SNAPSHOT – The Dan Barnett Big Band

SNAPSHOT finds Dan Barnett leading his 14 piece big band with confidence warmth and a grin that comes through the speakers. The album mixes swinging tunes, ballads and bursts of Latin sparkle.

Four originals sit comfortably alongside selected standards arranged by Australian favourites Andrew Robertson, Ed Wilson, Kelly Ottaway, Evan Lohning, Cam McAllister and David Basden.

The lineup includes Ray Cassar, James Power and Simon Ferenci on trumpets, James Greening and Mike Raper on trombones, Andrew Robertson, David Theak, Tim Clarkson and Nick Bowd on reeds, Peter Locke on piano, Sam Rollings on guitar, Greg Royal on bass and Andrew Dickeson on drums. Two duets with Monica Trapaga add charm. It is joyful Australian jazz made with love.

A Piece of Infinity – Meklit

A Piece of Infinity is Meklit opening a door to Ethiopia and beyond. Born in Addis and based in San Francisco she folds folk songs into glowing ethio jazz. Her voice moves in Kambaata Amharic Oromo and English while singing of love, distance and playful riddles.

Harpist Brandee Younger and flutist Camille Thurman drop in as honored guests. The album was recorded at San Francisco’s Women’s Audio Mission and produced with Sam Bevan. Meklit shows that one country can hold endless melodies and that jazz can stretch to meet them without losing its heartbeat.