CARL DEWHURST & MATT MCMAHON: TRAPEZE FOR TWO ATOMS

“This is an album of endless delights….with demonstrated brilliance in both

structured and free improvisation…without artifice. They perform here with enormous

clarity of expression.” The Australian

“They are like two poets finding the confines of the sonnet form a catalyst for

creativity rather than manacle.” Sydney Morning Herald

When two of Australia’s most acclaimed jazz musicians came together for their first

dedicated duo performance, in a remote bush location, neither anticipated that it

would lead them to a new project based on the pure love of playing. 

Guitarist Carl Dewhurst and pianist Matt McMahon have played together in countless live

performances, projects and recordings for almost 30 years. They are both lecturers

in jazz and improvisation at Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

When Carl’s first guitar teacher, John Cowan, now retired to the NSW south coast,

invited the pair to perform as part of the burgeoning home concert scene, they

jumped at the opportunity. That first gig was at the Nerrigundah Town Hall, an

isolated, corrugated iron building nestled in the dense bushland of the south coast

hinterland. 

Curious as to who, if anyone, would come to such a remote location, the

pair was soon overwhelmed by a packed crowd who became a rapt audience to this

intimate set of standards, originals, traditional Irish tunes and free improvisation. This

set formed the basis of future performances together, and their new

recording, Trapeze for Two Atoms.

www.carldewhurst.com.au