Tourismo - Torque (2023) [Official Digital Download 24/48]

Tourismo is the brainchild of drummer Alex Hirlian and pianist Matthew Thomson. Both past National Jazz Award winners, the pair have just released their debut alongside a host of emerging Australian talents.

After taking out first place at the 2018 National Jazz Awards, drummer Alex Hirlian was offered an ABC Jazz Scholarship. This initiative is designed to support young and emerging artists by giving them the opportunity to record with the ABC and to have their work broadcast nationally.

For his project, Alex enlisted the help of fellow Jazz Award recipient Matthew Thomson, who also took out first prize at the 2021 event. During the pandemic, the two Sydney-based performers started writing together - first for the band Arcing Wires, and then under the guise of 'Tourismo' - a quintet featuring Michael Avgenicos on saxophone, Nick Henderson on bass and Josh Meader on electric guitar.

"A good example of our collaboration is the tune 'After Dark'. I think if I wasn't working with Alex, I wouldn't have envisaged that song. Alex came up with the main theme, but we turned it into an almost like pop tune form with a verse and chorus… That was a really interesting collaboration, and we never would have come up with that tune if we both hadn't put our collective efforts together".

The music presented across this release Torque draws on not just jazz but also elements from across the musical spectrum, including electronic music, funk and fusion. It's hard-hitting, energetic and intricate - and the release is a testament to the breadth of talent coming through the Australian scene.

Tracklist:
01. Torque
02. Avalon
03. Panorama
04. Movement (Feat. Jason Moran)
05. At a Loose End
06. Bobbin Head
07. At Dusk
08. After Dark


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