Doors 6pm
Show 7pm
The Mace Francis Orchestra turns 20. In April 2005 MFO launched as a band, playing each Wednesday at the old Lazy Susan Comedy Lounge, upstairs at The Brisbane Hotel. Since then they have recorded 10 albums of original music, toured nationally four times and performed with international jazz artists, Jim Pugh (USA), Jon Gordon (NY), John Hollenbeck (Berlin), Theo Bleckmann (NY), Ed Partyka (GER) and Satoko Fujii (JAP).
Tonight’s performance will draw from an extensive catalogue of original big band music. With swirling saxophones, big brass and a driving rhythm section, this performance will be filled with raw energy, humour, and sophistication. A little big band that punches above it’s weight.
“It’s adventurous, crunchy, and really leans into some tasty dissonance. It’s assured and mature ensemble writing.”
Dr. Tim Nikolsky – Australian Jazz Real Book
“This group has a distinctive voice and strong aesthetic integrity… the highlight is Mace Francis’s skill as an arranger. He has a definite style which, while positioned within the tradition of big band conceptions, is recognisably his own”
Gavin Franklin – Loudmouth Magazine
“These layered compositions and scoring convey colour, atmosphere and movement far more effectively and with greater interest than the stock standard arrangements often heard from big bands. Francis, understandably, has attracted international interest with his outstanding orchestra and compelling compositions.”
John McBeath – The Weekend Australian
Saxophones: Holly Forster, Aaron Caldwell, Sean Little, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpet: Dusan Cuculoski, Matt Smith, Jonah Golds
Trombone: Alex Parkinson, Catherine Noblet, Rob Coleman
Guitar: Dan Garner
Bass: Lucy Browning
Drums: Greg Brenton
Conductor: Mace Francis
