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Oceans Together

by Mark Ginsburg & Ryan Grogan

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1.
The South 06:05
2.
Chanson 06:24
3.
Indecision 04:56
4.
Subterfuge 06:46
5.
Gravity 07:07
6.
In Situ 07:10
7.
Canticum 06:31
8.
9.
Two Angels 06:16
10.
11.
12.

about

“...Ginsburg rains gorgeous melodies about our ears” - John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald.

Sydney based South African saxophonist Mark Ginsburg and pianist Ryan Grogan’s new release Oceans Together presents a suite of evocative, uplifting and sometimes haunting compositions. The project reflects on various sources of inspiration including heritage, lands of origin, and a focus on intimacy. The performances of Ginsburg and Grogan, along with bassist Brett Hirst and percussionist Fabian Hevia are beautifully captured by Phil Punch of Electric Avenue Studios, complimenting the sensibility of the music.

The title, Oceans Together, reflects the varied shores, musical influences and social landscapes of the musicians. Each of these players has a rich background containing significant individual accomplishments, as well as a history of working together at different times over a few decades. The sound is very exposed - you can hear each note of every instrument - sonically there are no heavy drum sounds that compete with other instrument frequencies - the hand percussion is gentle, effective and subtle.

The project began at the outset of covid with Ryan and Mark collaborating remotely during lockdown. As time progressed and the character of the music emerged, the desire grew to record together live, rather than over the wires. It took two years to achieve that goal.

The distinctive nature of the repertoire is one of delicacy, with beautiful and sometimes haunting melodic lines that embrace a certain vulnerability. The decision to use hand percussion, instead of the more usual format of a drum kit, propelled the composers further in this direction, adding to the sense of intimacy and space in the music. The result is a collection of contemplative, accessible and gentle musical experiences, with surprises that honour the importance of melody and harmony.

Ginsburg explains the project:

Our sound is quite different to other projects we have been involved in, particularly because we used hand percussion rather than a drum kit. Feedback from others indicates that the result is intimate, exposed, warm, sparse, you can hear each note, in a way its quite vulnerable. It has strains of the group Oregan (although un-intended).

The project has been fascinating because of the way we had to conceive the music in isolation and build on our ideas in an asynchronous manner (as opposed to being in the same room and working things out interactively).

It turned out to be an organic process where each of the musicians was able to contribute in a meaningful way - we were all open to the process and worked really well together.

The process of making music is really quite personal. It feels like the combination of the compositions and the way we all see things has enabled us to bring much of our personal presence into the project. So the word "intimate" is really quite apt.

The process of making music comes from a deep desire to express the wonder of life in a way that words or other forms of art cannot. The desire to create something interesting, new and in the moment is an elusive experience. You have to give over to the music and forget about all the other things that get in the way. It does not always just "happen" but when it does, it is magical.

I once did a gig at a festival in South Africa where I was playing a tune written by the late Winston M'kunku. From the first note of the melody, I felt as if I myself was an instrument of a greater force that was playing through me. I know the band members and audience felt it too. That feeling continues to inspire me to seek opportunities to explore these greater forces that come into play.

The musicians and the recording engineers were integral to the project. We all knew each other from past experiences and were very comfortable with each other - there was a lot of trust, openness and enjoyment. I am sure that the "relationship" side of things contributed significantly to the results of the project.

We hope that the audience will get a sense of joy and beauty from listening to the music. There is are elements of simplicity, delicacy and cohesion that serve the music in a special way. They will hear each note of every instrument without having to strain to do so.

credits

released March 23, 2023

Artist: Mark Ginsburg and Ryan Grogan
Label: Earshift Music distributed by MGM
Format: CD, DL and streaming services
Catalogue Number: EAR072
Personnel: Ryan Grogan (piano), Mark Ginsburg (saxophones), Brett Hirst (double bass), Fabian Hevia (percussion), Davi Mello (guitar on In Situ), Hannah Grogan (background vocals)

In Situ: Friday, January 13th - ffm.to/insitu
Subterfuge: Friday, February 24th - ffm.to/subterfuge
Album release: Thursday, March 23rd - ffm.to/oceanstogether

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Mark Ginsburg & Ryan Grogan Sydney, Australia

close collaborators Brendan Clarke and Fabian Hevia.

The distinctive nature of the music is one of delicacy, with beautiful and sometimes haunting melodic lines that embrace a certain vulnerability. The use of hand percussion instead of the traditional drum kit, propelled the composers further in this direction, adding to the sense of intimacy and space within the music. ... more

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