Recordings
Since 1985, Paul has made 25 recordings, both in Australia and overeas. He has won several major awards for his music, including 3 ARIAs, an AFI, and the Sidney Myer Performing Artist of the Year Award (2001).
Before Time Could Change Us
When my good friend Lyndon Terracini invited me to compose a song cycle for his wonderful Queensland Biennial Festival of Music, I had no hesitation in asking Dorothy Porter to write the songs with me. The author of such classic verse novels as "The Monkey's Mask" and "Wild Surmise", Dot is one of the great wordsmiths of our time, able to compress complex ideas and emotions into a few very well-chosen words.
Big Adventure
Recorded two months before Tales, Big Adventure is my fourth Australian trio project. With Philip Rex on bass and Niko Schauble drumming, I am free as a player and composer to go anywhere musically, and I feel that we set ourselves some exciting challenges on this recording.
Tales of Time and Space
My tribute to NYC, my favorite place after Melbourne. My dream all-star band, with Branford Marsalis and Joe Lovano on soprano and tenor saxes respectively, my old comrade Ed Schuller on bass and the irrepressible Jeff Tain Watts on drums. Scott Tinkler, who is a master interpreter of my music, proves that he is totally at home in such company.
Sita
Sita is the music from the acclaimed music-theatre production Theft of Sita, which was first performed as part of the Melbourne International Festival in 2000 and has sinced toured Europe and the United States of America. Sita is a collaboration between members of the Australian Art Orchestra and 5 Balinese musicians under the direction of the co-composer of the music I Gde Wayan Yudane. The music merges traditional Balinese structures with free Jazz and contemporary electronica, and features the beautiful voice of Shelley Scown.
Into The Fire
Into The Fire documents a collaboration between the Australian Art Orchestra (led by Paul Grabowsky) and the South Indian Sruthi Laya Ensemble led by Karaikudi R Mani. ITF consists of three works: Adrian Sherriff's spectacular arrangement of Mani's 'Vasantha Pravaham', the groundbreaking 'Moras' by John Rodgers and the beautiful 'Ferryman' by Niko Schäuble.
Three
The third album from this award-winning trio features a number of stunning originals, as well as an arrangement of 'Straight, No Chaser' in 7/4 and arrangements of Burt Bacharach's 'Make It Easy On Yourself' and Billy Strayhorn's 'Star-Crossed Lovers'.
Passion
Passion consists of five major works by Paul Grabowsky, Doug de Vries, Alister Spence, Niko Schäuble and John Rodgers each inspired by the St Matthew Passion of J.S. Bach. The pieces are linked by five chorales sung by Christine Sullivan with lyrics by Paul Grabowsky.
Keep Up Your Standards
Paul teams up with the incomparable Robyn Archer for a rowdy, international set of classic songs including 'Stormy Weather,' 'It's Too Darn Hot,' 'Ma Riviere' and 'Kanonen Song.'
Angel
The trio provides a perfect support for Shelley Scown on her acclaimed debut album, which features several of Paul's compositions and some timeless standards.
Ringing The Bell Backwards
These radical recompositions of European songs from the 1930's (including 'Es wird Einmal ein Wunder Geschehen,' 'La Vie en Rose,' 'Unter Dayne Vayse Stern' and 'We'll Meet Again') were the basis for the formation of the Australian Art Orchestra (now one of Australia's most respected ensembles) and represent a turning point for improvised music in this country.
When Words Fail
The Trio's first recording in 6 years brought them a second ARIA, and cemented their reputation as one of Australia's most important small ensembles. The material ranges from an Allemande of J.S. Bach to original Grabowsky compositions such as 'Stars Apart' and 'Playschool'.
Viva Viva
Ambitious originals and tight ensemble playing characterise Viva Viva, which features the mind-boggling title track (written during an ad break on 'Tonight Live') and a couple of Paul's signature tunes, 'Angel' and 'Isabella's Dance.' Paul's personal favourite.
TeeVee
TeeVee features some of Australia's finest improvisers, playing mostly original material. Standout tracks on this recording are 'The Return of Prince Planet,' 'Snap Dance,' 'Rain,' and a cover of John Lennon's poignant song for his mother, 'Julia.'
The Zurich Session
Recorded in 1988, this was the second and last album of Paul Grabowsky's European trio (with Sunk Poeschl on drums and Peter Bockius on bass). Mainly originals including 'Clambake.'
More about The Zurich Session »The Moon and You
The now-familiar voice of Shelley Scown was introduced to the world on this album, on which she sings four tracks. Four tracks on the album were recorded in New York, with an all-star band including Paul Motian and Dewey Redman.
Soundtrack
Paul Grabowsky formed the Wizards of Oz with Saxophonist Dale Barlow and the now world-famous rhythm section of The Necks – Lloyd Swanton (Bass) and Tony Buck (Drums) – in 1987. Recorded prior to a world tour, Soundtrack consists of original compositions by the band and won the ARIA award in 1989.
Six By Three
This was the first recording by Paul Grabowsky's trio founded in 1983 with Allan Browne (Drums) and Gary Costello (Bass). It was originally released in a deluxe edition including limited edition lithographs commissioned from 6 Melbourne artists including Philip Hunter.
It won an ARIA award in 1990 and is now recognized as one of the most influential Australian Jazz recordings.
More about Six By Three »Contact Sport Midnight Waltz
A set of original compositions... Paul Grabowsky's first recording.