Volant by Matthew Ottignon

From one of Australia’s most in-demand saxophonists, Matthew Ottignon comes a new ensemble and self-titled album Volant. The music effortlessly blends his spiritual jazz influences with the minimalist, introspective acoustic jazz that Australia is renowned for. Crafted amidst a period of solitude, Volant represents an ambitious step in Ottignon's artistic musical journey, drawing inspiration from birds in flight—a motif that ultimately defines the album's ethereal quality.

“It all comes down to sound…. you hear a life force fermenting in Matt Ottignon's tenor saxophone that can rear up like a tsunami or melt like chocolate.” Sydney Morning Herald, John Shand, ★★★★½

Volant presents a narrative of flight and freedom, and through meticulously crafted compositions, Ottignon makes space for both collective intention and expressive individuality. He shares “The essence of our music feels akin to the enchanting dance of birds in flight, creating otherworldly shapes, silhouetted against the night sky.”

Bassist Hannah James has previously collaborated with Ottignon and is known for her impressive ability to ground an ensemble with both her playing and overall confidence as a musician. 2022 Freedman Jazz Finalist Holly Connor, brings an appetite for innovation and creative ambition to Volant as a percussionist. Pianist Lauren Tsamouras adds sensitivity, subtle nuances and an openness towards experimentation.

With each track, a unique aspect of Ottignon's vision is encapsulated. Moon Rock reinterprets the spiritual jazz sound currently coming out of Los Angeles, while Naturis captures an eerie calm. The Third Bardo explores the effortlessness of ‘flow’ states, and Murmuring mimics the unpredictable yet harmonious flight patterns of starlings. Rocky Lux brings an evolving groove to the fore, Singing Bowls offers a moment of serenity, and Bilpin channels nature’s resilience after devastation. The album closes with Rolling and Circling, showcasing the ensemble's intensity and cohesiveness.

Reflecting on the genesis of Volant, Ottignon states, "This album comes from a time in my life when I suddenly had the space to truly explore my craft. It is hopeful music born out of a period of deep introspection, inspired by the countless sounds that have resonated with me over the years, including The Necks and John Coltrane."

Through Volant, Ottignon invites listeners on a journey that celebrates the beauty and intricacy of birds, both in their physical flight and as symbols of freedom and exploration in music.

Artistic statement:

In 2006 while on holiday in my home country of New Zealand I visited the town of Opononi famous for Opo the Dolphin and grand sand dunes alongside the river. Sitting on a jetty at dusk I saw a lone seagull flying against the wind and was taken by the way it was able to just float above the water, gliding on the gusts. It was in motion but not actually moving in any direction. During the early writing phase, part of my process was to transcribe butcherbird songs, slow them down so that I could hear all the multiphonics and have it at a speed easier for a human ear to decode. I let the birds dictate the harmonic direction, melody and flow of the music. They led the music to a calmness of pace and thrilling lightness.

This is hopeful music born out of a period of deep introspection. There is a problem with who we choose to shoulder tap in important work. Fittingly, I have tried to rethink my process for choosing band members. It is a matter of constant good fortune that I have excellent and diverse musicians within reach in Sydney. Volant comprises three prolific and constantly impressive musicians. I thank them for trusting me with their time and craftsmanship.

Matthew Ottignon, hailing from New Zealand and now entrenched in Sydney's vibrant music scene, embodies mastery across all musical realms, boasting undeniable musical lineage.

Mister Ott merges eastern sounds, tight jazz funk, hypnotic grooves with melismatic horn lines and high calibre ecstatic solos.

Volant is an ode to his admiration for nature.

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