Based around a format of 3 woodwind, 3 brass and 3 rhythm, it features a wide variety of textural nuances and incorporates the multi-instrumental abilities of it's members. It treads a fine balance of dense orchestrated passages with open improvisational sections.
The writing is Lyons' own, purpose written for this ensemble, utilising more of his beloved odd-meters and incorporating more Asian elements into the mix than with previous outings.
The ensemble was recorded earlier this year and a CD should be available soon.
Julian Chan - alto sax,flute
Cheryl Mah - baritone sax, bass clarinet
Damon Brown - trumpet, flugelhorn
Eddie Wen - trumpet, flugelhorn
Francois Godere - trombone
Lewis Pragasam - drums
Andy Peterson - bass
Justin Lim - piano
The music is all lyons-penned, with hard-grooving latin jazz undercurrents but with contemporary improvisation at it's core giving it enormous flexibility and spontaneity.
Mei Sheum - piano
Christy Smith - bass
Lewis Pragasam - drums
Steve Thornton - percussion
Justin Lim - piano/keyboards
Andy Peterson - acoustic/electric bass
Lewis Pragasam - drums/percussion
Whether doing originals, or re-arranged standards or even contemporary world-music songs, the unifying factor is a strong sense of "groove", melodic directness and above all, fun.
Lyons' big-band arranging style, while originally inspired by the larger ensembles run by Jaco Pastorius and the British 80's phenomenon "Loose Tubes", has absorbed elements of the style of contemporary arrangers like Bob Mintzer and Maria Schneider as well as Latin styles of the bands of Tito Puente and Dizzy Gillespie. It now focuses primarily on groove based rhythmic structures with contemporary jazz harmonic and melodic elements in a combination that simultaneously reaches your feet and head.
This ensemble currently consists of local and international rising stars and has evolved through the love and determination of all members.