The Music Show

Composer Larry Sitsky is a charming sort of thorn in the side of the Australian music scene, and he’s about to turn 90. In this conversation recorded at the 2024 Canberra International Music Festival, he doesn’t hold back. New York based trumpeter Chloe Rowlands divides her time between playing with art brass quartet the Westerlies, and with groups like Fleet Foxes and the 8-Bit Big Band. She’s visiting both edges of Australia when she collaborates with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra and the Sydney Conservatorium’s Equity in Jazz Program. Larry Sitsky’s The Compleat Busoni is published by ANU Press.Chloe Rowlands performs a free concert at Sydney Conservatorium of Music on Thursday 5 September, 6.30-8.30pm. Chloe performs two shows in Perth with WA Youth Jazz Orchestra, in the Progressions 2024 Showcase and at The Ellington Jazz Club. Music heard in the show:Title: When All of This is OverComposer: Chloe RowlandsArtist: The WesterliesAlbum: Songbook Vol. 2Label: The Westerlies MusicTitle: Piano Concerto No. 1 – The Twenty-Two Paths of the Tarot; vi. The LoversComposer: Larry SitskyArtist: Roger Woodward, David Porcelijn, Adelaide Symphony OrchestraAlbum: A Concerto CollectionLabel: ABC Classics 481 1322Title: Sonatina Seconda Composer: Ferruccio BusoniArtist: Marc-André Hamelin (piano)Album: Busoni Late Piano MusicLabel: Hyperion CDA67951Title: Violin Concerto No. 3 ‘I Ching’ – The Eight Kua (Trigrams); i. WaterComposer: Larry SitskyArtist: Jan Sedivka, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Christopher Lyndon-GeeAlbum: Australian ConcertosLabel: Australian Music Unit AMU4Title: Arch (Fantasia No. 4)Composer: Larry SitskyArtist: Larry Sitsky (piano)Album: Contemporary Australian PianoLabel: Move M3066Title: Blue and Red HorsesComposer: Adriene LenkerArtist: The WesterliesAlbum: Songbook Vol. 1Label: The Westerlies MusicTitle: Tifa’s ThemeComposer: Nobuo UematsuArtist: The 8-Bit Big Band, Chloe Rowlands (flugelhorn)Album: Album 4 – Game ChangerLabel: 8-Bit Title: LaurieComposer: Chloe RowlandsArtist: The WesterliesAlbum: Wherein Lies the GoodLabel: The Westerlies MusicTechnical production by Emrys Cronin, Isabella Tropiano, and John JacobsThe Music Show is made on Gadigal and Gundungurra Country

Romano Crevici has been playing violins made by Harry Vatiliotis for decades. Now drawing to the end of their respective careers, Harry has made one final instrument, which will be Romano's last violin too. The process, challenged by sore joints, thin skin, and Harry's caring responsibilities to the love of his life Maria, have been captured in a moving film called The Last Violin by Carla Thackrah. Romano and Carla are in the studio with the titular violin.Andrew Robertson's The Journeyman Suite is music about making music—documenting the realities and career arc of a jobbing musician. Big band music presents big possibilities for colour and texture and the composer tells Andrew Ford about writing for this intergenerational band, and why he added a string quartet.The Last Violin is being screened on SBS on Sunday 15 September and will be available on SBS On Demand after that.You can contact Romano Crivici here if you own an instrument made by Harry Vatiliotis. AR Big Band's The Journeyman Suite is out now on ABC Jazz. Romano Crivici and Carla Thackrah with the last violin.Music in this program:Title: String Quartet No. 4 ‘Undercurrents’Artist: Elektra String QuartetComposer: Romano CriviciAlbum: Ebb & FlowLabel: ABC Classics ABCL0015DTitle: Let it Go Artist: Allie OsborneComposer: Romano CriviciAlbum: The Vatiliotis Collection: music from The Last ViolinLabel: No-Self RecordsTitle: Ecstasy of CloudsArtist: Elektra String QuartetComposer: Romano CriviciAlbum: Flat EarthLabel: ABC Classics 4657042Titles: Blow; Torment; The one less travelled by...; The BalladierArtist: AR Big Band & String QuartetComposer: Andrew RobertsonAlbum: The Journeyman Suite Label: ABC Jazz ABCJ0031DTitle: Symphony for Big Band; 3rd Movement Artist: AR Big BandComposer: Andrew RobertsonAlbum: The Journeyman Suite Label: ABC Jazz ABCJ0031DTechnical production by Emrys Cronin, Isabella Tropiano, and John JacobsThe Music Show is made on Gadigal and Gundungurra Country

