Andrew Butt

Blueberry Ash

Comprised of predominantly original works "Blueberry Ash" is the latest recording of my group "Andrew Butt Trio +". Prior to release the title track was selected as a finalist for the 2017 Queensland Music Awards and follows the ensemble's 2013 Queensland Music Award winning album "Here & Now". The project is the culmination of my collaboration with some amazing musicians over the last couple of years. The music is comprised of themes inspired by special people, family, travel and the beauty and spirit of my home region.

To date, the digital and CD launch played to a sell out show at Brisbane International Jazz Festival. Performances have continued throughout 2017 and are planned to take place across the east coast of Australia including at the Paris Cat Jazz Club in Melbourne and the Tropic Jazz Club in Cairns.

About this campaign

Since my group's last release the music landscape has changed dramatically making it challenging for independent artists to create new music. In late 2015 I was fortunate to be involved in a project with Brisbane’s instrumental funk juggernaut "The Francis Wolves". This culminated in a 7 and 12 inch release on vinyl through my good friends at Valley Heat Records. To be honest, at the outset I was skeptical of the format however upon release was amazed by the sonic quality of the recording and the physical beauty of product and art work. To cut a long story short I soon purchased my own turntable and began to revisit my existing collection as well as connect with a community of music lovers who were committed to artists by purchasing music via the vinyl format. To be up front we all know that this music will be available for free on Spotify and other platforms however being involved in this project enables you to support me and my fellow collaborators in producing new music into the future. If vinyl is not your thing the campaign also gives you an opportunity to show you support through the purchase of a CD, download or by taking up one of the reward offers including a chance to have your own music supported through video production.

To date the albums musician, studio and production costs have been covered though funds generated through performances and "creative" means. This project is to contribute solely to costs involved in the production of vinyl. 

These costs include:

$800: Mastering by Adam Demsey at Deluxe Mastering

$355: Artwork & Graphic Design by Sai Karlen

$3,420.45: For the production of 200 X 180 gram blue vinyl records (ouch...that hurt typing out!)

It is hoped that over the next few years I will recover some costs through sales at performances and festivals. The $2000 is basically to go towards holding my marriage together (ha-ha) ...  not really ... yes really :) To be totally frank the pozible project will enable people to support my music and act as a pre-sale / post sale for the vinyl, CD and digital download release.

It's a big ask to raise this sort of money. I am relying a lot on your generosity. However, I am sure that you will love this music as much as we have loved creating it.

I completely understand if you are not in a position to contribute. A great way you could still help us out, without spending a cent, is to spread the word about our Pozible campaign. The more people who are aware of the project, the more likely that we will reach the target and make it become a reality!

Simply copy and paste this:

https://pozible.com/project/blueberry-ash-vinyl

The Musicians

Leader Andrew Butt's accolades include a Queensland Music Award, Churchill Fellowship and performing as a jazz soloist with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. He has toured throughout Australia and internationally to Indonesia, Fiji, New Zealand, China, Europe and North America. Andrew has been mentored by a diverse range of artists including Tony Hobbs, George Garzone, Chris Cheek, Bill McHenry and Branford Marsalis.

Kellee Green is a Brisbane based musician and educator who performs in a diverse range of genres and musical styles including jazz, third-stream music, blends of electronic and acoustic music, rock and many other contemporary styles. She has collaborated and toured with many of Australia’s jazz & rock icons including Glenn Shorrock, Wendy Matthews, Doug Parkinson and Tommy Emmanuel as well as international jazz artists such as Jim Pugh and Adrian Cunningham. Kellee has performed in many different groups at national festivals, including the Woodford Folk Festival (Frank Zappa Big Band, Barbara Fordham Trio, The Pockets), the Stonnington Jazz Festival (Lil' Fi, Margaret Roadknight), the Gympie Muster, the Melbourne Ukulele Festival and SPRUKE!  

