Paddy Fitzgerald - Book of Boobook (2023)

The debut release of bassist-composer Paddy Fitzgerald, 'Book of Boobook' presents a unique and fascinating compositional vision backed by some of Melbourne’s best jazz instrumentalists. Book of Boobook presents an exploration of the borders between consonance and dissonance, taking inspiration from the far corners of the jazz and folk traditions, along with a nod to French impressionist Ravel. Features saxophonist Tom Noonan, pianist Max Teakle, drummer Lewis Pierre and clarinetist Brennan Hamilton-Smith.

“I’ve long been fascinated by the idea of harmonic dissonance, as it is where I believe the most potent art is created.”
Explains Paddy. “For me, the music of Maurice Ravel walks this line in a way that I find endlessly captivating. Composing this album gave me a way to explore where the threshold between consonance and dissonance exists for my music, and it has been so beautiful to see how the incredible instrumentalists in the band have worked with the material.”

“There is indeed a great deal to discover in this music,” explains Paddy’s mentor and acclaimed drummer, professor Dylan Van Der Schyff. “The rich, earthy tone Paddy Fitzgerald expertly coaxes from his instrument echoes of the great jazz bass player lineage, whilst Tom Noonan’s tone and expansive musical scope on the alto saxophone allows him to move seamlessly between expressions of tender fragility and powerful, emotionally transformative statements. Pianist Max Teakle exhibits a deep conceptual understanding of the harmonic world evoked by the compositions, creating rich multi-layered environments wherein the music may breathe and evolve. Similarly, Lewis Pierre-Humbert’s sensitive drumming pushes and colours the music in a range of compelling ways, his work here clearly lifts and inspires his bandmates. The addition of Brennan Hamilton-Smith’s bass clarinet on Le Gibet provides a wonderful timbral extension to the ensemble.”