Callum Au: Sing Seven Seas

Callum Au is not one for half measures. As an arranger he has worked with international orchestras and contributed to movie scores; as a performer he is an in-demand session trombonist. He steps into the spotlight with Sing Seven Seas, a project of genuinely epic ambition: 81 musicians, a voiceover artist, 16 compositions and nearly two hours of music. The album explores classic swing, progressive orchestral arrangements and contemporary jazz, with Au contributing trombone alongside a remarkable cast of cross-generational talent.

While conceived as a single project, the music falls into two volumes, the first highlights Au's compositions across a variety of styles, the second draws on the big band tradition and pays tribute to his influences.

Opening track: "Swipe Right!" is intended to capture the age of Instagram and TikTok but conjures up the atmosphere of the 1920s rather than the 2020s. Nonetheless, Au's arrangement is fluid and tight, the trombone cascade delights and Duncan Hemstock adds a terrific clarinet solo—leaving you with a broad smile regardless of the decade.

Jake Wilson's electric guitar and Nadim Teimoori's tenor saxophone are the clear highlights cutting through the dense structure of "Galt's Motor." "Si Vis Pacem Para Carnyx," a nod to the Iron Age Celtic wind instrument, opens in cinematic orchestral fashion before the focus shifts to a traditional folk band, but the two worlds never convincingly merge or complement each other, with the track stretching on longer than the idea can sustain.

Au's skills as an arranger and trombonist shine on "Murmurations," making it one of the album's highlights. Equally enjoyable is "The Weaver," where the lilting melody gives Teimoori another opportunity to impress. "Jazz AI" is a terrific romp in which artificial intelligence runs amok at a conservatoire. Kate Emmerton's words, narrated by Matt Forbes, set the scene for Au's trombone, Emma Rawicz's tenor saxophone and James Davison's flugelhorn to contribute brilliantly to the mayhem.

Au seems more at home on the second volume, drawing on the influences of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Kenny Wheeler and others who have shaped his musical voice. The big band blast of "Bandwagon Blues" swings with swagger, driven by solo exchanges and shifting ensemble combinations. Jointly composed by Au and his son, "Through The Deep Dark Woods" is inventive and playful, while the Latin rhythms of "Caledonian Sun God" bring out excellent contributions from pianist Rob Barron and trumpeter Ryan Quigley.

The ensemble are on top of their game all through the recording, as are all the principal soloists, with Freddie Gavita's flugelhorn and Martin Williams' tenor saxophone showcased on "Fork Hen" and Simon Marsh's alto saxophone a feature on "Verity."

While the album could be viewed as overlong and in need of some editing, Au navigates his triple role as composer, arranger and musician with considerable skill and assurance. His musical voice moves from bold experimentation to a deep affection for big band swing, while the sparkling ensemble contributions throughout make this expansive project a significant career milestone.