Mace Francis

Music

You can hear and buy a selection of my music on this website. It contains releases from a number of ensembles that I work with including the Mace Francis Orchestra (MFO), my New York-based Nonet, Mace Francis Plus 11, Bonetet and The Hounds.

Isolation Emancipation

Isolation Emancipation is a new album from my new Mace Francis Plus 11 band. A happy swingin’ collection of original tunes and arrangements.

Released 26 November 2021
Saxes: Gemma Farrell, Jayden Blockley, Jemima Mills
Trumpets: Marty Pervan, Ricki Malet
French Horn: Tahlia Denn
Trombones: Steven Bickley, Mace Francis
Piano: Harry Mitchell
Bass: Alistair Peel
Drums: Bronton Ainsworth
Voice: Lucy Iffla

Love Songs I Love

Love Songs I Love is the seventh album release from the Mace Francis Orchestra. This album is a collection of re-interpreted jazz standards by band leader, composer and arranger, Mace Francis and the first time to feature a vocalist. Dark brooding textures, rich harmonies, familiar melodies and a fresh view on old jazz standards are the feature of this recording.

Released 6 June 2019
Composer/Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxes: Alana Macpherson, Daniel Hart, Brett Smith, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Ricki Malet, Matt Smith, Matthew McGlynn
Trombones: Blake Phillips, Catherine Noblet, Rob Coleman
Guitar: Harry Winton
Bass: Wayne Slater
Drums: Greg Brenton
Voice: Sarah Ramsey

Music For Average Photography

This collection of compositions is a departure from the extended pieces I have written over the last ten years, since forming MFO. Each short ‘song’ has been composed to accompany a crappy photograph. Originally when thinking about this idea, I thought of collaborating with a professional photographer; to discuss the vision and style of photography, maybe even a narrative throughout… but then I remembered… I have a smart phone and an Instagram account!  Why not, (like everyone else with a smart phone seems to think), be the professional photographer I have always wanted to become… how hard could it be?  I obviously have an eye for photography, I have the equipment and I certainly have the time. I hope you enjoy Music for Average Photography.

Released 7 December 2014
Composer/Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxes: Ben Collins, Daniel Hart, Brett Smith, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer, Matthew McGlynn
Trombones: Blake Phillips, James Cross, Rob Coleman
Guitar: Harry Winton
Bass: Ashley de Neef
Drums: Greg Brenton

Neverever... Well, Maybe Someday

This CD was recorded live at the Sound Lounge in Sydney during the MFO 2008 National Tour. We had done about 6 days of driving and playing all up and down the east coast in a big rock star bus. This recording captures the band as we sounded that night.

This recording is no longer available in its physical CD form – only as a digital download.

Released 01 October 2009
Composer/Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxophones: Ben Collins, Daniel Thorne, Alistair McEvoy, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer, Brendan Baker
Trombones: Percy James Landers, Robin Murray, Tilman Robinson
Guitar: Tim Jago
Bass: Wayne Slater
Drums: Greg Brenton

Recorded July 12th 2008

MFO LIVE

This is a live recording from Bennetts Lane Jazz Club during our first national tour.

This recording is no longer available in its physical CD form – only as a digital download.

Recorded 12 November 2006
Composer/Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxophones: Ben Collins, Daniel Thorne, Alistair McEvoy, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Paddy McMullin, Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer
Trombones: Catherine Noblet, Tilman Robinson
Guitar: Johanne Druitt
Bass: Kaspar Noakes
Drums: Greg Brenton

Introducing the Mace Francis Orchestra

This is the first studio recording by the Mace Francis Orchestra.

This recording is no longer available in its physical CD form – only as a digital download.

Released 05 May 2006
Composer/Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxophones: Ben Collins, Daniel Thorne, Alistair McEvoy, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Paddy McMullin, Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer
Trombones: Catherine Noblet, Tilman Robinson
Guitar: Johanne Druitt
Bass: Kaspar Noakes
Drums: Greg Brenton

Land Speed Record

This is a new recording of original material composed for a 9-piece ensemble made up of some of New York’s finest musicians. We recorded in the beautiful Systems Two Studios in Brooklyn. The CD features each member of the nonet in various musical situations.

