A collection of drums sourced from across the globe and a four-string homemade guitar will be just some of the instruments used in this weekend’s Mofo Sessions at Design Tasmania.
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Jazz musicians Spike Mason and Bruce Innocent will be performing an improvised soundtrack coupled to a film that Mason has created.
“This is actually something new to me,” Mason said.
“When I was contacted originally by the guys at Mona they said why don’t you do something that you’ve never done before, so this is a way of doing that.”
The film will feature images and scenes blending into one another, while the musicians will deliver their soundscape with the aid of unusual instruments.
Innocent will be using a mixture of percussive instruments that he has never used in a live performance and Mason will also be stepping out of his comfort zone.
“I usually play jazz saxophone and I’ll be playing a bit of saxophone at the concert but also I’ll be playing an instrument I made I call the electricity guitar,” Mason said.
“It’s mix of a guitar and some old analog pedals I put inside of the guitar, and it’s only got four strings.”
The free Sunday concerts have seen an eclectic mix of musical styles, with electronic, world music and jazz among those showcased so far.
For Mason the opportunity to deliver a new musical experience to audiences in Launceston has been something the Launceston-based saxophonist has relished, having previously performed sets at Saint John Craft Beer.
“I think jazz has always been sort of an underground music,” Mason said.
“Once people start listening to it and start to understand what it’s about, I think there is a groundswell and the audience grows and grows and grows.”
Mona creative associate and sessions curator Yyan Ng is pleased with the way Launceston audiences have supported the events.
“The first five sessions have seen 100 to 150 people attend each time, it’s far exceeded our expectations,” Mr Ng said.
The sessions are designed to give local acts that are left-of-centre an opportunity to find an audience and potentially work their way up to larger concerts.
“It’s about cultivating the local music culture in Launceston,” Mr Ng said.
The Mofo Sessions will continue every second Sunday at Design Tasmania.