NOMINATION: Performance of the Year - Jazz / Improvised Music
For the performance of a single Australian work, showcasing the performer(s)’ success in improvisatory creation or collaboration. This may entail entirely improvised work or significant improvisatory input such as solo passages.
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 performance 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
Quentin Angus
Nominee email
quentinangusmusic@gmail.com
Title of the work
Interplay
Composer(s) of the work
DUSAN Project
Performance Date
30/7/2024
Venue
SONY Japan (Exclusive release), added to Spotify curated playlist XOver
Nominator Statement
Ive known Quentin Angus for over a decade, first playing alongside him in the house band for the 2014 National Jazz Awards, where he was a finalist on guitar. We later toured together across Australia in 2022 for the release of his album The State of Things, performing at major venues, including a sold-out show at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Quentins commitment to pushing jazz composition and performance forward has been evident in every project he takes on.
His piece Interplay, from the DUSAN project released by SONY Japan in 2024, has already gained recognition, being added to the curated Spotify playlist XOver. The performance on this track is nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a highly cohesive band sound and a deep rhythmic pocket. The time feel throughout is masterful, balancing precision with a natural, effortless groove.
One of the standout moments is pianist James Francies delivering a jaw-dropping solotechnically profound, harmonically adventurous, and brimming with raw energy. His ability to float effortlessly above Quentin and bassist Moto Fukushima, as they seamlessly switch between triplets and 16th-note passages, elevates the entire performance to another level.
With its dynamic interplay, impeccable musicianship, and electrifying solo moments, Interplay is a testament to Quentins ability to bring together world-class musicians and create performances that push the boundaries of contemporary jazz. This nomination recognizes the exceptional execution and performance captured in this recording.
Nominee
Quentin Angus
Nominee email
quentinangusmusic@gmail.com
Title of the work
Interplay
Composer(s) of the work
DUSAN Project
Performance Date
30/7/2024
Venue
SONY Japan (Exclusive release), added to Spotify curated playlist XOver
His piece Interplay, from the DUSAN project released by SONY Japan in 2024, has already gained recognition, being added to the curated Spotify playlist XOver. The performance on this track is nothing short of exceptional, showcasing a highly cohesive band sound and a deep rhythmic pocket. The time feel throughout is masterful, balancing precision with a natural, effortless groove.
One of the standout moments is pianist James Francies delivering a jaw-dropping solotechnically profound, harmonically adventurous, and brimming with raw energy. His ability to float effortlessly above Quentin and bassist Moto Fukushima, as they seamlessly switch between triplets and 16th-note passages, elevates the entire performance to another level.
With its dynamic interplay, impeccable musicianship, and electrifying solo moments, Interplay is a testament to Quentins ability to bring together world-class musicians and create performances that push the boundaries of contemporary jazz. This nomination recognizes the exceptional execution and performance captured in this recording.