For nearly two decades, the dynamic Australian jazz ensemble of Speedball have thrilled audiences with their signature brand of no-holds-barred, high-intensity performance.
The band have been together since 2000 and feature the talents of Mat Jodrell on trumpet, Carl Mackey on saxophone, Grant Windsor on piano, Sam Anning on bass and Daniel Susnjar on drums.
Speedball have toured extensively, particularly overseas where members of the band have performed with heavyweights such as Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, Joe Lovano, Grant Porter and many more.
The band came back together in 2017 after a lengthy hiatus to record their long-awaited debut album 'We Have Moved', which they take on tour from September.
Why did the band initially go on hiatus?
[Mat Jodrell] The band all moved away from Perth, to various parts of the globe. Myself and Sam Anning moved to New York, Grant Windsor to London, Daniel Susnjar to Miami, and Carl Mackey stayed in Perth. It wasn't until three years ago that, completely unplanned, the band moved to Melbourne. It was quite shocking actually – within the space of a year four-fifths of the band relocated to Melbourne. Daniel Susnjar moved back to Perth, but it's close enough to still be able to regularly tour and record.
Likewise, what motivated you all to come back together?
The band was always a special feeling. Carl Mackey and I formed the band and originally thought long and hard about the members; it worked spectacularly and the vibe was always insane. The fact that we were all close enough to make it happen again fuelled the desire to record our first album, as we regrettably never did in the early days. We put the band together and rehearsed material for the recording, and it was undeniable. The joy we had all felt so many years ago was still there and actually had grown because of our individual journeys undertaken over the ten years apart. The first album and tour was a ripper, as I'm sure this next one will be.
How did you guys approach writing and recording your debut album 'We Have Moved'?
We used a mixture of things we'd written in the first inception of the band as well as new things documenting our growth. Every member is a formidable composer, so it seemed only right to feature at least one composition from everyone on the album. Thankfully the material chosen varies wildly in atmosphere and compositional style, and the plan is to do a similar thing on this next one (except the material will be completely new).
Have you been happy with the response to the album so far?
The response has been overwhelming. The tours have been sold out, the album has been selling like crazy and we won a Bell Award for Best Composition ('Judgement Day'). We were also nominated in numerous other sections. There seems to be a real connection with an audience when this band plays. The group plays extremely dynamically and it's never even close to being the same from night-to-night. It was originally formed to express extremes of emotion, something that we all cherish when listening to music. Either heartbreaking, awe-inspiring or groove-filled, we're out to get the audience involved however we can.
Why did it take so long to record your first album?
I guess because everyone was so far away from each other. It had been planned to happen before we all left for other pastures, but never eventuated. We all can't be happier that we found ourselves back in Australia, nearly all in the same city and all ready to get working again.
Congratulations on picking up 'Best Australian Jazz Song' for 'Judgement Day' at the BELL Awards; how did you celebrate the win?
Thank you! What an honour to be nominated in so many categories and to win one. Carl and I were at the awards ceremony and had a few drinks to savour the win! We haven't actually all been able to celebrate together yet (they're all very busy) but it'll happen before this next tour/recording.
How are you feeling about taking the album on tour and playing it for live audiences?
We can't wait. We've done one small tour to launch it briefly but this tour will be the main launch and in Adelaide we will be recording the next album. I'm really looking forward to letting this band loose across Australia, as it's a live band. The recording was pretty much all first-takes and the band gets even more ferocious in front of a live and lively audience.
The tour takes you to some places you've never played; anywhere in particular you're looking forward to playing for the first time?
We've never played at Doo-Bop in Brisbane but we've heard fantastic things about the vibe of the place, it's going to be jumping. Brisbane is one of my favourite places to go, always a party vibe. Also the band has never played in Wollongong or Canberra, so we're pumped for that. Also it's been over ten years since the band has played in our home town, Perth, so that's bound to be a crazy time.
What can audiences expect from a Speedball live show?
Energy, beauty, groove - a rollercoaster. We never know what is going to happen next but we do know that the rest of the band is going to support each other entirely to create magic. No two nights are the same and who knows what ridiculousness we're in for. I'm as excited as anyone!
What's kept the band going after all these years?
Friendship and music. We all grew up together, have played and listened to music together for 20 odd years, gone our separate ways but come back together stronger and more vibrant. The friendships have also grown, and we are as close to a family as I could imagine. It feels great to go into battle every night with your closest allies.
What's coming next for Speedball?
The new album, recorded live in Adelaide. Recording live is what this band does and with the addition of an audience and a whole new set of material this is going to be epic! Anyone in Adelaide on September 22nd, get down to Wizard Tone Studios. Everyone else, hang tight for the new release!
Speedball Australia Tour 2018
Mon 17 Sep - Wollongong Conservatorium Of MusicTue 18 Sep - ANU School Of Music (Canberra)
19-20 Sep - Doo-Bop Jazz Bar (Brisbane)
Fri 21 Sep - National Gallery Of Victoria (Melbourne)
Sat 22 Sep - Wizard Tone Studios (Adelaide)
Wed 26 Sep - Morrison's Jazz Club (Mount Gambier)
28-29 Sep - The Ellington Jazz Club (Perth)
