Friday, 08 June 2012 15:56

Newmarket Music is pleased to announce the forthcoming release of ‘Keep Your Chin Up’ from Tim Willis & The End. “A serious new sound in Australian music. Is ‘The End’ the beginning for a new jazz audience?” Annie Gastin, ABC Radio. It’s been a little over a year since The End released their self-titled debut, and since then the group have gone from strength to strength, refining a jazz-rock sound that is unmistakeably their own. Tim began writing material for the album just prior to the release of their first album and, after securing funding from Arts Victoria, went into the studio in January enlisting the expertise of recording engineer Steve Scanlon.

Their music is steeped in the jazz tradition and not only brings with it all the things that make jazz great, but brings a rock edge that speaks to those who grew up listening to and loving Radiohead and Soundgarden.– Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne

Made up of eight pieces, seven from Tim and one from alto sax player Jon Crompton, the over-riding theme of the album is that of facing and overcoming adversity, with each piece showcasing the talents of each member. The Rose, Jon Crompton’s piece, is a dark and brooding piece that features an additional horn part played by special guest Jack Beeche. There are several pieces on the album such as It’ll Be Okay…No It Won’t and Family which are driving and heavily, but uniquely rock influenced and contrastingly subdued moments such asLying On Her Bed Listenin’ To Steve Reich - a love song and homage to his partner’s favourite composer. The title track for the album Keep Your Chin Up, and the album itself is dedicated to Willis’ sister who has courageously fought breast cancer.

“This band presents uniquely satisfying, high energy blend of jazz and rock ideas without subtracting from either genre”-John McBeath, The Australian

The End are Jon Crompton (Wangaratta Jazz Awards Runner Up 2009) – alto sax; John Felstead (Univeristy Medalist, Lee Barker, Cam McCalister) – tenor sax; Gareth Hill (Michelangelo & The Tin Star, Bob Sedegreen) – bass; Nick Martyn (Whitesploitation) – drums; and Tim Willis – guitar, compositions.

“If this is the beginning of The End, then one eagerly anticipates the hereafter.” – Ron Spain, Jazzscene

“Like rock, jazz never really needs ‘saving’ but, groups like The End and original thinkers such as Tim Willis can, by their youthful vigour and vertical vision, sometimes help the old tart out when she loses her puff.”– John Hardacker, Orange Press

The launch for ‘Keep Your Chin’ up will be held at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club on Thursday 14^th June, 8:30pm - $15. For more information on the launch please visit www.bennettslane.com.