Thursday, 13 May 2010 04:55

Climbing Tree

Climbing Tree Climbing Tree

Hewetson.  McMahon.  Slater.  Barker.
need i say more? ok i will...

Alexander Hewetson, the original bass player in the highly successful 90’s jazz groove outfit D.I.G, also played and recorded with funksters Swoop between 1992 and 1998.  With Climbing Tree he brings his unconstrained grooves and evocative compositions to three of the defining voices of Sydney's jazz scene, trumpeter Phil Slater, pianist Matt McMahon and drummer Simon Barker.

Climbing Tree launched their debut album Tree Music with us back in february 2009 and have been regular visitors ever since.  I love them.  This music is good.  really really good.  if you're think trumpets are too loud, or bands without singers aren't interesting, or modern jazz is boring, come and have your mind changed.

here's what they say:

Climbing Tree are very happy to be back at Colbourne Ave, looking forward to the warm surroundings and friendly atmosphere of Café Church. Climbing Tree’s debut album Tree Music showcases Alexander Hewetson’s talent as a composer with the highly evocative music featuring all original compositions. Alexander’s group showcases three of Australia’s finest musicians in trumpeter Phil Slater, pianist Matt McMahon and drummer Simon Barker, with whom he previously played for about ten years in the group Baecastuff. The group played an integral part in the arrangements and Alexander notes that “sometimes the arranging and writing becomes one and the same thing, especially with such great musicians as these.”

The members of Climbing tree have been busy, so busy in fact, that they haven’t played a gig in over a year. The last performance being at the old 505 Feb 09. You can see some youtube footage from the gig.

and from their album launch with us (back then known as eight oclock sharp)