“BYWAYS” feat. Ben Marston (trumpet), Nick McBride (drums) and Chris Pound (bass)
The genesis of this project came out of Nick and Ben swapping stories of their respective rare jazz vinyl finds. This led Ben to think about the tunes they might play together and Nick to work out how to play the vinyl during set breaks. Once these details were settled Chris was recruited to fill out the group and a dialogue between the trio was established on how the tunes would be played.
Open. Freely. Making the most of the trio setting to provide space for each individual to choose how they want to play in the moment. Count ins? Don’t need ‘em. Swing feel? Probably, we’ll find out on the night. Arrangements? We have them but let’s not get in the way of spontaneity. We will take these tunes on the alternate route. The byways not the main roads. Sure, it’s high risk but how else do get such high reward. The only thing to worry about this evening will be coaxing Nick off the turntable to play the second set.
Ben Marston is a Freedman Fellowship nominated jazz trumpeter with several releases to his name. He has played with many Australian jazz icons including Emma Pask, Bob Bertels and James Morrison. In 2014 he studied with the Norwegian and world pioneer of live remix Jan Bang.
Nicholas McBride is one of Australia's most celebrated modern drummers. He has played with Aussies including Sean Wayland, James Muller, Gerard Masters and Carl Dewhurst as well as international performers like Sam Rivers and Dee Dee Bridgewater.
After residing in Europe for a decade, Chris developed a strong fundamental sound and feel which has rendered him in high demand upon his return to the Australian Jazz scene. He has performed with a diverse range of artists from Australia and abroad, including Jon Gordon (US), Sean Wayland (US), Sarah Mackenzie (US), Carl Morgan (EU), Anita Wardell (UK), Grace Knight (AU), Steve Barry (AU), Hilary Geddes (AU), Flora Carbo (AU), Miroslav Bukovsky (AU), John Mackey (AU), Mike Price (AU), John Crawford (UK), Tim Firth (AU), Chloe Kim (AU) and many more.