Australian Army Band Corps Recordings

The Australian Army Band Corps is proud to provide musical support to music education programs and community charity organisations. Producing recordings is another important aspect of remaining relevant in today's music industry. Be it jazz CDs raising funds for the homeless or an educational recording, the Band Corps are active members of society supporting the hearts and minds of Australians.

Reviews and samples

To listen to a sample track from any of the albums below please click on the cover art.

CAMOUFLAGE EXPOSED

SOLD OUT
An award winning big band Jazz album that raised in excess of $30,000 to assist in the rehabilitation of Sydney's homeless.
Selected tracks from this recording are available on 'Just Jazz', see below.
- Nominated as 'Best Contemporary Australian Jazz Album 2003'
- Attained 'number one' ranking on Birdland Record's 'Top Ten' listing.

"A CD not to be missed! The section work and high-energy solos are outstanding throughout."
- Don Burrows (Jazz legend)

"Have a listen to this CD, like me you will enjoy every punchy swinging moment of the album - superb."
- Jim McLeod (Jazztrack, ABC Classic FM)

"The world is clearly changing. Really? Yes. If an army band is turning its considerable talents away from the articulation of the parade ground to the type of music exemplified by 'Steps in the Dark' by Musician Andy Fiddes, then humanity is on the march in a decidedly creative formation. Beautifully structured, moody writing evoking European echoes, nice ensemble.
It all works. The band is called 'Camouflage' but I have to tell them that they have blown their cover. They groove."
- Paul Grabowsky (Director Australian Art Orchestra)

SALUTE TO THE AUSSIE DIGGER

To purchase this CD Call (03) 9450 7318
A heartfelt insight into Australian military history with poetry, diary excepts and song - Narrated by Jack Thompson.
'Be taken to the front-line'.

"This moving portrayal of Australia's proud Military history narrated by Jack Thompson and brought together by modern day soldiers, musicians, and historians, is a wonderful tribute to those who served and an invaluable educational tool for generations following on."
- Dr Jonathan King (Historian)

"Powerfully presented. A stirring tribute to the diggers who served our nation, produced by their successors and contemporaries. An excellent insight into Australia's military history."
- General Peter Cosgrove AC MC (Former Chief of Defence Force)

"A wonderful CD... Jack Thomson reads a powerful narrative telling the story of Aussie Digger's experience in wars from colonial times to the present. The music is evocative, shifting in style and tempo to capture something of the experience and the times, whilst the authentic sound effects provided by the Australian War Memorial bring this account to life. Legacy is a cause that really matters and this musical tribute does justice to that cause, to the heroism and the tragedy of more than a century of Australians at war."
- Peter Cochrane (Historian)

SCRIM

To purchase this CD Call (03) 9450 7431
An all original album offering funk, fusion, Latin and jazz. This recording highlights the creative talents of AABC musicians - Produced to assist in the education of improvised music.

"The musicians creativity, matched by dedication to their artistry, is evident throughout this recording and is an example of the depth and diversity of musicianship found today in the AABC. The AABC has enjoyed being an important and active member of the music industry, supporting the local community and in this case assisting young musicians to explore musical styles.

The SCRIM CD contrasts with previous AABC albums. It shifts from fusion to swing, presenting a small ensemble platform for young musicians to discover and develop their own creativity. It maybe difficult for one to imagine such creativity within a military band, but you will be pleasantly surprised to hear this fine ensemble venture outside the square. We thank the members of SCRIM who have taken the time to express their musicianship in a bid to assist the education of young Australians."
- Mike Tyler
Senior Education Officer (The Arts) Education Queensland and
Queensland and Federal Chair of the Australian Music Education Board

JUST JAZZ

Just Jazz
(2 CD's for the price of 1 @$20.00)

Nominated as 'Best Contemporary Jazz Album 2003', Aust. Jazz Awards

The very special tracks selected for 'Just Jazz' spans a period of 12 years featuring special guest artists James Morrison on trumpet, George Golla on Guitar and Don Burrows on Clarinet. Military musicians past and present have contributed their wonderful creative talents to make a 'best of the best' compilation CD. Be it ballads, rock, R&B, swing or originals, this CD captures musical excellence and every attribute of a professional musician. "The creative jazz performed on this album is testimony to the flexibility and diversity of the many wonderful professional musicians that form a unique and important part of Australia's music community" (Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Pickett, CSM: Director of Music - Army)

Bonus CD 'Camouflage'
The Big Band of the Australian Army Band Sydney led and produced by Rod Mason. This is a recording with conscience - a charity project that united Sydney's music industry on a quest to help those who are less fortunate - the homeless. Every musician on this album deserves credit, with punchy tight section playing throughout and cutting edge solo after solo to match helped this album attain the No.1 ranking in Sydney's jazz charts. The critics have applauded this album throughout Australia and was subsequently nominated in the Australian Jazz Awards 2003 for 'Best Contemporary Album of the Year' - two firsts for an Australian Defence Band! "It all works. The band is called 'Camouflage', but I have to tell them that they've blown their cover" (Paul Grabowsky - Director: Australian Art Orchestra)

To order your copy, fill out the CD order form below and send it to the Defence Force School of Music via the details below:

Defence Force School of Music
Resource Manager
Meares House
Simpson Barracks
MACLEOD VIC 3085
Fax: 03 9450 7320

TRIBUTE TO AUSTRALIA'S COLONIAL HERITAGE

A Tribute to Australia's Colonial Heritage includes bonus CD 'The Symphonic Band'
(2 CD's for the price of 1 @$20.00)

A musicial compilation by the Australian Army Band Corps - includes bonus CD 'The Symphonic Band'

The landing at Gallipoli on 25th April 1915 was where the Australian nation's spirit was forged - the ANZAC legend. It was the critical defence of Australia's mainland on the Kokoda track during the Papuan campaign that was seen as 'a vital historical building block of Australia's growth towards maturity'.

But it was a miner's uprising during colonial times, known as the 'Eureka Stockade' that saw the origins of Australia's Independence, democracy and self confidence.

Australia's colonial period was a melting pot of cultures fed by the transportation of convicts, the fever of the gold rush and the search for a dream. These visitors endeavoured to tame the strange and rugged outback - a land that was finely managed by its original caretakers of many centuries, a people who lived in harmony with the land.

A rich and diverse musical soul resonated and the beginnings of cultural tolerance gradually transcended. This album traces just some of the musical styles that landed on this vast continent.

Tracks have been hand-picked from previously released Australian Army Band Corps CD's specially selected as a tribute to Australia's colonial heritage and is an ideal slice of Australian memorabilia for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, Sydney 2005.
By Warrant Officer Class Two Rod Mason (Band Master, Australian Defence Force Academy)

To order your copy, fill out the CD order form below and send it to the Defence Force School of Music along with your payment via the details below:

Defence Force School of Music
Resource Manager
Meares House
Simpson Barracks
MACLEOD VIC 3085
Fax: 03 9450 7320