Peter Wockner's Q&A with Mark Isaacs 5 May 2009

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2018-02-24.

Mark Isaacs is one of Australia’s most distinguished musicians in jazz and classical music. He has toured the world and collaborated with some of the most famous names in international jazz. Following tours in Asia and around Australia in 2007/08 the 5-piece Resurgence Band is touring nationally in May to celebrate the release of their new CD Tell It Like It Is by the ABC. This exciting band features some of the very best talent in Australian jazz including award-winning guitarist James Muller and saxophonist Matt Keegan. The original tunes by Mark feature memorable melodies with blues, soul and gospel grooves and some classical threads. Not to be missed! Mark Isaacs – piano James Muller – guitar Matt Keegan – saxophones Brett Hirst – bass Tim Firth – drums.

Peter Wockner:

This must be the group’s third tour together? How has the group developed from being an accomplished gathering of recommended artists into a cohesive band greater than the sum of its parts?

Mark Isaacs :

Yes, it’s the group’s third major tour. What we have got to in the band feel is by virtue of having enough real rehearsal (as opposed to just jamming and socialising), many performances on the road as you say and also an open dialogue between myself and the band on directions in the music. And real commitment from everybody to shoot for the stars.

PW:

How difficult is it for you as a leader to be able to recognise when to ‘direct’ the sound of your band and when to allow the dynamics of the group, the freedom to take it to places that maybe you never intended it to go?

MI:

I tend to direct in rehearsal more. In performance I don’t consciously direct, but inevitably what I play might direct the band in itself. But what they play directs me too. Some of it is verbal, some visual and some subliminal or just pure sound. I don’t think about it so much. Whatever it takes. If it needs more direction I’ll give it, if I need to pull back in order to let it breathe I’ll do that too. It’s rarely “difficult”, mostly a joy.

PW:

You’re new album ‘Tell it Like it is” was captured live at the Sound Lounge in 2008. How do you think the night ‘played out’ in relation to the idea of ‘direction’ and/or ‘freedom’?

MI:

It was a night that pretty much played itself. I can hardly remember it so it’s great to have the CD! It happens so rarely that a truly inspired night is documented. And this truly was an inspired night for the band.

PW:

What in particular about the pattern of instrumentation in this group that appeals to you? For example, how does the saxophone suit your compositions better than say a trumpet or trombone ?

MI:

Saxophone has the right combination of lyricism and brawniness for my music, particularly mixing tenor and soprano. I haven’t heard the need for trumpet or trombone in my small group music to date, and there aren’t any brass players that have inspired me in terms of my own music apart from Kenny Wheeler who I have already toured and recorded with. But what appeals to me most about the instrumentation is the combination of sax and guitar as frontline, in particular the guitar of James Muller. This is the fourth CD with James in that instrumentation.

PW:

You’ve always been committed to the idea of touring whether it be solo, trio or in a group. What do you take away as some of the special rewards from the ‘tour’ which for jazz is becoming either too difficult financially or for co-ordination reasons simply ‘out of reach’. At the same time what are some of the non-apparent difficulties.

MI:

Well obviously the chance to play so many performances in quick succession is incredibly rewarding. It’s hard work to set the tours up, but that’s a labour of love so I really can’t cite any downsides.

PW:

I guess a studio recording of this band would bring ‘Resurgence’ the full circle. Are there plans to do a studio recording?

MI:

I’ve certainly thought about it as the obvious next thing to do as you say. But I’m not ready for “plans”. Firstly I need enough repertoire, but I’ve already started on that in the two new tunes we will play on this tour along with the songs on the CD. Once there’s the music, then how to finance a CD recording becomes the major problem. Wait and see is all we can do. Anyway right now the current one is only just out and we have a big tour to do. I love your enthusiasm in bringing up the next one but it’s just a wee bit on the backburner right now.