places + spaces present  Amphibious
for Cockatoo Calling on Cockatoo Island

Performance on Saturday 3 December, 2011 as part of Cockatoo Calling - 4 - 6 pm

The members of the quartet are Ollie Miller-Cello , Aaron Flower -Guitar, Richard
Maegraith- Saxophone/Bass Clarinet and Jamie Cameron- Drums.

Amphibious' submersive sound world, described by audiences as
"like a ride on a Persian carpet" or like "spending a night in an Opium den
in Goa" , is informed by influences as diverse as J.S. Bach, Bruckner,
Stravinsky, Sibelius, Bill Frisell, Bill Evans, Keith Jarret, Miles Davis, Sigur
Ros, Grizzly Bear and Radiohead. It is a musical fantasy, a hybrid
between the beauty and expressive depth of classical music , with the
rhythmic and improv approach of jazz and the sound worlds of
alternative/post rock and pop. Amphibious released itʼs EP “First
Breath” in late 2009 and album “aLive and Breathing” in 2010 and has
performed at most of Sydneyʼs Jazz venues. In 2012 Amphibious is looking
to undertake a European tour (Fingers Crossed!) ,and are also planning to
release their next album.

John Shand (Sydney Morning Herald- Metro- April 8-14, 2011)
ʻWhy isnʼt jazz crawling with more cellos? Here, itʼs endless possibilities
for soloing or accompanying and for opulence or edginess are exploited
superbly by Sydney cellist Ollie Miller… [aLive & Breathing] contains
elements of jazz, rock, classical and folk, but the results sound organic and
integrated rather than cherry-picked. The mood is often pastoral and the
playing sensitive and affecting.” ***1/2

John McBeath (Weekend Australian-Review- April 9-10, 2011)
“The atmosphere of this highly original album [aLive & Breathing] is of
jazz-infused classicism delivered in fascinating moods, from floating
tranquility to surging excitement.” ****
Ross Edwards , one of Australia's foremost Classical composers has said
this about Amphibious....
"Although Crossover isnʼt officially my field, in a sense Iʼve been practicing
it for years. When Crossoverʼs done with skill and conviction it seems the
natural way for music to evolve – indeed musicʼs always depended on
finding new ways to create fresh unity out of diversity. Amphibious brings
to this process a subtlety and sophisticated musicality that ensures
whatever direction they follow will be fresh and inventive."

From Lloyd Swanton musician, composer, producer, broadcaster . Leader,
The catholics Co-leader, The Necks
"Amphibious are onto something quite special. Their unorthodox
instrumentation makes for an ensemble sound which strikes the ear as
truly fresh. It "works" because each member is a consummate musician
and an utterly fluent improviser. With such innate musicality, they are able
to bring their beguiling pieces to life in a thoroughly organic and natural
manner.”

Sean Wayland has this to say........
....... "amphibious" is making an important contribution to Australian music
at the moment . Amphibious has created an innovative blend of various
genres of improvisation and classical music .”

.......Paul Dyer the Director of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra has
this to say about Amphibious.......
"One of the most exciting young ensembles to come my way is
Amphibious. They are musicians of rare talent, combining astonishing
virtuosity, expressivity and honest communication of striking beauty. They
defy old trends by crossing classical boundaries and are on the verge of
carving a real presence in the music industry...... "

and from Georges Lentz (one of Australia's most renowned Classical
music composers)......
" Amphibious' are one of the most interesting young bands around, highly
interesting in their off-the-beaten-track approach to harmony and a
rhythmic sense of timing and pacing that is definitely beyond the normal
fare. Their sound world is really quite unique. I like the sense of openness
and adventure of these musicians!"

Peter Nelson
Broadcaster, On The Corner, 2SER-FM, Sydney
“Amphibious combine classical music's melodies, with the free abandon of
jazz and killer pop hooks, for a new music - perfectly adapted for the
modern, genre blurring world.”

Entry $10 or $5 concession - warehouse 15 - upper island
Performance 4 - 6 pm

VIDEO LINK


For more information on artists who have performed for places + spaces please click here