Title – Eclecticity
Artist – Albare
For those unaware, music is a journey and “Eclecticity” is a testament to that journey – an album that brings together two distinct ensembles, The Jazz Alchemists and The Harmonix Experience. Both of these ensembles have become fixtures of Melbourne’s jazz scene with their bi-monthly performances at Bird’s Basement.
Produced by ALBARE, and with executive production by Phil Turcio, “Eclecticity” is an album that bridges styles, eras, and ideas. It stands as a testament to the creative vitality of Melbourne’s jazz scene and the musicians who continue to push its boundaries.
This project is more than just a collection of recordings; it is a convergence of musical identities. Both bands share core members -ALBARE on both the guitar and the guitar synth, Phil Rex on the bass and Salva Persico on percussion, yet each ensemble has its own signature sound.
The Jazz Alchemists is driven by the fiery interplay of Mat Jodrell on the trumpet and flugelhorn and Phil Noy on the tenor saxophone. Their sound is raw, energetic and deeply rooted in the language of modern jazz.
The Harmonix Experience, on the other hand, leans into the soulful warmth of Jake Mason on the Hammond and Paul Williamson on the tenor saxophone, creating a groove-infused approach that blends rich harmonies with lyrical improvisation.
The rhythm section on this album features guest drummer, Felix Bloxsom, who previously played on ALBARE’s 2022 album, “Freedom”. While Andrew Swann is the regular drummer for both bands in their live performances, scheduling conflicts enabled Bloxsom to step in for these recordings, bringing his own dynamic energy to the session.
Additionally, this album features a special guest appearance by the masterful accordionist Joe Chindamo, who lends his signature touch to the track, “New Dawn”, adding yet another dimension to the eclectic nature of the recording.
1. All Night Blues
2. Song For Bird
3. Long Haul
4. Morning Dance
5. Simplicity
6. Israel Blues
7. Midnight Mirage
8. Just A Blues
9. New Dawn
10. Round Trip
With the album inviting you to immerse yourself in a world where groove, melody and improvisation collide in unexpected ways, this elegantly sculpted, wholly impassioned new recording opens on the sumptuously ordained All Night Blues before bringing us the emboldened Song For Bird, the gracefully layered rhythms of Long Haul, the playfully gleaned Morning Dance and then we get brought forth the heartfelt Simplicity.
Up next is the dutifully free flowing Israel Blues which is itself then backed seamlessly by my own favorite here, the all-embracing melodies within Midnight Mirage, the low slung Just A Blues, with the set rounding out on the beautiful balladry of New Dawn, closing on the upbeat and vibrantly-hued Round Trip.
“Eclecticity” marks a significant milestone as ALBARE’s 16th album, showcasing his distinctive voice as a composer. Each track thoughtfully balances structure and improvisation, providing a strong melodic and harmonic foundation that allows the musicians to explore and shape each piece in the moment while maintaining a clear artistic direction.
Each session was meticulously captured by engineers Phil Turcio, ALBARE and Pete Camilleri, ensuring that every nuance of the performances was preserved. The album was then brought to its final form by the legendary mastering engineer Leon Zervos at Studio 301 in Sydney, adding the finishing polishes to the sound.