Good times and bum times, she’s seen them all and she’s here: Geraldine Turner, lynchpin of the Australian music theatre scene from 1970s repertory to the current run of The Mousetrap, reflects on her massive career (so far), her love of Sondheim, and Judy Garland.Geraldine Turner is performing in The Mousetrap until 15 September. Music heard in the program:Title: I’m Still Here (Follies)Composer: Stephen SondheimArtist: Geraldine TurnerAlbum: Great Australian Voices: Geraldine TurnerLabel: Désirée Records - GAV 008Title: Down With LoveComposer: music Harold Arlen, lyrics Yip HarburgArtist: Geraldine TurnerAlbum: Great Australian Voices: Geraldine TurnerLabel: Désirée Records - GAV 008Title: All That Jazz (Chicago)Composer: music John Kander, lyrics Fred EbbArtist: Geraldine TurnerAlbum: Great Australian Voices: Geraldine TurnerLabel: Désirée Records - GAV 008Title: Sondheim Medley: The Little Things You Do Together (Company) - We're Gonna Be Alright (Do I Hear A Waltz-) - Could I Leave You (Follies)Composer: Stephen Sondheim, Richard RogersArtist: Geraldine TurnerAlbum: Great Australian Voices: Geraldine TurnerLabel: Désirée Records - GAV 008Title: It Never Was YouComposer: music Kurt Weill, lyrics Maxwell AndersonArtist: Judy GarlandAlbum: That’s Entertainment!Label: Capitol Records - CDP 7 48426 2Title: Being Alive (Company)Composer: Stephen SondheimArtist: Geraldine TurnerAlbum: Great Australian Voices: Geraldine TurnerLabel: Désirée Records - GAV 008The Music Show Is produced on Gadigal and Gundungurra CountryTechnical production by Bethany Stewart and Nathan Turnbull

Friend of The Music Show Kate Fagan’s new book of poetry is entitled Song in the Grass and it’s full of music. She returns to the show to talk about the book, the relationship between her musical and poetic writing, and her enduring connection to folk artists Peggy Seeger and Lisa O’Neill. The ABC’s iconic old News theme is new again: a new version by sound designer David McDonald puts a fresh lick of paint on Peter Wall and the late Tony Ansell’s 1980s bulletin soundtrack. David and Peter join Andy to talk about what makes a news theme work. Song in the Grass is published by Giramondo Books. Kate launches the book at Margaret Whitlam Galleries in Parramatta on 29 August. Music heard in the show: Title: Majestic FanfareArtist: Sydney Symphony Orchestra/Stuart ChallenderComposer: Charles WilliamsAlbum: Classic ABC TV & Radio ThemesLabel: ABC Classics 4724462Title: ABC News ThemeArtist: Tony Ansell & Peter WallComposer: Tony Ansell, Peter WallAlbum: Classic ABC TV & Radio ThemesLabel: ABC Classics 4724462Title: JJJ News ThemeComposer: Paul McKercher, John JacobsCourtesy of Triple JTitle: Gotta Get Home By MidnightArtist: Peggy SeegerComposer: Peggy SeegerAlbum: First FarewellLabel: Red Grape MusicTitle: All Of This Is ChanceArtist: Lisa O’NeillComposer: Lisa O’NeillAlbum: All Of This Is ChanceLabel: Rough Trade RecordsTitle: ABC News ThemeArtist: Tony Ansell & Peter WallComposer: Tony Ansell, Peter WallAlbum: Classic ABC TV & Radio ThemesLabel: ABC Classics 4724462Title: ABC News Theme (Pendulum Remix)Artist: Pendulum, Tony Ansell & Peter WallComposer: Tony Ansell & Peter WallAlbum: Pendulum Remix (single)Label: single releaseTitle: ABC News Theme (2024)Composer: Tony Ansell, Peter Wall and David McDonaldCourtesy of the ABCThe Music Show is made on Gadigal and Gundungurra CountryTechnical production by Bethany Stewart and Nathan Turnbull

