Ross McHenry Trio - The Outsiders (2017)

‘The Outsiders’ is the new album from “absurdly prolific” (Scenstr Magazine) multi-award winning composer, producer and bass player Ross McHenry. Known for his work as bandleader of The Shaolin Afronauts, Ross has collaborated with the likes of Mark de Clive Lowe, Corey King and Marcus Strickland, and been heralded as “The Future of Australian Jazz” (PBS FM).

This is his third album release for us at First Word (following ‘Child of Somebody’ in 2016 and ‘Distant Oceans’ in 2013), but his first trio album. Joining McHenry on this new venture are long time collaborators, NZ drumming powerhouse and First Word label mate Myele Manzanza and NY based multi-award winning Australian pianist Matthew Sheens. ‘The Outsiders’ is dynamic trio jazz from the perspective of three forward thinking musicians who although steeped in the jazz tradition are not bound by jazz influences alone.

The album’s concept is centered around the sense of belonging in the modern era; the way we view the world in the age of globalization. Particularly the unique identity of Antipodeans in the world of jazz music; rather than replicate American and British sounds, these compositions are derived from an exploration of geographical identity, embracing the uniqueness of their own cultural sonic qualities.

In Ross’ words, “we are connected to and understand the international history of jazz music, but we are outsiders. We belong in the grand and important lineage of artists, but our perspective is unique, because of where we are from, and as people from small, isolated cities and countries, we are outsiders. Even within the context of our own countries, we do not live or come from the most populous capitals of culture, we are outsiders. This is something we can rebel against, or it is something we can choose to own. I choose to own it, this group chooses to own it, but, most importantly, I feel it in the music.”

These compositions are the result of this ethos and mindset, created with exceptional grace, and showcasing the exquisitely talented trio of Ross, Myele and Matthew. A six-track vinyl album (with two additional tracks on the digital release), this also includes extensive sleeve-notes written by Ross himself.

Tracklist:
01. Ross McHenry Trio - It's Not How I Remembered It
02. Ross McHenry Trio - Us and Them
03. Ross McHenry Trio - Those Lost Days
04. Ross McHenry Trio - The Outsiders, Pt. 1
05. Ross McHenry Trio - The Outsiders, Pt. 2
06. Ross McHenry Trio - The Outsiders, Pt. 3
07. Ross McHenry Trio - I Can Be Better (For Myuran Sukumaran)
08. Ross McHenry Trio - Fear Not