Monday, November 29, 2021

Various Artists - Pyramid Pieces 2 (November 2021 Roundtable)

Following the critical acclaim of the 2020 compilation Pyramid Pieces, The Roundtable return with a second offering of modernist jazz from Australia. Another vital document further examining the nation’s jazz scene during the late 1960s and 70s. A fertile period that witnessed the birth of an independent movement and the development of a distinct Australian jazz sound. While continuing to focus on the modal forms explored in Volume 1, this second edition shifts direction slightly, this time also surveying other post-bop modes representative of the scene including soul jazz, avant-garde ballet music and Eric Dolphy-inspired free jazz.

Again featuring tracks from the esteemed independent imprints Jazznote and 44 Records, the collection also offers never before published pieces from less obvious Australian jazz groups. Compositions by internationally renowned musicians including Bob Bertles (Nucleus/Neil Ardley), Bruce Cale (The Spontaneous Music Ensemble/Prince Lasha) and Allan Zavod (Frank Zappa) alongside pillars of the local scene, Charlie Munro and Ted Vining plus the lesser-known yet formidable free jazz unit ‘Out To Lunch’. Pyramid Pieces 2 is another timely insight into the evolution of the incredible yet obscured Australian modern jazz movemen

1. Bob Bertles Moontrane - Valley Of The Tweed
2. The Bruce Cale Quintet - Kuri Monga Nuie
3. The Charlie Munro - Whirlpool
4. Allan Zavod - Circles
5. The Ted Vining Trio - Number One
6. Out To Lunch - What The Thunder Said

* A compilation of Australian modern jazz. 1969-1980

* Rare modal, soul-jazz and free jazz from artists including The Charlie Munro Trio, Bob Bertles Moontrane, The Bruce Cale Quintet and The Ted Vining Trio.

* Tip-on sleeve featuring artwork from renowned Australian modernist painter James Meldrum.