Howdy folks… I have been working on a new album this year for a slightly smaller sized big band – 12-piece. I have, again, creatively named this band after myself (ha!): Mace Francis Plus 11, as a nod to the Marty Paich bands in the 1950s. I love those albums he arranged and recorded with Art Pepper, Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme.

The new album was recorded in early June and we are mixing now and will be releasing the in November with a launch concert. Please stay tuned for that event at Lyrics Underground!

The idea for this project came from a Japanese friend, who asked me “Why do you only write sad songs? Are you sad?” Good question (thank you Yoko)… I do love the sound of dark rich harmony and sad melodies: they make me happy… but so do fun swingin’ tunes with great soloists, like the musicians on this album! Check out this line up:

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

Here is also a preview of the album artwork by good friend, Annie Mitchell.