Chris Poulsen Trio “David & Goliath” Album Launch
Brisbane, Qld: Brisbane jazz-fusion outfit, The Chris Poulsen Trio is back with a new line-up and fresh, formidable repertoire. Their newly recorded, retro-fusion album, “David and Goliath” is set for release on June 1st. With “phat” grooves, old-school funky shuffles, and driving break-beats, their accessible yet quirky, original jazz is full of energy, interaction and surprise. These instrumental works retell the epic battle of David and Goliath using exploratory and accessible styles from the jazz tradition. Poulsen (keyboard) describes the journey of crafting serious jazz around the sometimes polarizing Christian scriptures; “There is so much drama and depth of meaning in these Biblical narratives which can be interpreted on a number of levels. They contain a sense of awe and wonder, as well as genuine relatability, which is exactly the approach we try to have with our music. There are moments of tension, suspense, relief, and celebration – all within a steady context of interaction and improvisation.”
Musically this work draws from influences such as Medeski, Martin & Wood and Herbie Hancock, as well as 60s hard-bop and Gospel music. Cheekily named track Giant Threats Part 1 & 2 turns Coltrane’s classic completely back-to-front with a fury of intense drumming and growling organs, capturing the overwhelming intimidation from such a fierce foe. Brother, Smell the Bread borrows more from the gospel/soul genre, and portrays the young boy’s sermon-like urging of his older brothers to take courage and have faith. Recorded in an anologue-tape studio (Tapeworm Studios) with vintage microphones and instruments, the album is not only musically compelling but sonically authentic.
The Chris Poulsen Trio’s album launch event is being held at The Studio, Metro Arts, 109 Edward St, Brisbane at 7.30pm. Tickets $25, including a copy of “David and Goliath”. Tickets can be pre-purchased online through: www.chrispoulsentrio.com
About the Chris Poulsen Trio
The Chris Poulsen Trio, formed in 2004, is an intensely energetic jazz/fusion combo which has toured internationally and supported U.S. jazz artists such as Yellowjackets, Mike Stern and Cindy Blackman. Nationally, they have packed out Melbourne’s Paris Cat venue, Sydney’s Venue 505, Manly Jazz Festival, Speigeltent at The Brisbane Festival, and have just been announced as one of the few local acts to be featured at the Brisbane International Jazz Festival. Having performed together solidly for more than eight years, keyboardist Chris Poulsen, and bassist Jeremy O’Connor, join drummer Sam Mitchell, sharing an incredible rapport and uniquely blended sound. With influences such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, and Medeski Martin & Wood, as well as traditional gospel and 60’s hard-bop, the instrumental three-piece presents original tunes, full of dynamic colour, improvisational interaction, adventurous aggression and light-hearted fun, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
Chris Poulsen – Electric Pianos, Organ, Synthesizers;
Jeremy O’Connor – Electric Bass and Double Bass;
Sam Mitchell – Drums, Percussion, Samples.
WHAT: Chris Poulsen Trio Album Launch “David & Goliath”
WHERE: The Studio, Metro Arts, 109 Edward St, Brisbane CBD
WHEN: Sat 1st June 2013 7:30pm
COST: $25 (inc free CD)
WEBSITE: www.chrispoulsentrio.com
