Maddison Carter - Polymorphic (2024) [Hi-Res]

Polymorphic is the groundbreaking project from Melbourne based Maddison Carter, a visionary percussionist and composer. The project emerges from the creative expanses of Melbourne's lockdowns, capturing a new direction in Carter's artistic journey. Polymorphic is a reflection of Carter's life, his connection with his ensemble, and an intimate portrayal of his artistic and personal growth, inviting listeners into a world of deep emotional and rhythmic exploration.

Formed amidst the solitude of 2021 lockdowns, "Polymorphic" began as a solo exploration and evolved into a sextet ensemble, symbolizing Carter's commitment to melodic richness and the unconventional use of the vibraphone. "Polymorphic first grew during Melbourne’s many lockdowns," explains Carter. "It was born out of a change of lifestyle and my frustration with playing only non-pitched material. This music brought me back from a period where I spent far less time on music." The ensemble’s journey mirrors Carter's own artistic transformation, from a period of diminished musical activity during the lockdowns to a rekindled passion for composition and performance.

Carter reflects on the unique sound of "Polymorphic," saying, "The initial response is that it sounds 'more classical'. I think about artists like Nik Bärtsch and Miles Davis. This music is a more honest representation of me than what I've previously put out." The album is a testament to his deep-rooted connection with nature, sustainability, and the profound experiences of his life, including the impact of his father's passing and the transformative power of permaculture. Discussing the album's distinct sound, Carter notes, "Polymorphic is about blurring boundaries. It juxtaposes tonal and atonal elements, with electronic manipulation and tight rhythms crafting our unique sound."

The album owes its existence to the initial quartet - Flora Carbo, Niran Dasika, and Isaac Gunnoo - whose dedication laid the foundation for this project. "The original four were integral to this project, their enthusiasm was essential.” Jessica Lindsay Smith and Imogen Cygler later joined, adding new dimensions to the ensemble's sound. The album is a showcase of polytempi, a concept involving overlapping pulses that create an intricate tapestry of sound. This technique, combined with Carter's movement between the vibraphone and drum kit, offers audiences an auditory experience of layered rhythms and shifting musical colours.
Reflecting on the journey, Carter shares, "This project is about forging a sound that doesn't conform. It's a representation of growth, change, and the magic of creating something special. Working with my partner, Jessica, on this project has been a joy," Carter remarks. "Her involvement in both the music and the artwork has made this project deeply special and personal."

The album is a showcase of polytempi, a concept involving overlapping pulses that create an intricate tapestry of sound. This technique, combined with Carter's movement between the vibraphone and drum kit, offers audiences an auditory experience of layered rhythms and shifting musical colours.

Maddison Carter is a Melbourne-based drummer, percussionist, and composer who improvises fearlessly and sensitively, leading the charge of the next generation of jazz artists on the Melbourne scene. Carter is a versatile artist, working across the art music spectrum from free jazz to minimalism, as well as in folk, West African and pop genres. His sound is influenced by studies with Simon Barker, Andrea Keller and Danny Farrugia, incorporating a vast textural palette, quiet precision and rhythmic vocabulary.

In 2019 Carter released his debut album as bandleader, Elbow Room, with a quintet featuring Eugene Ball, Theo Carbo, Tamara Murphy and Joe O’Connor. This acclaimed release of original compositions explores the device of polytempi, placing opposing rhythmic structures together to explore the space between. It has been featured on ABC Jazz and PBS Impressions.

Carter has performed with Andrea Keller’s Transients, the Allan Browne Quintet for his memorial concert, Miroslav Bukovsky and Eugene Ball’s MiroBall, Nat Bartsch’s Lullaby Project, Julien Wilson, and James Sherlock, and has performed at numerous festivals across Australia. He has also written commissions for the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Beautiful Fragments project, connecting orchestral and jazz musicians together.

Polymorphic is Maddison Carter's latest venture, drawing upon his fascination for rhythmic complexity. Whilst blurring the boundaries of jazz and contemporary classical music, the compositions juxtapose tonal and atonal threads. The music shows an affinity for constructed, organised sonic space alongside vast improvisation. Electronic manipulation, tight interlocking rhythms, and vibraphone craft the distinct sound of this ensemble.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Maddison Carter - Watcher, Sleeper, Maker (12:13)
1.02 - Maddison Carter - Later Stages (8:52)
1.03 - Maddison Carter - Tired or Really Wired (15:05)
1.04 - Maddison Carter - Where Are the Animal Lovers (3:02)
1.05 - Maddison Carter - Horse Meat (3:24)
1.06 - Maddison Carter - Montags (7:08)
1.07 - Maddison Carter - What About Asparagus (16:48)
1.08 - Maddison Carter - Watcher, Sleeper, Maker (Reprise) (0:52)