Paul makes his debut

CAC paul Williamson, a musician with the RAAF Central Band, has recently released and album.

Aircraftman Paul Williamson, a musician with RAAF Central Band, has the jazz world raving about his recently released album, Non-Consensual Head Compression, a distinctly contemporary jazz CD, featuring the Paul Williamson Quintet.

The disc, released in November last year by Newmarket Music, marks Paul's debut on the Australian jazz recording scene, and judging by the high quality of the product, it won't be the last we'll hear of this exciting and individual trumpet voice.

Paul, 27, was born in Melbourne and was first introduced to music at just six when he began piano lessons, which continued until secondary school where he began learning the trumpet. After completing his VCE Paul attended the Victorian College of the Arts to study for a Bachelor of Music in Performance. It was in the classical stream not jazz that Paul began these studies.

Greater opportunities and a more secure future lured Paul to jazz, and listening to him perform certainly vindicates this decision. Paul was initially attracted to teaching music but was eventually drawn toward performance.

When asked about his interest in music and if he feels he has a natural flair for it, Paul said, 'I wouldn't call myself a natural, but I have a passionate love of music'.

Paul composed the tunes on his album in 2000, before joining the Air Force. He wanted them recorded as an account of where he is in his musical journey, and he is thrilled with the results. 'Each tune is its own journey, not an exhibition,' Paul explained.

Paul is also glad his music had reached so many people and his success has confirmed his belief that if it is quality music, regardless of style, people will enjoy it.

Paul joined the Air Force after hearing many good things about it from his sister, Corporal Vicki Williamson, also a musician at RAAF Central Band.

'The opportunity to be involved in an ensemble with a high musical standard performing a variety of musical styles while working with a high calibre of musician appealed to me,' he said.

At RAAF Central Band Paul performs with the Air Force Jazz Ensemble, Force 10, Ceremonial Band and Concert Band.

As well as writing tunes for his next album, which he hopes to record in 2002, Paul is busy writing music for the Air Force Jazz Ensemble, which the group will perform on gigs in the future. 'While I'm learning and contributing toward my development and that of others, I see myself staying with RAAF Central Band for quite a while,' Paul said.

When asked whether his RAAF career and personal career help each other, he answered with a resounding yes. 'Personal development and inspiration comes from all places and situations,' he said.

The Paul Williamson Quintet has been a working ensemble for two years, made up of some of Melbourne's most outstanding jazz musicians. It features Jordan Murray (trombone), Anton Delecca (tenor saxophone), Matt Clohesy (bass) and Danny Fischer (drums).

When recently reviewed for the Sunday Herald Sun the album received wonderful plaudits from Kenny Weir, who described it as 'bloody brilliant', 'the most exciting jazz release this year', 'brash, brainy tunes; sinuous melodies; great arrangements - this is very Melbourne and very magnificent'.

Anyone in Melbourne during February is encouraged to find out what all the fuss is about and go along to Bennetts Lane, Thursday nights for the Paul Williamson Quintet. You can also contact us at Central Band to find out where we'll be working, so you can enjoy the talents of not only Paul, but those of the whole RAAF Central Band.