The Recipe - Live Afro-Peruvian Jazz with the WAAPA Mini Big Band
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Research Statement
Research Background
This music research performance project aimed to challenge the ways in which traditional Afro-Peruvian and Jazz rhythmic elements can be combined to offer advanced solutions with regard to rhythmic performance and composition techniques for large Afro-Peruvian Jazz ensemble. Building on traditions typified by Afro-Peruvian artists such as Tito Manrique, Chabuca Granda and Eva Ayllon, this recording project has extended these ideas, with the aim to offer new paradigms in ensemble performance and composition. The results of this research emerged during extensive national and local performances from June 2018 to December 2019 of traditional Afro-Peruvian and original Afro-Peruvian Jazz works, and experimentation with new concepts in multiple rehearsals and live performances formed an iterative research cycle spanning 4 months.
Research Contribution
Innovations and new approaches took the form of innovative orchestrations; including the use of intricate rhythm section figures juxtaposed against melodic content, unison passages (including vocalization) featuring drumset and traditional Peruvian percussion instruments, and syncopated full-ensemble figures to accompany drumset solos. Ultimately, these techniques were an advantageous solution towards challenging Afro-Peruvian Jazz rhythmic performance and composition conventions – and if repeated by a different artist, would extend practice.
Research Significance
This research resulted in the following accolades: 4 star review from Fine Music Magazine, Winner 2020 WAM Awards Best Jazz Act, Finalist 2020 WAM Awards Best Drummer/Percussionist, Finalist 2020 WAM song of the year, Finalist 2021 WAM song of the year, Nomination 2021 APRA Art Music Awards. Further reviews and wider dissemination of the album are ongoing. Approaches adopted within the compositions have informed large ensemble repertoire within HE units at WAAPA.
Non-Traditional Research Output
Recorded or Rendered Creative Work
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2020
Location of the Work
Perth
Publisher
Daniel Susnjar
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
35922
Event Dates
August 20, 2020
Album Name
The Recipe
Duration
41 mins
Comments
Susnjar, D. (2020). The Recipe - Live Afro-Peruvian Jazz with the WAAPA Mini Big Band [performance].