Made up core members Nick Mulder and Tom Pulford, the Mulder Pulford Nonet is a collaborative project that distils the energy and composition of large ensembles into a fiery, small-jazz combo.
You're from Melbourne while Tom Pulford is from Adelaide. How did you two come together?
[Nick] I spent a few years in Adelaide studying and met Tom at the uni there. We played together a lot while I lived in Adelaide and have very similar musical tastes, so the idea of a collaboration was really exciting, even though we live in different places.
Is it difficult to collaborate when you and Tom live in different states?
The biggest issue is spending time on the music. Almost everything else can be done by email or over the phone. But working on tunes, listening to each others writing and work-shopping ideas can only really be done in person! We spend a lot of time on the phone but it's obviously just not the same.
What's the most exciting aspect of Mulder Pulford's debut national tour?
The most exciting thing about the tour is playing with so many different jazz musicians. We all speak the same language, but everyone will have a slightly different take on the music we've written, which is one of the great things about all music. We have great bands booked in every town, and it's very humbling to have these incredible players playing our tunes. A great privilege.
How did you become involved with saxophonist David Theake?
I've been fortunate to get to know David over the last few years, and first collaborated with him musically when I rehearsed and performed a programme of my music with the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra, which he runs. He's a great musical force and advocate for jazz in this country and we're delighted he can join us for this tour.
You're music is drawn from the stylings of masters like Thad Jones and Bill Holman. Can you describe your sound for those unfamiliar with these legends of the genre?
Thad Jones and Bill Holman are both guys who are predominantly known for their big-band writing. Thad Jones played with Count Basie for many years before starting his own band, and his music is a modern take on the hard swinging sounds that initially came from Kansas City. Bill Holman started off as a great tenor player in Stan Kenton's band and became known as a great arranger shortly after that. Our music is inspired by these two, great musicians, among others.
Do you prefer the dynamic of playing in small groups rather than large ensembles?
I love playing with great musicians, regardless of the setting. Playing in small groups has a certain intimacy to it, and playing in large ensembles is exciting because you're part of such a huge variety of sounds and tone colours. For us, the nonet is the perfect combination of the intimacy of the small group with the compositional scope of the large ensemble.
What is it about the sound and instrumentation of the Joe Lovano Nonet that inspires you?
Lovano's band has one trumpet, one trombone and four saxophones, and that combination of horns has a dark, full sound that I love writing for. The line-up sounds great playing unison lines, has a great range of different individual voices and opens up a huge variety of tonal combinations for us as writers. The rhythm section of piano, bass and drums is the classic Blue Note sound, which sits well with the music we've written. I'm looking forward to experimenting with a Hammond organ rhythm section in future, but not for this tour!
Why call the group a nonet when essentially there's only two core members?
The music is written for nine players, and while Tom and I are the co-leaders of the group, the sound of the band depends heavily on all the players. For me, that's one of the most exciting things about music - everyone's dialect is slightly different. Change one player and the band's personality can alter dramatically.
You'll be joined by musicians like Dan Quigley on trumpet, Josh Hatcher on baritone sax and John Reeves on piano. Why select this specific line-up of touring band members?
We have great players in every town, and Brisbane is no exception! The band has to come together with just one rehearsal, so players that can read, improvise and lock in quickly as a band are a must. These guys can all really play, and I can't wait to get to Brisbane and hear this incarnation of the band!
What does a Mulder Pulford Nonet show look and sound like?
Although the music is pretty straight ahead in terms of style, intensity is important to us. Great ensemble playing, great soloists and great energy are the things that we hope audiences will love. Above all, the band will swing hard and leave people smiling!
Do you play strictly original pieces or do you cover jazz standards as well?
Most of our music is original, but there are some arrangements. Thad Jones and Gerry Mulligan are two composers whose tunes we've interpreted for this band. One of my favorite tunes in the book was written by Melbourne tenor saxophonist Remco Keijzer, called 'Green Curry' for Chris Potter. It's the tune I wish I'd written! When I arranged it my goal was not to mess with it too much; it's such a strong composition that it needs to be treated with respect!
Apart from live performances, where else can people hear your music?
We have some live tracks up on band camp, but a studio recording is in the pipeline; watch this space...
People have been saying rock is dead ever since Buddy Holly died, yet nearly no-one says jazz is dead. Why do you think that is?
Frank Zappa said 'Jazz isn't dead, it just smells funny'. I think jazz as a broad genre' has endured because it resonates with people. Listen to the Basie Band play 'Blues in Hoss Flat' and try not to smile like a loon! There's something remarkable about being able to play music and spontaneously interact with people you've known for decades and with people you've never met before and,for me, the energy of such an exchange is incredible. Also, jazz musicians play this music because it's such a powerful means of self expression. Great jazz is a reflection of our humanity, and that authenticity is an enormously powerful thing.
The Mulder Pulford Nonet performs at the Brisbane Jazz Club, Thursday 17 September.
