Volant. Image courtesy of the artist
Sydney’s modern jazz quartet Volant will perform at Tuggeranong Arts Centre on Saturday 8 November at 7pm.
Volant has bloomed from a long-standing curiosity of the beauty and intricacy of birds – both in their song and movement, and as enduring symbols of freedom.
Led by acclaimed saxophonist Matthew Ottignon, the quartet features pianist Lauren Tsamouras, bassist Hannah James, and drummer Hayley Chan.
“Is there something about this music, flush with heightened beauty and transcendence, that speaks tellingly to our times? On the strength of Volant, one senses a resounding yes.” – ★★★★½ Dingo Jazz Magazine
Ottignon has dug deep, burrowing into a brand of spiritual jazz rooted in the music of John and Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. “This music is an echo of all the sounds that have resonated with me past and present.”
With the release of their debut album (Earshift Music, 2024), Volant’s sound resonated internationally. The album received soaring 4 and 5-star reviews in The Age, Jazzwise (UK), Dingo Jazz Magazine, and the Sydney Morning Herald, and was named Best of Jazz Bandcamp (August), as well as a Feature Album on ABC Jazz and Eastside Radio.
Performers
Matthew Ottignon – Saxophone
Hannah James – Bass
Lauren Tsamouras – Piano
Hayley Chan – Drums
Concert Details
What: The Jazz Haus Canberra: Volant
When: Saturday 8 November, 7pm (bar open from 6pm)
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre 137 Reed Street North
Tickets: $45 / $38. Book now.
Find out more at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Before the concert, there will be an opportunity to learn new scale and rhythm creation with Matthew Ottignon and Hayley Chan.
By studying the construction of a traditional Ethiopian scale, Ottignon has discovered interesting new pentatonic scales; and in Greg Sheehan’s widely referenced book ‘The Rhythm Diaries’ he found countless launching pads for rhythmic exploration.
In this workshop he will show how he is combining new scale creation with a unique approach to Sheehan’s rhythm concepts, also known as ‘Rhythm Diamonds’, to create a new improvisational vocabulary on the saxophone. Drummer Hayley Chan and saxophonist Ottignon will demonstrate how they use these concepts as improvisors and aim to demystify some of these rhythmic and melodic secrets.
Key areas touched on will be the importance of ‘time’, ‘feel’, ‘groove’ and ‘melody’ in music. Both musicians are highly sought after in the Sydney scene and will also offer insights in how to build a career in music as an instrumentalist.
This workshop is open to musicians of all levels and non-musicians alike. If you have an interest in seeing how music is created or how rhythm and melody are used by improvisors this workshop is for you. If you are musician, please bring your instrument as there will be space for you to try out some of the concepts with Matthew and Hayley. No experience with jazz or improvising is necessary and all levels can be accommodated. Open to all this will be an eye-opening, interactive and inclusive musical experience.
Workshop Details
What: New Scale and Rhythm Creation workshop
When: Saturday 8 November, 1:30 pm to 3 pm
Where: Tuggeranong Arts Centre 137 Reed Street North
Tickets: $10 per person Click here to book
Find out more at Tuggeranong Arts Centre
