JG040
Format: CD
Release date: 06.01.2008
Genre: Jazz


The Vampires bring together four of Sydney's most talented emerging jazz musicians, saxophonist Jeremy Rose, trumpeter Nick Garbett, bassist Mike Majkowski, and drummer Alex Masso, in a group which performed together for three years prior to this debut album, South Coasting. The music is informed directly by the diverse experiences of the band in musical settings such as the Mike Nock Trio, Watussi, and the Splinter Orchestra, as well as Rose's recent studies in Oslo, Norway. The sax and trumpet front line of Jeremy Rose and Nick Garbett, who recently relocated to the South Coast, form a natural musical partnership, as does the formidable and like minded rhythm section team of Mike Majkowski and Alex Masso. Their debut album highlights the compositions of Rose and Garbett, who have developed a specific style drawing from Afro-Carribean and South American grooves, as well as the group's own approach to improvising. Having performed their music around Sydney and on tours over the past two years, South Coasting was recorded 2007 in Melbourne with the trombonist, Shannon Barnett, (Vada, Barney McAll) invited to supplement the group on some tracks. Since the band's inception, The Vampires have had a rigorous touring program, performing throughout much of regional New South Wales, Brisbane and Melbourne. They have also been involved with Goulburn Music Week, Wollongong Youth Jazz Festival, and were featured on ABC Classic FM’s “Sunday Live in March” program.