Assumptions

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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