Umeshu by Michael Gordon Quintet
Umeshu - A traditional Japanese liqueur made by steeping unripe Ume plums in shōchū. Sickly sweet, to counteract the sourness of the plums, with a consistency resembling cough syrup. Melody in fourths, for a Japanese flavour. Dense harmonies to add thickness, a syrupy-sax melody in the bridge, layered on top of some drunken harmonic motion.
Daybreak - The vivid imagery of Nietzche's "Daybreak"; bright colours, fresh air and a well-rested morning energy.
The Outsider - A meditation on the artist's place in society, the jazz musician's place in the music world.
More Kao-Bell - A bebop tune departing from a mi-fa-sol opening. A prototypical bebop-style "pun title", dedicated to Will Kao, hoping for more sounds from his trombone bell!!
Tracklist
| 1. | Umeshu | 7:39 |
| 2. | Daybreak | 6:43 |
| 3. | The Outsider | 6:08 |
| 4. | More Kao-Bell | 10:06 |
Credits
Michael Gordon - Alto saxophone, compositions
Will Kao - Trombone
Glyn MacDonald - Piano, Electric Piano
Luke Belcher - Double Bass
Frank Stedman - Drums
Recorded by Daniel Sinclair
Mixed by Brent Clark
Mastered by Kathy Naunton
License
All rights reserved.
Jazz saxophonist and composer Michael Gordon attended Sydney Conservatorium and has spent the last 10 years living in Sydney.
He has performed with many of Australia's finest jazz musicians such as John Harkins, Andrew Dickeson, Michael Griffin, Dave Panichi and Arthur Washington.
Michael's music has been featured on ABC radio and RNZ as well as being reviewed in major Australian newspapers.