[usr 4]
The venue Camelot Lounge in Marrickville, Sydney has built an enviable reputation for its diverse program of ethnic music ensembles. It was the perfect setting for Elysian Fields performing NORTHERN LIGHTS SOUTHERN CROSS, the title connecting the Aussie ensemble with its Scandinavian roots. Eight years ago the group was formed through the efforts of electric viola da gamba player Jenny Eriksson, saxophonist Matt Keegan and pianist/composer Matt McMahon. Their repertoire spans broad and deep, encompassing Jjazz, folk and contemporary music whilst frequently reaching far back through the centuries with 15th to 18th Century music of the viola da gamba.
NORTHERN LIGHTS SOUTHERN CROSS was consistent in featuring this wonderful diversity adding a modern, jazzy feel to the majority of works. The playlist featured old favourites, much loved by the group’s fans, through to some new surprises.
Opening with a cycle of three Scandinavian songs made for a warm welcome. Some patches, particularly in the second song, were feeling a little out of sync, then the third song “Vi Ska Stἃlla tee n Roliger” fell into place, skipping along with a “hey hoop” sung by vocalist Susie Bishop in a relaxed, feminine interpretation.
Highlights in the first half included Kyrie Eleison from “Meditatus”, a Norwegian Jazz Mass (yes, there really is one) plus a poem by Thomas Wyatt from the English court of Henry VIII titled “What should I say?”. Solos allowed each musician to fully express what they had to say with Matt McMahon at the piano and Matt Keegan on sax really swinging.
Second half opened with a McMahon composition, “At Càrna” which is a wildlife sanctuary island off the west coast of Scotland – really easy to listen to – followed by “The Shadow” composed by Sydney composer Alice Chance. This was the most memorable melody of the night, a really great song specifically written for the ensemble. Keep your eyes and ears open for this brilliant young composer in the future. She has great potential.
The ever smiling, modest Eriksson provided her share of compositions including “Anna” featuring an excellent solo from double bass player Jacques Emery. Keegan composed “Elysium III”, a song about longing for the sea. The rhythm of this one seemed reminiscent of a jazz piece from the Listen without Prejudice George Michael album of many years ago.
Bishop really shone in the Swedish song “När som jag var på mitt adertonde år” (When I was in my 18th year). She has many musical talents and her vocals were outstanding, particularly with the Swedish works. Where most of the audience cannot understand the lyrics, Bishop fully tells the story with (what sounds like) great annunciation and sophisticated, expressive, fine tuned vocals. Just superb.
There were local compositions matched with arrangements of international works and an emphasis on Sweden and Norway. The drummer for the group was unfortunately not present which removed a much missed rhythm to hold it all together. Double bass and keyboard did their best to fill the gap. The audience was full of praise for the artists at the end of the night drawing out an encore.
Elysium Fields continues to provide a unique contribution to Sydney’s music scene regularly recording new albums you can find on Bandcamp and playing in differing venues around the city. It would be great to see them continue to expand their repertoire with more compositions and arrangements from outside the group. This is a great way to learn from others and to keep the performances fresh and new.
Visit the website for Elysium Fields for their next performances.
Artist website: https://www.maraisproject.com.au/elysian-fields/
Buy their music on Bandcamp: https://themaraisproject.bandcamp.com
Plenty more ethnic music at Camelot Lounge Sydney: https://www.camelotlounge.com/whats-on
More about the electric Viola Da Gamba: http://www.ruby-gamba.com/
Performers
Susie Bishop voice/violin
Matt Keegan saxophone
Jenny Eriksson electric viola da gamba
Matt McMahon keyboard
Jacques Emery double bass