Released 19 September 2012
Conductor/Composer: Mace Francis
Alto Sax: Jon Gordon
Tenor Sax: Dan Pratt
Bass Clarinet: Douglas Yates
Trumpet: Mat Jodrell
Trombone: Alan Ferber
Guitar: Nate Radley
Piano: Sean Wayland
Bass: Matt Clohesy
Drums: Mark Ferber
Recorded at Systems Two, Brooklyn, NY
January 25 & 26 2011

Chinese Whispers IV

The idea for Chinese Whispers was adapted from a writing game played by authors. The musical interpretation is to have a group of composers consecutively create a set number of bars each. The bars are to be completed and then passed on to the next composer, who will then pass on ONLY their composed bars to the next composer. This way each composer will only see the previous composer’s work – never the whole piece. Why? – to make it interesting. Once the collaborative piece is completed, each composer is given the opportunity to compose a new piece of music, inspired by the collaboration.
Recorded live at The Ellington Jazz Club

Released 19 May 2011
Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxes: Ben Collins, Daniel Thorne, Sean Little, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer, Brendan Baker
Trombones: Alex Benn, Robin Murray, Tilman Robinson
Guitar: Tim Jago
Bass: Wayne Slater
Drums: Greg Brenton

Chinese Whispers III

The idea for Chinese Whispers was adapted from a writing game played by authors. The musical interpretation is to have a group of composers consecutively create a set number of bars each. The bars are to be completed and then passed on to the next composer, who will then pass on ONLY their composed bars to the next composer. This way each composer will only see the previous composer’s work – never the whole piece. Why? – to make it interesting

Once the collaborative piece is completed, each composer is given the opportunity to compose a new piece of music, inspired by the collaboration.

Recorded live at The Bakery

Released 1 November 2007
Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxes: Ben Collins, Daniel Thorne, Alistair McEvoy, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer, Brendan Baker
Trombones: Catherine Noblet, Andrew Murray, Tilman Robinson
Guitar: Tim Jago
Bass: Kaspar Noakes
Drums: Greg Brenton

Chinese Whispers II

The idea for Chinese Whispers was adapted from a writing game played by authors. The musical interpretation is to have a group of composers consecutively create a set number of bars each. The bars are to be completed and then passed on to the next composer, who will then pass on ONLY their composed bars to the next composer. This way each composer will only see the previous composer’s work – never the whole piece. Why? – to make it interesting

Once the collaborative piece is completed, each composer is given the opportunity to compose a new piece of music, inspired by the collaboration.

Recorded live at The Swan Basement

Recorded 21 February 2007
Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxes: Ben Collins, Daniel Thorne, Alistair McEvoy, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Paddy McMuulin, Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer
Trombones: Catherine Noblet, Tilman Robinson
Guitar: Tim Jago
Bass: Kaspar Noakes
Drums: Greg Brenton

Chinese Whispers I

The idea for Chinese Whispers was adapted from a writing game played by authors. The musical interpretation is to have a group of composers consecutively create a set number of bars each. The bars are to be completed and then passed on to the next composer, who will then pass on ONLY their composed bars to the next composer. This way each composer will only see the previous composer’s work – never the whole piece. Why? – to make it interesting

Once the collaborative piece is completed, each composer is given the opportunity to compose a new piece of music, inspired by the collaboration.

Recorded live at WAAPA Music Auditorium

Recorded 7 August 2005
Conductor: Mace Francis
Saxes: Ben Collins, Daniel Thorne, Alistair McEvoy, Mark Sprogowski
Trumpets: Paddy McMullin, Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer
Trombones: Jeremy Greig, Tilman Robinson
Guitar: Joanne Druitt
Piano: Johannes Luebbers
Bass: Kaspar Noakes
Drums: Greg Brenton

The Spaces Between Us

This recording is in response to Dr Amanda Gardiner’s research into young women who committed infanticide in colonial Western Australia between 1829 and 1901.

The taboo nature of mothers who kill their children can be overwhelming. The weight of this type of historical information can potentially burden the creative response with pre-conceptions; the suffering and death leading to simple articulation of the case studies. By allowing artists space for immersion in the understanding of a colonial woman’s life, The Spaces Between Us seeks to transcend historical narrative, and breathe life into the spaces between what is known and unknown about these women.

Released 2 December 2016
Trombone 1: Blake Phillips
Trombone 2: Catherine Noblet
Trombone 3: Mace Francis
Trombone 4: Rob Coleman

Bell End Blues

The CD features originals from myself and Wayne Slater plus some classics.  Just a bit of fun.

Released February 2009
Composer/Conductor: Mace Francis
Clarinet: Ben Collins
Trumpets: Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer
Trombones: Tilman Robinson
Banjo: Mace Francis
Bass: Wayne Slater
Drums: Greg Brenton

LIVE @ PJS

A live gig at the Perth Jazz Society when it was every Monday night at the Charles Hotel in North Perth. Trad jazz classics mixed with a few originals.

This recording is no longer available in its physical CD form – only as a digital download.

Recorded live 11th February 2008
Composer/Conductor: Mace Francis
Clarinet: Ben Collins
Trumpets: Ricki Malet, Callum G’Froerer
Trombones: Tilman Robinson
Banjo: Mace Francis
Bass: Wayne Slater
Drums: Greg Brenton