Guitarist Toby Wren is one of Australia’s most compelling and original artists. Gigging from an early age in Blues, Rock, Classical and Fusion, Wren went on to study composition at the Queensland Conservatorium. The synthesis of these styles into Toby’s compositions and performances has seen his various groups achieve national recognition. The Toby Wren Trio’s acclaimed 2006 release Umlaut was followed by 2008’s hard-hitting Everything Must Go, which saw Toby collaborate with world saxophone competition winner, Jamie Oehlers. Some of Toby’s Carnatic collaborations have been captured on the CD release The Carnatic Jazz Experiment (2011) and the 2012 release of Rich and Famous sees the influence of Carnatic music take its place within a jazz quartet setting. Toby has a new release "Black Mountain" that is also out on vinyl, you should check it out.

Paul Hudson started playing drums at 8 years old. Since then a variety of teachers have instructed him, and in 1986 he graduated from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. He has worked together with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra as well as a variety of jazz gigs with local, interstate and international artists including George Cables, Bernie McGann, Sandy Evans, Don Borrows, Tommy Tycho, Grace Knight, Rhonda Burchmore, Vince Genova, John Hoffmann, Katie Noonan & Mike Nock. 

Peter Walters is an acoustic and electric bassist, composer, arranger, producer and teacher who has been at the forefront of jazz performance for over 2 decades. He has performed and recorded with some of Australia's finest performers such as Kerry Biddell, Vince Jones, Wiley Reed, James Morrisson and Don Burrows as well as international artists Vanessa Rubin, Sheila Jordan, Johnny Griffin, Clifford Jordan, Annie Ross, Don Menzer, Richie Cole, Joachim Khun, Jason Rebello, Andreas Oberg and many more. Peter has a Masters Degree in Music majoring in composition and has written and arranged for ABC and SBS television documentaries and film and theatre as well as arranging for and producing vocal and instrumental albums. He has also been awarded 'Best Producer' for the Wiley Reed album 'Straight From The Heart' at the Queensland Sunny awards. 

Since completing a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance) at the Jazz Music Institute in Brisbane, Aaron Jansz has rapidly established himself as an integral member of the Brisbane jazz scene while also performing around the country. Aaron has maintained a busy schedule as an educator and performer. As well as leading his own groups Aaron is also in demand as a sideman consistently accompanying local, national, and international artists. Some performance highlights include James Morrison, Grace Knight, Queensland pops Orchestra, Best Of Brass Regional Tour, and supporting Larry Carlton.

Nick Quigley is the Chief Executive Officer at the Jazz Music Institute and in recent times has become prominent on the Queensland jazz scene performing with a diverse range of artists including James Morrison, Brendan Clarke, Ben Hauptmann & Sharny Russell. Nick is a member of the Quigley family dynasty and his early childhood was enriched by the presence of jazz legends Freddie Hubbard, Woody Shaw, Joe Henderson, John Scofield, Randy Brecker and many more.

The album also features a brass choir with some very special friends and musicians:  Jamie Kennedy - Bass Trombone, Megan Harmston - Tenor Horn & Brodie McAllister - Tenor Trombone.

Thanks to the following people …

My family for their unconditional love and support over many years. My fellow Queensland musicians for their friendship, inspiration and musicianship on this project over the last few years - Kellee Green, Peter Walters, Toby Wren, Paul Hudson, Tommy See Poy, Joe Vizzone, Aaron Jansz, Nick Quigley, Sam Vincent, Joe Marchisella, Bruce Woodward, Helen Russell, David Cotgreave, John Reeves, Megan Harmston, Jamie Kennedy and Brodie McAllister. Wilma Reading for her support, friendship and for the privilege of being able to share the stage with an icon. The Quigley Family and the JMI live team, The Churchill Foundation, Brisbane Jazz Club, Tanks Arts Centre Cairns,  Bennetts Lane, Jazz Club, The Paris Cat Jazz Club and the Music Staff of Marist College Ashgrove. Lynette Irwin, artistic director of the Brisbane International Jazz Festival, for her continued love and encouragement. Leo McFadden for his ongoing friendship and sharing of his technical expertise throughout the recording sessions. Without these amazing people and many others this music would not be possible.

Finally a big thanks to you for reading this far, I would be really appreciative of being able to continue to share my music with you through this pozible campaign.