The Outsider is Cody’s exciting new album for his all-star 8 piece band, ranging from the blues to gospel and jazz infused with infectious African and Middle Eastern motifs and grooves. Cody was inspired by his many years in France working with African and Arab musicians, the writings of Albert Camus, and the pandemic experience that raised questions of identity and purpose.

The album features some of Australia’s finest world music and jazz musicians with three horns, an oud maestro and a burning rhythm section with The Neck’s bassist Lloyd Swanton, virtuosic percussionist Adem Yilmaz and legendary drummer James “Pug” Waples. 

Internationally renowned Australian pianist and composer Chris Cody presents his 11th album Astrolabe alongside his all-star band featuring some of the country’s finest jazz musicians.

A powerful musical journey, Astrolabe is inspired by French navigator La Pérouse’s voyage to Australia on the ship Astrolabe in 1788. Pérouse arrived in Botany Bay only six days after the First Fleet and vanished just weeks after leaving Australian shores. Cody says, “I found the voyage resonated with my own voyage to France and later back to Australia. I was challenged to grow as a musician and explore my identity and dreams. Both our stories share themes of old world versus new, the unknown, the meetings of different cultures, and of loss, death and disappearance. And ultimately, of hope and continuation.”

Cody’s work draws upon jazz, classical and world music to take audiences on a vibrant and exciting musical odyssey. It delves into differently imagined times, cultures and places to convey the emotions he felt after reading the ship journal. It starts with a medieval influenced dance in 5, move through upbeat jazz to a brass and wind chorale inspired by the stone figures of Easter Island. After a very still ballad and a north Japanese inspired temple piece, the music travels through a quirky dance in 7 with a hint of violence, a soulful lament for Père Receveur who died in Australia, the impending disaster and finally a waltz for hope.

“Enthralling tribute to French explorer…startlingly effective music” – Sydney Morning Herald

“Beautifully meditative…sublime…wonderful…a thrilling musical voyage” – Loudmouth Magazine

The album was beautifully recorded at Studios 301 in Sydney in December 2019, with sparkling mastering by Michael Lynch, artwork by Maya Cody, and design by Tim Kliendienst. It contains a booklet with the story, photos, and superb original engravings and quotes from the ship’s journal.

Musicians: Chris Cody composition and piano, Tom Avgenicos trumpet, Paul Cutlan saxophone, clarinets and flute, James Greening trombone, didgeridoo, conch, Susie Bishop, violin, Emily-Rose Sarkova accordion, Lloyd Swanton, bass, Fabien Hevia drums, percussion, ship bell.

Tracks: 1. Mundus Vetus (Old World) 6:12. 2. Departure 6:33 3. Stone Figures 8:34 4. Becalmed 7:33 5. Oku-Yeso 8:08 6. Pacifique 7:15 7. Père Receveur 5:53 8. Vanikoro 7:24 9. Espérance 8:25. Total time: 66:00

ALBUM LAUNCH CONCERT:

8.30pm Saturday March 14, Foundry 616, Sydney

Bookings: www.foundry616.com.au

Album available digital and CD on bandcamp, Readings, Birdland, and chriscody.com.