Me I Hate Me: Such a fun, high-energy song, it deserved the Big Band treatment. We’ve been hearing this one on repeat in the lead up to its release so we were really keen to hear it reimagined.
Where can we check you out?
You Love Me I Hate Me comes out on 7 March, right before we play the Enlighten Illuminations stage on Friday, 8 March at 7:30pm, so it’ll be a big weekend for us! It’s the first song we’ve put out in over a year, so we’re super excited for people to hear it and we’re hoping to use it to kick off a series of releases this year. Follow Peach Lane on Instagram.
Evan Buckley
Tell us a bit about yourself:
Big ask! I grew up feeling very isolated, so songwriters were my closest friends. In childhood, I had some folk music and hymns, then got into pop and punk as I got older and continually found new songs that made me feel understood; like the song itself was listening to me.
Increasingly, I’m learning to write in a way that incorporates my love of dancing and groove.
Favourite Canberra acts?
Kilroy, Big Reef, Micah Heathwood, Smart Casual, Mr Industry (now Melbourne based), Dog World (now Melbourne), Cathy Diver (now Tasmania) and, of course, all the amazing acts on the CANcophony line-up!
What excites you about CANcophony?
I’ve only heard the midi instrument versions of the arrangements, created by the great Neille Williams, but I can hear so many beautiful harmonies emerging. We’re rehearsing with Spectrum BB tonight, and I’m thrilled to have many talented musicians lend their ears, lips, fingers and spirits to these songs I’ve raised from infancy to satisfying fruition!
What led to choosing the songs you did for CANcophony?
I picked one song (Being Alive) because it has plenty of space in it, and the other (Cornerstone) because it’s already the most epic song that Louis Montgomery and I arranged on The Burley Griffin’s most recent record. I can’t wait to hear what kind of dizzying heights we might yet achieve with CANcophany.
Where can we check you out?
Along with Enlighten and CANcophany we’re also playing Canberra’s newest venue, Funtime Pony, with Kilroy on Thursday, 21 March at 10pm.
Besides a bunch more shows, we’re also working on a new 12 song album with Louis Montgomery again. We’ve made some progress, but until I figure out grant writing, I’ll just be chipping away at this record in stages until it’s done. I’ll keep you posted on that one!
Ruth O’Brien
Tell us about yourself:
I find music is a great way to express yourself and share stories you might not otherwise get to.
Fave Canberra acts?
Venus Mantrap, Lucy Sugerman, Citizen Kay.
What excites you about CANcophony?
The chance to share my songs in a different way, and to a different audience with people hearing the songs for the first time. Not to mention the Big Band backing and arrangement, which is amazing. And it’s all Canberra! Being able to share the stage with such great talent is so uplifting.
What led to choosing the songs you did for CANcophony?
They’re my favourites to sing! I didn’t actually think too much about which ones would sound particularly good with an orchestral backing, and instead lent toward those I had a fondness for.
Where can we check you out?
My most recent release, Songs For Abby EP, came out last year and is a collection of four songs about my beloved (and sadly now departed) cat, Abby. Available on streaming platforms!
Lucy Sugerman
Tell us about yourself:
I’m a songwriter and artist from Canberra, writing indie-pop and acoustic-folk music. I use music to process the world and my emotions, and as a personal outlet. It’s also extremely fun! And to have it as such a deep part of my personal and professional life is such a blessing. Music can touch a heart like no other.
Favourite Canberra acts?
It changes all the time, but right now I’m bumping a lot of Citizen Kay, Apricot Ink, and Jett Blyton. Also been loving Artist Running Club and ARCHIE.
What excites you about CANcophony?
Getting to hear everyone’s song in grand Big Band form. It’s such a privilege to have our songs arranged by some of the best arrangers and composed, and blending traditional elements of music with contemporary tracks.
Andrew has worked so hard to deliver a new and exciting experience for fans of Big Band and CBR music. It’s a beautiful display of community spirit and people striving for excellence.
What led to choosing the songs you did for CANcophony?
They are more upbeat and grand than some of my other tracks and I felt like they would lend themselves well to a jazz/Big Band vibe.
Where can we check you out?
Many-a-gig to play, and many-a-song to be released soon. Make sure to follow me on the socials to see when they happen.
CANcophony. Saturday, 9 March. Doors 7:30pm at UC Refectory. Cost: $79 Adult/$59 conc.+bf via Humanitix