Jessica Zuk Performs On New Classical Recording

Echoes of Earth is a CD project which saw some of Melbourne's finest classical and jazz musicians coming together for one of the most ambitious recording projects staged at St Andrews Anglican Church, Brighton and is set to be released this Saturday

Featuring 13 tracks in all, the recording showcases the fruits of a new collaboration between Elwood flautist Jessica Zuk, pianist and composer Callum Watson and clarinetist Joel Hands-Otte. Works include three new compositions by Watson presenting a mix of both jazz and classical influences.

Hands-Otte also contributes a profound bass clarinet arrangement of the jazz standard "God Bless the Child" written by Billie Holiday.

The CD concludes with an innovative new arrangement of Vivaldi's G minor flute concerto "La Notte" for flute and string quintet conceived by Melbourne composer Scott A. Aschauer with support from Jessica Zuk.

"The opportunity to work in such a fabulous acoustic was a big draw card for me. The reverberation becomes a part of the sound you're shaping, and it's perfectly suited to small ensemble work, such as the baroque style of the Vivaldi" says Zuk who is a feature on the CD.

"Audiences can expect a real mix of styles and techniques, from baroque to jazz and modern classical. It's a very atmospheric CD and also I think many of the works are quite sensitive and reflective".

Jessica, who is also a Mezzo-Soprano is currently studying music at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, Monash University as part of a double degree.

"I simply love making music - I find a real freedom in playing and becoming part of the sound; I've always wanted to devote more time to my music study so continuing at a tertiary level was a natural choice for me. It's really wonderful to finally feel immersed in it!"

The CD will be launched at North Melbourne on Saturday 24 March (9pm) for the first show of an exclusive three-month residency at Club Voltaire with all three performers playing a recital on the night.

Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased by visiting www.callumwatson.com.au/clubvoltaire/. Spots are limited.

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