Long-time collaborators Shannon Barnett (trombone), Sam Anning (double bass) & Andrea Keller (piano) have created music together in a myriad of contexts over many years. However, in recent times, with Barnett living and working in Cologne, Germany, and Anning and Keller based in Melbourne, Australia, opportunities for performance, collaboration and recording for the trio have become sparse. Their debut album as a trio Between Panic & Peace was recorded on February 26, 2020, at the Brian Brown Studio, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne. Recorded by Jem Savage and mixed and mastered by Dave Darlington at Bass Hit Recording, NYC, with design by Florian Ross. Released on March 17, 2022, the track list features compositions and improvisations by all three musicians – eight tracks (four by Keller, two by Barnett and two by Anning).
The musical structures contributed by all three musicians, are reimagined for this drummer-less and uncommon line up. Incorporating high levels of improvisation, the ensemble focusses on interaction as a method for developing musical material and a collective consciousness. The fluidity of approach, and deep listening ensures that each instrumental voice can add meaningful contributions that may affect and direct the course of the music.
Keller’s scoring embraces her concept of ‘reflective notation’ – combining graphic notation, traditional forms of notation, with explorations on visual placement and page layout. Reflective Notation describes a notational system that communicates musical ideas in a way that is reflective of, and highly attuned with, the performative skill set and approach necessary to produce the music. The specific performative skill set of the improvising musician, requires the execution of pre-determined musical ideas (melodic, harmonic, rhythmic, structural, etc.), the contribution of spontaneous and personal responses to the music, as well as interaction (when in a group setting).
The aim is to present the notated form of the music in a way that provides a holistic overview that aligns with the sense of agency demanded of improvisers in the realisation of musical compositions. This approach sits between the lead sheet and the traditional score & parts. Ideally it provides an aerial view of the structure, the crucial content, an understanding of the outline of the work, its progression, each musician’s role in it, and the interaction between instruments of the ensemble, ‘at a glance’.