“Deeply sensitive, intellectually inquisitive, modern and of today. Underwards is breaking the jazz coma.”- Eric Pozza, Canberra Jazz Blog
“Beauty blended with visceral excitement” - John Shand and Annabel Ross, Sydney Morning Herald
Artists:
Ellen Kirkwood - trumpet
Hilary Geddes - guitar
Brendan Clark - electric bass
Alex Inman-Hislop - drums
About the Performance:
Evoking places and experiences in nature through a rich blend of jazz and experimental music, with hints of folk and contemporary classical, Underwards is led by award-winning composer and trumpeter Ellen Kirkwood. The music of Underwards is inspired by places and experiences in nature, and features group and solo improvisations, vivid colours and textures, emphatic rhythms and enigmatic melodies.
Currently, the majority of Underwards’ works form part of Kirkwood’s PhD project, exploring respectful Indigenous-informed immersive connecting with Country in locations in Dharug and Wiradjuri Nations. The works of music are stories of a kind; manifestations of learnings and experiences with Country. Audiences are guided through Underwards’ musical journeys with personal, spoken introductions to these works, detailing Country’s influence on the music.
About the quartet:
Underwards is a Sydney-based jazz quartet led by trumpeter and composer Ellen Kirkwood. Formed in 2020, their repertoire features Kirkwood's compositions which are characterised by her deep love of places in nature, and are emotive, textural and explorative, with ample space for solo and group improvisation.
Underwards' members are trumpeter Ellen Kirkwood (Mister Ott, Splinter Orchestra, Sirens Big Band, Earshift Orchestra, 2012 Jann Rutherford Memorial winner), guitarist Hilary Geddes (Hilary Geddes Quartet, The Buoys, Earshift Orchestra, 2021 Freedman Jazz Fellow, 2019 Jann Rutherford Memorial Award), bassist Brendan Clark (Lisathe, The Three Seas, No Cattle) and drummer Dr Alexander Inman-Hislop (Bike Thief, Jetrio, Jahl Heshi, Zela Margossian Quintet, Hilary Geddes Quartet).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl_y2WIW7kQ