Point in Time is the follow up release to Australian guitarist Nic Vardanega’s 2014 debut, Inverno. The aptly titled recording serves as an updated snapshot of the guitarist’s musical vision, influenced by two years of living in New York City and experience in its jazz scene. In Vardanega’s own words... “The title of this recording, Point in Time, has become a motto for me recently as an artist. While life’s journey is long, it is our duty to embrace each stage along the way and to realise our purest vision in each moment. All works of art are therefore in effect a freeze frame, capturing a particular point in time.”
The new record comprises a new ensemble format that departs from the debut Inverno release. Featured on five tracks is renowned New York City trumpeter Michael Rodriguez. The Grammy nominated trumpeter/composer has established himself as one of the leading voices in jazz today having performed with Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra, Chick Corea, and Lincoln Center Orchestra to name a few. Rodriguez is also a current member of iconic pianist Kenny Barron’s critically acclaimed quintet and a co-leader of latin jazz ensemble the Rodriguez Brothers.
At First Light – This song has a kind of energy that reminds me of the breaking of dawn, a new start where one is eager and fresh. Rodriguez’s use of a harmon mute helps echo this. There is also a fragility associated with the subtle light. This piece aims to depict that juxtaposition with a wide dynamic variety.
Jacaranda – As a young kid growing up in Sydney, Australia, one of my favourite trees was a Jacaranda. This distinct tree would flower for only a few weeks in November yet it’s striking purple flowers made each one stand out for those few weeks. The ostinato figure in this piece is in a tonality that paints in my mind a similar violet-like hue akin to these flowers. I first became aware of this mystical tonality in a Michael Rodriguez composition entitled Enchantment, making it fitting to feature him here as the main soloist.
Rugged Edges – The inspiration for this song came from spending a week in Queenstown, New Zealand in December 2014. Each night, the long twilight would cast a majestic glow against the mountain range known as The Remarkables directly opposite my window. One night I sat down and wrote the beginning of this piece inspired by the breathtaking landscape.
Point in Time – It has been a goal of mine to compose a song with a swing feel yet avoids sounding derivative. This song brings together elements of Wayne Shorter with its chromatic harmonies and odd phrase lengths and Hard-Bop minor themes. This era of jazz has been a significant influence on my music and I can also hear Rodriguez channeling those influences on this track.
New Leaves –This piece showcases the beautiful melodic qualities of Rodriguez on flugelhorn. The title of this song is inspired by the northern hemisphere spring, a seasonal transformation I have now experienced twice. I find the seasons inspirational and symbolic as an artist. From absolute starkness, the sighting of new leaves is a promising sight of new life and potential.
Shadows Over Bleecker – This piece has a sense of harmonic sophistication and groove that reminds me of the swagger of New York City. The title is drawn from a street and area of the city I frequent regularly in Greenwich Village. Drawing from the title of the first track At First Light, the idea of shadows continues this theme of light and is fitting as we near the end of the program.
Club Soda –This song contains throwbacks to my earlier rock influences evident by its riffs and rhythmic/harmonic counterpoint with the bass and drums. I have always wanted to find ways to integrate and embrace various styles to produce natural variety in my music. The piece is a also a tip of the hat to the composition Club Sandwich by New York City-based Australian pianist Sean Wayland.
credits
released March 1, 2019
Nic Vardanega – Guitar
Michael Rodriguez – Trumpet & Flugelhorn
Jakob Dreyer – Acoustic Bass
Josh Roberts - Drums
Produced by Nic Vardanega.
Recorded by Tyler McDiarmid at NYU Dolan Studios, New York City, April 21, 2018.
Mixed and Mastered by Tyler McDiarmid (August 2018).
Vibrant, playful jazz in the chordless tradition from this new Australian quartet, who embrace both freedom and swing. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 9, 2021
Riveting, beautiful songs from Laurence Pike that employ a vast array of instruments and modalities and ease from jazz to ambient. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 20, 2020
