Guitarist-composer Callum Allardice’s debut, Cinematic Light Orchestra, features big band with string orchestra complemented by his soaring guitar work, bringing to life his expansive and immersive compositions. The music distills influences from indie rock, orchestral music, spaghetti western and contemporary jazz to shape Allardice’s bold vision; a musical statement reflecting dark love, musical friendship, poetry and the vibe.
Callum Allardice is an award-winning composer and guitarist based in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. The ensemble features exceptional talents such as double bassist Thomas Botting, pianist Luke Sweeting, and skilled drummer Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa. Their combined expertise and diverse musical backgrounds contribute to the album's rich and dynamic sound.
Cinematic Light Orchestra's journey began in 2016, evolving from the Arthur Street Loft Orchestra (ASLO).. Initially conceived as a traditional big band, the ensemble gradually incorporated cinematic elements and orchestral qualities into their music. In 2022, Callum Allardice was granted a composer residency at Te Kōkī - New Zealand School of Music, which provided the opportunity to compose and record this album.
Reflecting on the project, Allardice shares, "One thing I love about this band and larger ensembles is the juxtaposition of heavily arranged sections with improvisation. I love having the ability to frame a delicate solo piano improvisation against a small orchestra. It's important to me to enable the players' freedom and creativity within the ensemble. That's where the magic happens."
Cinematic Light Orchestra was recorded in two distinct sessions, with the first focusing on the rhythm section and brass, followed by the addition of a 10-piece string section. The resulting compositions skillfully blend improvisation with intricate arrangements, offering listeners a captivating musical journey.
This album is a testament to the collaborative efforts of a number of individuals, including producers Dave Wilson and Thomas Voyce, whose meticulous planning and dedication were instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.
Callum is an award-winning composer and guitarist based in New Zealand. He is a three-time recipient of the APRA Best Jazz Composition award for his works ‘Sons of Thunder’ (2016), ‘Deep Thought’ (2017), and ‘Chungin’ (2019). In 2020 he and his group The Jac, received the Recorded Music NZ Best Jazz Artist award for their album ‘A Gathering’, and in 2022 he was the inaugural Te Kōkī - New Zealand School of Music jazz composer-in-residence.
credits
released March 8, 2024
Woodwinds
Bryn van Vliet - Alto Saxophone
Dave Wilson - Alto Saxophone, Piccolo, Bass Clarinet
Louisa Williamson - Tenor Saxophone, Flute
Chris Buckland - Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet
Andre Paris - Baritone Saxophone, Flute
Trumpets
Cameron Robertson
Ben Hunt
Michael Costeloe
Peter James Guilford
Trombones
Matthew Allison
Kaito Walley
Julian Kirgan-Báez
Ben Robertson
Callum Allardice - Guitar
Luke Sweeting - Piano
Thomas Botting - Bass
Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa - Drums
Jake Baxendale - Saxophone solo on Sacrament
Daniel Hayles - Conductor
Violin
Amy Brookman
Anna Van Der Zee
Monique Lapins
Sophie Bird
Rebecca Struthers
Viola
Nicholas Hancox
Victoria Jaenecke
Grant Baker
Cello
Sally Isaac
Zhenqi Li
Ewan Clark - Conductor (strings)
Mike Gibson - Engineer
Robbie Pattinson - Assistant Engineer
Graham Kennedy - Engineer (strings)
Thomas Voyce - Assistant Engineer/Editing
Nathan Carter - Assistant Engineer/Editing
Sai Natarajan - Additional strings programming
Produced by Dave Wilson, Thomas Voyce and Callum Allardice
Mixed by Brian Montgomery
Strings mixed by Satoshi Noguchi
Mastered by Nate Wood at Kerseboom Mastering
Recorded at Ahumairangi (Massey Studios) and Te Kōkī (New Zealand School of Music)
Design by Wallace Gollan | Photo by Rory Allardice
All compositions and arrangements by Callum Allardice
Dark Love is dedicated to Jordan Hallas
Sacrament is dedicated to Zoë and Phoebe
Special thanks to Creative New Zealand, Te Kōkī - New Zealand School of Music, Jordan Hallas, Rory Allardice, Jade Sheppard, Dave Wilson, Thomas Voyce, Robynne Jephson and Don Allardice for encouraging and supporting me to play music, and literally everyone who has been involved in this project in any way!
Callum is an award-winning composer and guitarist based in Wellington, New Zealand. He is a three-time recipient of the APRA
Best Jazz Composition award and was inaugural Te Kōkī - New Zealand School of Music jazz composer-in-residence.
Callum's music distills influences from indie rock, orchestral music, spaghetti western and contemporary jazz to shape a bold and unique sound....more
supported by 6 fans who also own “Cinematic Light Orchestra”
Really enjoyed your set at the Turner Sims in Southampton and downloaded the album on the way home Hard to choose a favourite track but maybe Mercury as you opened with it and it does seem to sum the album up. Paul Godfrey
The Melbourne bassist creates intricate patterns out of marimba and glockenspiel, a rich combo that adds depth and rhythm to his music. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 2, 2024