Harnessing looping pedals, percussion and vocal manipulation, Tune-Yards make a very big sound for a core membership of two people. It's been ten years since the experimental pop project released their third album Nikki Nack and creepy hit Water Fountain. Songwriter and singer Merrill Garbus is on The Music Show to talk about the duo's complex rhythms, vocal athleticism, and how to play with words.What does it take to start your own record label in this economy? Andrew Ford chats to two people who did just this—Coco Eke was involved in the early days of First Nations label Bad Apples and pianist and composer Nat Bartsch's new label Amica focuses on 'kind' music. We find out what exactly a record label does, why they still have a role in the age of streaming, and what success can look like for an independent artist.Nat Bartsch launches her new album Forever Changed on Saturday 16 November.Tune-Yards' 10th anniversary Deluxe Edition of Nikki Nack is out now via 4AD/Remote Control Records.And you can find more information about the Bush Music Fund here.Music in the program:Title: Heart AttackComposer: Merrill GarbusArtist: Tune-YardsAlbum: I Can Feel You Creep Into My Private LifeLabel: 4AD 0052Title: Water FountainComposer: Merrill Garbus, Nate BrennerArtist: Tune-YardsAlbum: Nikki NackLabel: 4AD CAD3414CDTitle: Water Fountain (Live)Composer: Merrill Garbus, Nate Brenner, arranged by Kristopher FultonArtist: Vancouver Youth ChoirTitle: BiznessComposer: Merrill Garbus, Nate BrennerArtist: Tune-YardsAlbum: w h o k i l lLabel: 4AD CAD3106Title: Hey LifeComposer: Merrill Garbus, Nate BrennerArtist: Tune-YardsAlbum: Nikki NackLabel: 4AD CAD3414CDTitle: PowaComposer: Merrill GarbusArtist: Tune-YardsAlbum: w h o k i l lLabel: 4AD CAD3106Title: hypnotizedComposer: Merrill Garbus, Nate BrennerArtist: Tune-YardsAlbum: sketchy.Label: 4AD 4AD0309Title: Hope (for orchestra)Composer: Nat BartschArtist: Budapest Art Orchestra, conducted by Peter PejtsikAlbum: (Single)Label: Amica AMI006Title: Na​-​kalamandjardaComposer: Rona Lawrence and Jodie KellArtist: Ripple Effect BandAlbum: (Single)Label: IndependentThe Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra, Turrbal and Yuggera CountryTechnical production by Russell Stapleton and Bethany Stewart

Legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock shares fond memories of collaborations with icons like Miles Davis and reflects on jazz as a path to peace. Tenzin Choegyal, a Tibetan multi-instrumentalist, discusses his album 'Whispering Sky,' born from a unique, experimental recording journey across continents. They explore the power of mantras in Tibetan culture, the significance of musical collaboration, and how music can transcend cultural barriers. This heartfelt conversation beautifully intertwines personal stories and global sounds, celebrating music's unifying spirit.

For someone referred to as "the Queen of Jazz" and "First Lady of Song", there's a surprising amount we don't know about legendary jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. She didn't fit the image of a star: she was incredibly polite, avoided drugs and swearing, and kept her private life entirely private. But when she sang, people listened. Her clear diction, perfect intonation and master of scat singing made her one of the greatest vocalists of the 20th century.  Music historian and author of Becoming Ella Fitzgerald: The Jazz Singer Who Transformed American Song Judith Tick reveals as much as she can about the great singer.Music heard in the show:Title: Lover, Come Back to MeArtist: Ella FitzgeraldComposer: Sigmund Romberg (music), Oscar Hammerstein II (lyrics)Album: Sweet And HotLabel: Decca DL8155Title: A-Tisket, A-TasketArtist: Ella Fitzgerald & the Chick Webb OrchestraComposer: trad., embellished by Ella Fitzgerald and Al FeldmanAlbum: A-Tisket, A-TasketLabel: Decca S8140Title: Oh, Lady Be GoodArtist: Ella FitzgeraldComposer: George Gershwin, Ira GershwinAlbum: Lullabies of Birdland Label: Decca DL8149Title: Oh, Lady Be GoodArtist: Ella FitzgeraldComposer: George Gershwin (music), Ira Gershwin (lyrics)Album: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the George & Ira Gershwin SongbookLabel: Verve MG V-4029Title: Ev’ry Time We Say GoodbyeArtist: Ella FitzgeraldComposer: Cole PorterAlbum: Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter SongbookLabel: Verve MG V-4001Title: Cheek to CheekArtist: Ella Fitzgerald & Louis ArmstrongComposer: Irving BerlinAlbum: Ella & LouisLabel: Verve MG V-4003Title: Mack the KnifeArtist: Ella FitzgeraldComposer: Kurt WeillAlbum: Mack the Knife: Ella in BerlinLabel: Verve MG V-4041Title: Cry Me A RiverArtist: Ella Fitzgerald & Joe PassComposer: Arthur HamiltonAlbum: Duets in Hannover 1975Label: Impro-Jazz IJ 546Technical production by Simon Branthwaite, Tim James and Roi HubermanThe Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country

