Matthew Ottignon - Volant

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Jazz

NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Jazz

For an original Jazz work of any instrumentation, including improvisatory composition. A work is defined as a single complete musical composition, or expression. This includes music with movements or sub-works (i.e. song cycles), installations, and real-time compositions (improvised music).

If you believe your work to be nominated in the wrong category or the details of your nomination to be incorrect, please contact the AMC via email at awards@australianmusiccentre.com.au before proceeding with the nomination.

Art Music Award guidelines →


Nominee

Matthew Ottignon

Title of the work

Volant

Performer

Matthew Ottignon, Lauren Tsamouras, Hannah James, Holly Conner

Performance Date

26/7/2024

Venue

Released on Earshift Music via MGM

Nominator Statement
When I first heard Volant, it immediately resonated with me. Matthews music moves like natureunfolding at its own pace, never forced. He talks about the essence of the music being like birds in flight, and that really comes through. Theres this weightlessness to it, like its being carried by something bigger than the musicians themselves.
I love that he transcribed butcherbird songs and slowed them down to hear all the detailsdiscovering multiphonics and hidden melodies. That process makes so much sense to me. Nature already has its own music, and sometimes its just about listening closely enough.
I can hear how the birds influenced this musictheres a calmness in the pace, but also a real lightness and lift in the way the melodies move.
Theres also a deep introspection in this album. Its not about big statements or showing offits about creating space, letting the music breathe. One can hear his influencesbut more than anything, it just sounds like Matthew. Its honest, thoughtful, and beautifully played.

Eligibility checklist

Support Materials

MIDI realisations will not be accepted
Drag and drop files here or click to upload
    Maximum file size: 8MB
    The link must remain valid and publicly accessible until August
    Drag and drop files here or click to upload
      The link must remain valid and publicly accessible until August
      Drag and drop files here or click to upload
        For works created without a score, lead sheet, or performance instructions, please submit a description of how the work is realised, structured, and/or constructed. Maximum file size: 8MB
        Drag and drop files here or click to upload
          Maximum file size: 8MB
          Please provide a statement regarding your nominated work (up to 1800 characters). This statement can clarify or re-articulate anything listed in the nomination statement.
          Indigenous Content
          Indigenous and Non-Indigenous nominees using Indigenous content (such as language, title, narratives, or themes) from outside of their own cultural groups must supply supporting documentation that they have consulted with the appropriate communities and have obtained their permissions to use their cultural content and intellectual property.
          Drag and drop files here or click to upload
            Maximum file size: 8MB

            Required press materials

            The following materials may be used for the Art Music Awards event and promotional purposes. These materials are not used for assessment by the judging panels.
            Drag and drop files here or click to upload
              Maximum file size: 8MB
              Timecode which identifies your prefered 30 second sample can be found in the complete recording provided in the support materials
              Social media links (optional)