Assumptions
Julien Wilson – Tenor sax and live effects
Stephen Magnusson – electric guitar
Will Guthrie – drums
Assumptions is a Melbourne based improvisational trio that has been hailed as one of the most significant groups on the Australian scene.
Stephen Magnusson, Will Guthrie and Julien Wilson are recognised widely as among the strongest and most original players of their generation and as such have each been awarded the most prestigious prize in Australian jazz: the National Jazz Award. The trio was formed in 2002, and quickly developed into one of Australia’s more exciting, dynamic and intriguing improvisational groups. The three blend seamlessly together to create a unified ensemble sound that defies conventions and classification. They have released 2 CD’s assumptions2 (2003) & Departures (2004)
Will Guthrie has been living in France since 2004. In 2012 he released the astounding Sticks, Stones and Breaking Bones, a solo drums record on CD & 180g Vinyl that has received critical acclaim from around the globe for it’s ferocious and relentless musicality. For more info on Will’s recent activities see www.will-guthrie.com
SELECTED PRESS
“Landing square in the 21st Century is the Australian based Assumptions trio. More focused on the beat than atmospherics, the trio manages to create enjoyable grooves while playing up to their more experimental nature.” Cadence
“The assumptions trio is one of the most potent and distinctive units in Australian jazz. Like The Necks and Band Of 5 Names, they are worth catching ‘live’ at every opportunity.. truly exhilarating.” Rhythms
“There are times, as a performer or a listener, when you can get so caught up in the music, the unfolding patters of sound, that nothing else matters.” The Australian
“Assumptions – are not just three exceptional improvisers, they are three of our most distinctive players on their respective instruments…. the ability to sustain intensity over long periods was a marvel” Sydney Morning Herald
“Sensitive listening and reacting is the main modus operandi for these three young jazz players, and their collective soul has a very intriguing aura indeed. Most of the music here is very well conceived and played. I’ve heard before that Australia has a good jazz scene. Here’s some proof.” www.jazzreview.com
powerful unity nothing else matters truly exhilarating distinctive and original energised and on edge ecstatic pay-offs the trio can sustain and explore a mood very intriguing aura worth catching ‘live’ at every opportunity Landing square in the 21st Century unfolding patters of sound potent and distinctive hard to be sure which instrument is making which sound powerful, surging momentum ability to sustain intensity over long periods hypnotic grooves very impressive spontaneity reveling in the joys of improvisation very resourceful improvisers the best in contemporary Australian jazz forward thrust primal therapy utterly unconcerned with conforming contemporaneous tradition sharp, attacking sounds succeed in inspiring each other folk-tinged intense, jubilant groove texture and rhythm are at least as important as melody rich colours creative stabbing and chopping protracted, brooding tenor notes unique Magnusson’s trademark swirls and drifts gorgeous lines and magnificent sound consistently connect with each other intriguing subtle and simple beauty compelling originality hypnotic repeated motifs three of our most distinctive players prodigious technique wide emotional and sonic range very exciting aggressive avant-garde style magnetises with its raw intensity consistently elevating the energy