Right at the heart of Belgium’s capital lives the central square of Brussels, known as ‘La Grand-Place’ (The Grand Place). Over 200 feet wide and 350 feet long, the square is surrounded by opulent guildhalls and two larger edifices: the city’s Town Hall and the King’s House containing the Brussels City Museum. Throughout history, the Grand Place has been of great significance, formerly existing as a marketplace many centuries ago. As you stroll through the winding and bumpy cobblestone streets of central Brussels today, finding this now-pedestrianised square can prove a difficult task. Turn a corner, however, and almost out of nowhere a magnificent square of lavish baroque architecture appears, bombarding you with hundreds of years of history. With their rich sculptural decoration, these strongly structured façades that once housed royalty and the nobility now stand as a major tourist attraction, flooded with endless streams of people from all around the globe who gather to experience the tradition of the square.
Ashton's words: "I thought a rhythm changes would be lively and fitting to depict the tradition of this place, what with it being such a traditional form in jazz music. Everyone's solos were mega throughout the gig, and this piece epitomises that."
credits
from Further Afield (Live),
released February 19, 2021
Solo Features: David Sear (Trombone), Michael Anning (Tenor Saxophone), Francis Tulip and Will Markham (Guitar and Piano)
Alto saxophonist James Romaine worked with me in making Further Afield come to life, and his phenomenal sound and fluent improvising can be heard even more so on this awesome album of his. Ashton Smith
James Owston played bass for me on Further Afield and is an excellent, reliable, highly-skilled musician. Check out his music - the writing for nonet is fantastic. Ashton Smith
Vibrant, playful jazz in the chordless tradition from this new Australian quartet, who embrace both freedom and swing. Bandcamp New & Notable Feb 9, 2021