THE TROUBLES 

Lucien Johnson (saxophones and flute), John Rae (drums), Patrick Bleakley (double bass), Nick Van Dijk (trombone and trumpet), Daniel Yeabsley (saxophones and clarinet), Tristan Carter (violin), Andrew Filmer (viola), Charley Davenport (cello), Anthony Donaldson (percussion)

Over a yearlong residency at Wellington’s Happy Bar, The Troubles developed and honed their quasi-anarchistic brand of meticulously composed music. From the crass to the sublime, the emotive to the absurd, their music is inventive, passionate, honest, and wholly life affirming. Recorded on one of their exuberant evenings, their debut is a moment of magic, a never to be repeated snapshot of one of New Zealand’s most original and engaging ensembles.

The painting on the cover is by renowned New Zealand artist, composer and performer, Fane Flaws (most widely known for his work with New Zealand ‘new-pop’ ensemble, The Crocodiles).

SNEAKING OUT AFTER MIDNIGHT 

Mark Lockett (drums), Joel Frahm (saxophone), Orlando Le Fleming (double bass)

The concept behind the original compositions on Mark Lockett’s Sneaking Out After Midnight was largely inspired by his love for the wonderful music of American alto saxophonist and 'giant of jazz', Ornette Coleman, particularly the music he created with Don Cherry, Charlie Haden and Ed Blackwell. Mark also drew upon his extensive time spent studying with New York heavyweight, Ari Hoenig. The fusion of these two influences form the thematic and melodic basis of this, his fourth album.

Joel Frahm and Orlando Le Fleming bring the music to life, producing a fresh, joyful, and thoroughly modern sound, a successful merging of the unique character of jazz from ‘down-under’ with the esteemed rigour and pedigree of New York edge.

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