Research Background: Nova Nova is a CD recording featuring 8 compositions for small jazz ensemble. It is a creative output – Music Composition, Performance and Recording. This CD builds on my previous creative outputs being my 7th recording of original material. The field is Australian jazz, and more specifically, contemporary Australian jazz composition.

Research Contribution: The repertoire and arrangements are in the realm of ‘straight-ahead’ jazz and include 3 compositions for piano trio, 2 for quartet (with trumpet or saxophone) and 3 for quintet. Three compositions are inspired by Brazilian rhythms (samba, bossa nova and choro); 2 are jazz waltzes; 2 reference the classic hard-bop quintet format of trumpet/tenor sax and rhythm section. ‘Parting’ is influenced by Keith Jarrett’s early compositions: it has a through-composed melody, irregular phrasing, a straight-quaver time feel, and multiple excursions away from the principal tonal centre of A minor. ‘Para te ver’, while rhythmically a Brazilian choro, has a cyclical form and irregular phrasing which is not typical of the style.

Research Significance: Personnel on Nova Nova are first-call Brisbane jazz musicians. The CD was launched on the Sunshine Coast and at the Brisbane Jazz Club in April 2021. Further shows in Brisbane and the Gold Coast were cancelled due to Covid restrictions. It has received three strong reviews in the press - The Australian weekend Review, Dingo jazz magazine and Rhythms Magazine. The CD is currently being played on jazz radio across Australia.