ARON OTTIGNON BAND

Pianist and composer Aron Ottignon is heading to Sydney’s iconic jazz club Venue 505 to play music from his new album Dark Tunnels and his debut album Culture Tunnels.

Ottignon, who is also co-writer of Stromae’s one hundred million views Youtube smash Papaoutai, has had his latest album described as “an explosive combination of live dance, jazz and South Pacific-influenced grooves”.

“South Pacific rhythms have always been close to my heart, something from my upbringing in Auckland, NZ,” says Ottignon.

Ottignon’s Dark Tunnels was recorded at London’s Livingston Studios with British, Caribbean & Pacific Island musicians. It blends electronic sound to jazz piano grooves with the introduction of French producer TEPR.

“I guess when I compose & improvise these tribal sounds are present, somewhere inside of me. I love quick changes of tempo; tribal dance beats played fast and live. Using simple chord progressions to improvise original piano riffs over.”

The Aron Ottignon Band features two stalwarts of the contemporary Australian jazz scene. Bassist Cameron Undy, whose diverse musical experience includes Afro-beat and world music will take to the stage with Ottignon along with respected trans-cultural jazz drummer Simon Barker. (CN)

Jan 24, Venue 505, 280 Cleveland St, Surry Hills, $16-20, venue505.com