Commemorating the ANZAC legacy.
Kristin Berardi, Sean Foran and Rafael Karlan, in a three way interview
JK: What was the inspiration for this project?
SF: I think it really came about after working together last year in the DeClassified Music series in Brisbane. We had a show and felt that the connection in the group was strong and that we should work on some kind of project for 2015. We hadn’t really planned a concept for the album yet, but once we realised it was the ANZAC centenary in 2015 the concept came together quickly. I feel (and I think Raf and Kristin agree), that translating ANZAC letters into musical concepts would be a really rewarding musical experience… so we went with it!
KB: Yes – as Sean said, we did some gigs together last year, having known one another for over ten years doing our study in Brisbane, but being part of different groups and projects until now, basically. But we have always been friends and admired one another’s musics…This came about because of a couple of gigs, and thinking that we should do this more regularly!
RK: This project came about following a really fun performance in 2014 as part of the DeClassified Music series last year. I had a great opportunity to compose a work for a trio performance in the Fireworks Art Gallery in Brisbane. This work was to be inspired by a painting of my choice. Combining music with an extra element, in that case a beautiful painting, to add both context and inspiration for the music was a really rewarding experience and definitely help to plant some seeds for this project.
It is a pleasure playing in and writing for a trio as it is a very intimate and honest format. We all felt that this exposed and intimate setting would be a great way to explore the charged concepts of wartime correspondence.
JK: how have you worked together developing the pieces? Ie a piece each or collaborations
SF: it’s been quite mixed… some pieces have been written by individuals and brought to the group, some have really been shaped by the group, and some are co-writes between 2. Kristin has been the chief lyric writer, and it’s been amazing to have her respond to melodies I’ve written and shape lyrics based on the discussions we’ve had about letters,
KB: Some of the works were solo works…
Sean and Raf collaborated on some melodic ideas. But we’d always bring our works together and share them, and get each other’s input which was really great, as we all write differently, and have different tastes, but we all like one another’s music. I really enjoyed this experience. The group has certainly been one where we can share respectfully our ideas and preferences.
I’ve never collaborated before so this was really enjoyable part of this project for me.
The works that Sean and Raf brought to me were a different process again; I’d make sure I’d understand where their musical ideas had come from…a feeling/vibe from a letter or letters, or an actual letter itself and based on it’s story, and then I would try and allow the meaning, through words, mesh with the harmony and melodies provided.
RK: We aimed to keep everything quite balanced between collaborations and solo works. There were a few pieces that were composed by all three members, while some were by two of us and a couple of works were written by one member.
Kristin wrote all of the lyrics but, at least for me, it felt like there was an strong element of collaboration throughout the entire project as everyone wanted to ensure that the music and lyrics were consistent with each other and reflective of the specific letter or concept that formed the inspiration for the work. We would often talk about specific themes that we had come across in letters/diaries and how we could approach this ideas musically. We would also bounce ideas around and often play our ideas as they were developing.
This project is the first time that I have co-written with anyone and it was much easier than I was expecting. Bringing in a sketch to a rehearsal or writing session was very liberating because once it was there, it belonged to everyone and we were all free to come with suggestions. I found that this was particularly liberating with my own sketches as I would come at them from a new creative space. It totally helps that both Kristin and Sean are excellent and accomplished composers!
JK: What has been most challenging?
SF: translating the intense subject matter into music that is meaningful, but not too heavy. We wanted to ensure that the music wasn’t too dark, but still drew people into the content.
KB: The most challenging part I thought was going to be the collaboration, but that was fine. The thing that stressed me the most was the same as Sean….how to make something beautiful, respectful and honest with such heavy, historical and personal content.
RK: I feel the same as Kristin and Sean on this.
Writing music that is respectful, honest and appropriate was really challenging.
Reading through hundreds of letters and diaries and getting an insight into the lives of these people has been an incredibly strong experience. Trying to then pour some of what I feel and have learned into music to express even a part of what I have come across in an honest way was very challenging.
JK: What have been the highlights?
SF: hmmm…well.. we haven’t got to the first shows yet – Brisbane and Canberra.. but I think they will be pretty special experiences, premiering this new pieces of work for audiences.
KB: the highlight for me has been working with these two musicians. I really love their writing – and yeah, it’s been wonderful hearing what has come out of us all for this project.
RK: This entire project has been a really special experience.
It has been great working with these wonderful musicians researching, exploring and creating music based on such incredibly personal and charged themes.
I have had goosebumps of the back of my neck on several occasions with how beautiful and piercing the music has been and getting the music to that level has been a real highlight.
Working with all the nice people involved in the different stages of making this album has been great too. There has been a really nice space shared by everyone involved in this project.
JK: What can the audience expect to hear?
SF: It’s certainly quite inspired by folk music.. and probably has more of those sounds and less modern jazz type elements. At the same time it’s highly improvisational and really interactive. The blend of piano, saxophone and voice is beautiful, and I think the melodies are strong and catchy.
KB: The aim for me is for it to be a beautiful, honest offering of very human, real experiences.
RK: I like what Kristin and Sean wrote here!
The audience can expect to hear three musicians sharing their take on what they have read, learned and felt and to hear them exploring this in an honest and intimate way.
You can catch Kristin Berardi, Sean Foran and Rafael Karlan performing this work at:
Wangaratta Festival – Jazz and Blues
9.30pm, Friday October 30 – WPAC Hall
and
Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival
Saturday 7 November, Foundry616
Brisbane – The Old Museum – Oct 24
Melbourne – Bennett’s Lane – Nov 1
Currumbin – Currumbin Eco Village – Nov 15
Cairns – Centre of Contemporary Art – Dec 11
