Paul Cutlan (bass clarinet/soprano saxophone)

Veronique Serret (violin)

Liisa Pallandi (violin)

James Eccles (viola)

Oliver Miller (cello)

Brett Hirst (bass)

Mara Kiek (tapan)

Produced by Llew Kiek and Paul Cutlan.

 

Launching his first album as leader and composer, multi- instrumentalist and composer Paul Cutlan joins forces with ground- breaking string quartet The NOISE and bassist Brett Hirst. The major work entitled Across the Top (Tall Poppies label) is an extended suite inspired by Cutlan’s experiences travelling through the Kimberley region of North-West Australia with world music group MARA! for Musica Viva. The music draws together many styles close to Cutlan’s heart, including 20th century classical music, jazz improvisation and dance rhythms from the Balkans and South America. These elements fuse to create an almost cinematic work, inspired by the imagery of mineral-rich red landscapes, vast plains, imposing ancient ranges, lush gorges and rivers.

  

“There is much magic to Across the Top, and much depth. Paul Cutlan has produced a work that is entirely of its own world, taking much that is good from a range of genres and influences – and, like any worthwhile artwork, life itself – and filtering it through his own unique vision.”  John Hardaker australianjazz.net

“This music is lustrous: the more one listens to it, the better it will get.” Joseph Cummins http://musictrust.com.au

“A neat collision of the jazz and classical worlds... It is a real treasure trove of musical impressions... Steve Moffat, Daily Telegraph 

“...his sense of tonal colour and instrumental textures are indeed highly alluring....a tightly structured and rather ingenious approach to musical cross-fertilisation within contemporary composition of a uniquely Australian kind” Limelight Magazine

 

Paul Cutlan

Mara Kiek

Llew Kiek