It’s an acronym that wouldn't sit well with most. But for local jazz collective Conservatorium’s Universal Neural Transmutation System they don’t mind.
The band has an unusual acronym...
Thanks. It just appeared from another dimension. I think that the band name originated on Saturn… or maybe China. They have similar emissions policies. I’m led to believe that a number of coal power stations were involved in forming the smoke signal communications used by political and economic leaders of various countries in settling on a name that was put to the band members by secret ballot. So, it is a little known fact that forming the band name was a democratic process, much like the process used in settling Australia with the First Fleet. Everyone wanted that, right? It’s interesting that you point out that it forms an acronym, but it’s purely a coincidence. While the majority of members have some connection with the local Conservatorium, the name was actually created to reflect the true intent of the band to channel the essence of the energy and headspace generated by Sun Ra and those who have been involved in the beautiful music of the Arkestra. I understand that the band name could be the subject of a BBC documentary at some point in the future, so I can’t tell you too much more than this for potential contractual reasons.
The group have come together through shared passions for jazz composer Sun Ra... how did the collective first start? The various people involved in the collective have similar interests, such as cooking, macramé, taxidermy and stamp collecting. It was at a ‘Star Trek’ convention that they realised that Brisbane needs Sun Ra. How important a composer was Sun Ra, not only to the jazz genre but music in general? The world would not be what it is if Sun Ra didn’t exist. That’s all I can say on the matter.
For jazz novices, where should they start with Sun Ra’s extensive back catalogue?
That’s an excellent question.
“I love jazz. I have no idea what it is. That’s why I play it and teach it.”
The collective is made up of 10+ Qld Conservatorium students (current/ graduates); with so many players in the group, co-ordinating band practice must be fun, right?
From what I can tell, co-ordinating rehearsal is the best part of being involved with the group. The group has rehearsals with various people at different times, depending on who can attend and when they can attend. This cultivates a lot of variety in repertoire and interpretation of that repertoire. On the flipside, when all the parts come together in perfect harmony, that must be a rewarding/ satisfying feeling? When the band plays well, which it always does, I get so excited. It’s almost embarrassing. Fortunately there are few photos.
The blurb for your Brisbane Jazz Club show later month states the ‘ensemble looks to take you on a journey beyond physical comprehension’. How so?
I don’t know. I can’t comprehend it. If anyone does, please don’t tell me. You’ll just have to be there to find out.
As a young collective what’s your message to people who roll their eyes when jazz enters the conversation?
I love jazz. I have no idea what it is. That’s why I play it and teach it. I feel most accepted when people are trying to get away from me, especially when the subject of jazz arises. It’s better than football.
Judging by the band photo, you don’t have the strictest dress code when on stage... have you received any negative feedback from the local jazz fraternity about onstage attire?
I don’t understand what you mean. That’s our uniform. We painstakingly created it to make it look like that. The jazz fraternity love it, or least that’s what they say when they talk to me. I haven’t seen them for a while though. Say ‘hi’ to them if you see them, whoever they are.
Brisbane’s jazz scene... what’s its strongest aspect?
Is there a jazz scene in Brisbane? Great. I love jazz. That’s the game where people are either side of a table with a little net in the middle, right? The person who does the most push-ups without crying wins and the loser has to eat the ball, which is made from fruit and vegetables. Most people choose to lose. That’s how I was taught to play jazz. It’s very competitive. That’s why I like to play music instead. Maybe having more jazz competitions on prime time television would further highlight its importance, particularly in Brisbane, where jazz was invented. I’ve written to the Prime Minister about that.
Are there plans to take C.U.N.T.S. on the road?
All the time. The group was recently offered a tour of the Middle East, and we’re seriously considering it in the hope that we can spawn world peace.
C.U.N.T.S. play the Brisbane Jazz Club July 25.