Finnish violinist Pekka Kuusisto makes a welcome return to The Music Show, this time with American singer-songwriter Gabriel Kahane. They talk about collaborating and songwriting and perform live in the studio; and Pekka tells us about completing and conducting a symphony by his late brother, Jaakko Kuusisto.When was the last time you sat down and listened to a record from start to finish? And when did you last do that in a room with other people? In Japan, people have been gathering in ongaku kissaten (‘music cafes’) for 100 years. They drink coffee and listen to records, usually in silence and always on very high quality sound systems. Nick Dwyer is the director of a new documentary series called A Century in Sound which is being screened at Melbourne International Film Festival. It takes us into three of these cafes in Tokyo to reveal the proprietors, the records, the customers and the role that these dedicated listening spaces play in the life of a busy city. Pekka Kuusisto and Gabriel Kahane are on tour as Council with Musica Viva Australia from 6-17 August. A Century In Sound screens at Melbourne International Film Festival on 18 and 20 August. Music in this program: Title: India And On Down To Australia Composer: Laurie Anderson feat. ANOHNIArtist: Laurie AndersonAlbum: Amelia (forthcoming, due 30 August)Label: NonesuchTitle: Märchentänze III: A Skylark for JaneComposer: Thomas AdèsArtist: Pekka Kuusisto, Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas CollonAlbum: Adès: Orchestral WorksLabel: Ondine ODE 14112Title: BaedekerComposer: Gabriel KahaneArtist: Gabriel KahaneAlbum: Book of TravelersLabel: Nonesuch 571525-2Title: Symphony, Op. 39; II. Lento (Live)Composer: Jaakko KuusistoArtist: Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Pekka KuusistoAlbum: Kuusisto: Symphony, Op. 39, Pictured Within & Birthday Variations for M.C.B.Label: BIS 2747Title: Bright Forms (Live)Composer: Pekka Kuusisto and Gabriel KahaneArtist: Council Performed live in The Music Show studio Title: Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major, K. 467, I. Allegro MaestosoComposer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Artist: Walter Klien piano, Mainzer Kammerorchester, Günter Kehr conductorAlbum: Mozart: Piano Concerto No. 21 In C Major, K. 467Label: Turnabout TV-S 34504Title: An Oscar For Treadwell (Alternate Take)Composer: Charlie ParkerArtist: Charlie Parker and Dizzy GillespieAlbum: Bird and DizLabel: Mercury MGC-512Title: Walk, Don't RunComposer: Johnny SmithArtist: The VenturesAlbum: Walk Don't RunLabel: Dolton Records BST 8003Title: DakishimetaiComposer: Eiichi Ohtaki and Takashi MatsumotoArtist: Happy EndAlbum: Kazemachi RomanLabel: URC URG-4009Technical production by Simon Branthwaite, Tim James, and Roi HubermanThe Music Show is made on Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country

How The Saints and Radio Birdman paved the way for punk and independent music in Australia.

Australian music icon and proud Torres Strait Islander Christine Anu has just released her first album of new music in 20 years. Waku-Minaral A Minalay was recorded across the Pacific in places like New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Torres Strait Islands and the Solomon Islands - utilising traditional percussion instruments like the Warup (drums), the Urub (shakers) and the Kulap (seed pot rattles). It’s a deeply personal bilingual album which includes songs written by Christine Anu, her grandfather and her daughter. British countertenor Iestyn Davies is about to make his Australian debut singing music by JS Bach and Arvo Pärt alongside the Australian Chamber Orchestra and dancers from Sydney Dance Company. He speaks to Andrew Ford about what links these two composers (born nearly three centuries apart) and the changing attitudes, and repertoire, for high male voices.Christine Anu performs at the Mt Isa Rodeo on 8 August, at Cairns Festival on 23 August and at North Australian Festival of Arts on 13 October.Iestyn Davies performs with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company in Silence & Rapture from 2-19 August.Music in Christine Anu's interview:Title: Aukum of SaibaiComposer: Christine Anu, David BridieArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029Title: Koey Dhoerim Composer: Nadi AnuArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029Title: My Popu Nadhi AnuComposer: Christine Anu, David BridieArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029Title: Laga Saibai Composer: Nadi AnuArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029Title: Dhibagaw GabuComposer: Zipporah Corser AnuArtist: Christine AnuAlbum: Waku - Minaral A MinalayLabel: ABC Music ABCM0029Music in Iestyn Davies' interview:Title: King DavidComposer: Herbert Howells, words Walter de la MareArtist: Iestyn DaviesAlbum: Divine Music: An English SongbookLabel: Signum Classics SIGCD725Title: 'Wer Sünde tut, der ist vom Teufel' from Cantata No. 54, 'Widerstehe doch der Sünde,' BWV 54 (BC A51)Composer: Johann Sebastian BachArtist: Iestyn Davies, Arcangelo, Jonathan Cohen conductorAlbum: Cantatas Nos 54, 82 & 170Label: Hyperion CDA68111Title: Or la tromba (from Rinaldo)Composer: George Frideric HandelArtist: Iestyn Davies, La Nuova Musica, artistic director David BatesAlbum: Handel’s Unsung HeroesLabel: Pentatone 5186892Music at the end of the show:Title: (I’m) StrandedArtist: The SaintsComposer: Chris Bailey, Ed KuepperAlbum: (I’m) StrandedLabel: EMI -- EMC-2570Technical production by Russell StapletonThe Music Show is produced on Gadigal and Gundungurra Country