Jordan Tarento - Lattices
Bassist-composer Jordan Tarento bridges complexity and simplicity on lattices
Melbourne bassist Jordan Tarento’s debut, Lattices, showcases his evolving compositions with intricate interlocking patterns of percussive instruments, championing the enchanting sounds of marimba and glockenspiel. Featuring Australian stalwart musicians, Darryn Farrugia (drums), Darrin Archer (piano) and Hugh Stuckey (guitars), whilst representing Melbourne’s younger generation in Harry Tinney (guitar) and Zela Papageorgiou (percussion).
"In the years prior to writing Lattices, a period of getting heavily into the music of the Pat Metheny Group planted a seed of compositional ambition. In particular, the progressive, symphonic writing of long-form album ‘The Way Up’ left a deep, emotional mark" reflects Jordan, reminiscing on the profound influences that shaped this musical venture.
Jordan’s creative journey began long before Lattices. "I began playing bass in the year 2003 at age 11, continuously practicing and performing, and it was in 2019 when I felt the time was right to channel my compositional creativity into the goal of an album." Jordan's dedication culminated in a premiere live performance at The Jazzlab, Melbourne, marking the group's inception in April 2021.
What truly sets Lattices apart, Jordan reflects, is "the addition of marimba and glockenspiel in the jazz landscape. The shimmering, sparkling texture created by unison glockenspiel and piano melodies is something audiences will first connect with." Upon further listening, the dense rhythmic orchestration of the large ensemble reveals itself. Jordan describes these interlocking, rhythmic textures as 'lattices', a term he coined during the composition process, and a concept to be featured across the album.
His inspirations are manifold, ranging from global musical legends to intimate connections in Melbourne and Australia. "Some of my close friends have inspired me in what they offer to the Melbourne music scene, with their positivity, creative energy, support, and inclusivity." Notably, the unwavering support of musicians like Barney McAll and Paul Grabowsky played pivotal roles in bringing this project to fruition.
The album hopes to resonate on two levels. For the seasoned ear, the intricacies and depth in rhythm and harmony will capture attention. For the casual listener, the infectious melodies and grooves will beckon repeated listens. As Jordan offers, "Lattices hopes to straddle an area between complex art music and a wider audience. The melodic hooks will invite audiences to listen more than once, discovering new layers in subsequent hearings."
Completing this musical experience is the unique visual artwork by Sam Harwood and high-fidelity recording by Hadyn Buxton, making Lattices not just an auditory delight but a feast for the eyes.
While every step of creating Lattices presented its challenges, Jordan recalls a special moment that made it all worthwhile: "Listening to my written parts being played by musicians for the first time in rehearsal." And as for what fueled his perseverance, he reflects, "Music has always provided me with purpose, fulfillment, identity, and pleasure. It offers a sense of community, communion, and connection."
For those seeking a fresh, innovative sound in the world of jazz, Lattices promises to be a memorable journey, bridging the gap between the complex and the accessible.
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Jordan Tarento - double bass, bass guitars, compositions
Darryn Farrugia - drums, percussion
Zela Papageorgiou - marimba, glockenspiel, percussion
Darrin Archer - piano, keyboards
Hugh Stuckey - guitars
Harry Tinney - guitars
Nils Hobiger - cello track 4 -
Jordan Tarento is a Melbourne bassist and composer, known for his strong, supportive voice on both double bass and bass guitar. Thanks to his stylistic versatility, Jordan has performed, toured and recorded with an eclectic variety of celebrated Australian musicians and artists, including the Brenton Foster Sextet, ‘Refraction Trio’, Barney McAll’s ‘ASIO Ensemble’, Daniel Gassin’s ‘Crossover Band’, ‘Big Scary’, the Melbourne Tango Orchestra, Niran Dasika, Rita Satch, Nina Ferro and many others. Jordan is a regular member of 11-piece salsa and timba outfit ‘La Influencia’, Phil Turcio’s ‘Odditties’ acoustic jazz trio, the Darryn Farrugia Project, ‘Synchronicity’, the ‘Sidewinder Sextet’’ and the Gideon Brazil Quintet. Jordan recently placed runner up at the National Jazz Awards.
