Written in 2019 for SMP Ensemble's 'New World, New Beginnings', 'szcześliwe wyspy
 (isles of the blessed)' sets selected text in the original Polish from Jan Kochanowski 'Tren X', which describes the mythical isles of the blessed, and other mythological places that promise sancturary for a new (eternal) life after the death of his child. I use this as a methaphor to comemorate the Pahiatua refugees, orphan children from Poland who had to flee during WWII and set a new life in Pahiatua, New Zealand. 

The track features Barbara Paterson (voice), Gabriela Glapska (piano), Michelle Velvin (Harp) & Sam Rich (Vibraphone), and was recorded, mixed and mastered by Phil Brownlee. 

szcześliwe wyspy  (isles of the blessed) [2019]

'Vain Tears' was written as a response at the start of Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The text is from Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka and is pre indenpendence and calls for the resolve of the people to fight for their land and culture against their opressors. 

Featuring Barbara Paterson (voice), Gabriela Glapska (piano), Michelle Velvin (harp) & Sam Rich (vibraphone). Recorded, mixed and mastered by Phil Brownlee. 

Vain Tears (2023)

Piece written within the framework of ['tactus] Young Composers' Forum. Performed by Ensemble Musiques Nouvelles conducted by Jean-Paul Dessy. 
I The Li[lbur]ndy Hop, II Broken Record, III Cacophonous Cuckoo.

(n.b. The first two movements are adapted from earlier pieces).

Swing Set

A semi-improvised piece with Jasmine Lovell-Smith performed at St Paul's cathedral as part of SMP ensembles TGIF concert, 27/04/2018.

The piece, for two soprano saxophones at two opposite ends of the cathedral, is based on modal chant and antiphon (call and response) or responsorio. I wanted to write something that utilised the acoustic resonance of the cathedral, as well as the historical resonances. The modal language and singing qualities also showcases Jasmine's lyrical playing and tone.

Antiphon - Semi-Improvisation with Jasmine Lovell-Smith (Binaural Recording)

Solo guitar work in three movements based on fragments of melody from Giacomo Gorzanis.
Composed in collaboration with guitarist Jake Church.

Audio by Jesse Austin-Stewart. An accompanying video can be found here: https://vimeo.com/269564531

Gorzanis frammenti

performed by Gabriela Glapska. 

Audio by Jesse Austin-Stewart. A video of this recording can be found here: https://vimeo.com/269562980

for Solo Piano (2014)

An improvisation utilising Cristohper Ramos Flores' Hypesax extension. This improv plays with the feedback setting which sends feedback through the instrument, allowing it to be manipulated by fingerings and air pressure (even when no traditional tone is produced). The disguise between the traditional tone and electronics is heightened by the acoustics of St Paul's, Wellington.

Hypesax Improvisation

Recorded at SMP Ensemble's Reflections, St Peter's on Willis, Wellington, September 22nd 2019. 

Utlising Cristohper Ramos-Flores' HypeSax extension. 

Recorded by Stephen Riddell

Glen Downie

Popular tracks