Tag Archives: instrumental

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Gareth Koch & Jan Daxner Release Single ‘La Rotta’

Originating in 14th-century Italy, La Rotta is essentially the medieval equivalent of a hype song. 

The Vibe: It’s an energetic dance. It features driving, repetitive rhythms, syncopation, and a rhythm that gives it an infectious, foot-tapping quality. 

If you were a peasant in the Middle Ages, this is the tune that got you dancing. The composition is built for high-energy instrumentation 

Although La Rotta has been bouncing around since the medieval period, it still feels remarkably modern. Its repeating, cyclical rhythm has a foundational groove.  

In this version?Gareth is joined by Viennese flute virtuoso Jan?Daxner.?The duo?creates?an imaginative?interpretation brimming with embellishments & whimsy. 

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Gareth Koch & Jan Daxner Release Single ‘La Volta’

From his massive 1612 dance collection Terpsichore, Michael Praetorius’ La Volta is a high-energy Renaissance party-starter that practically demands you jump around. Modelled after the favourite dance of Queen Elizabeth I, this short and snappy tune is characterized by a ‘scandalous’ rhythm—shifting between 6/8 and 3/4 time—designed to make courtly couples leap and turn in a dizzying, joyous blur. This cheerful, brisk piece of musical sunshine proves 17th-century Germany definitely knew how to have a good time.

In this version Gareth is joined by Viennese flute virtuoso Jan Daxner. The duo creates an imaginative interpretation brimming with embellishments & whimsy, emulating the colourful character of La Volta.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Gareth Koch & Jan Daxner Release Single ‘Canario’

Giovanni Girolamo Kapsberger was a composer & virtuoso player of the lute in the early Baroque period. He was born in Venice or possibly Rome, the son of a German nobleman who served at the House of Habsburg. His highly inventive playing style attracted the attention of the Roman aristocracy.  

In this unique & innovative version of Canario Gareth is joined by Viennese flute virtuoso Jan Daxner. The recording presents a fresh & buoyant reading of Kapsberger’s work in an arrangement for guitar & flute. The duo creates an imaginative interpretation brimming with embellishments & whimsy, emulating the colourful character of Kapsberger’s writing & legendary performances. Canario is the first in a series of singles to be released by Gareth & Jan. The duo tours Europe in June 2027. 

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Gareth Koch Releases Album ‘Flamenco Latino from Seville to Santiago’

Now close to clocking over 800K Streams already this album is one to watch, lively, upbeat and a pure aural pleasure it is no wonder these tunes from Gareth are striking a chord with listeners worldwide

Flamenco Latino showcases Gareth Koch as a brilliant flamenco guitarist at the height of his creative, technical and expressive powers. This full-length album is brimming with flamenco passion and astonishing technical mastery. The interpretations range from blindingly fast and rhythmic solos to soulful interpretations capturing the very essence of flamenco. The music reflects the sound of the Gypsies, the passion of flamenco, and the irresistible rhythms of Andalucia.

Also Available on CD in selected stores and Mail Order Here

Gareth first encountered the flamenco guitar as a young teen in Spain, where he received lessons with local flamenco guitarists. He went on to study classical guitar in Vienna and Spain, but retained a lifelong relationship to Spain and flamenco music. His album Flamenco Latino is the manifestation of this connection, presented here as a dedicated flamenco album.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

CD Album

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Rumba Nostalgica’

The lyrical and energetic Rumba Nostalgica reflects the sound of the Gypsies, the passion of flamenco, and the irresistible beats of Cuba. The rumba dance style consists of elements from the Romany tradition in southern France & Catalonia, flamenco from the south of Spain, & rhythms imported from the Caribbean.

Presented here as an arrangement for four guitars, Gareth expands Juan Martin’s Rumba Nostalgica into a subtly orchestrated work. The result is brimming with percussion, counter melodies & pulsating rhythm, whilst retaining an uncompromisingly flamenco spirit.

Recorded with Australia’s leading guitarists Slava Grigoryan, Karin Schaupp and Leonard Grigoryan, collectively known as Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet, their ensemble won an ARIA in 2003 for ‘Best Classical Album’.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Song For Enya’

Song for Enya by Gareth Koch pays tribute to the artist Enya, emulating the ethereal & Celtic quality of her music. The track creates a spacious & dreamlike atmosphere with layered guitars & keyboard. The style of Gareth’s instrumentation is intended as a homage to Enya’s use of multi vocals & gentle rhythms in her compositions. As with Enya’s work, Song for Enya sits at the intersection of New Age & Ambient Pop.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Gareth began his musical studies on piano and clarinet, and at age 12 was accepted into the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He received his Bachelor of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before winning scholarships for advanced guitar study at The Royal Madrid Conservatorium & the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music & has lectured in music across Australian & European universities.

In 2002 Gareth formed the first guitar supergroup with Karin Schaupp & The Grigoryan Brothers, Slava & Leonard. Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to #1 on the Classical Music Charts and even featured on ARIA pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums & was Australia’s biggest selling classical act for several years.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & has released a succession of collaborative albums with Martin Kennedy & with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). His recent release ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 star review from The Sydney Morning Herald. Gareth’s current output has a strong rock bias with classical overtones & his writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music.

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Fiona Joy Hawkins Releases Album ‘When Shadows Talk’

VINYL OUT NOW 180Gram Gatefold Audiophile LP
‘When Shadows Talk’ offers musical storytelling that explores inward and outward reflection. “Many of the pieces are about my creative process as an artist and bring to life behind-the-scenes workings of what it takes to dig deep enough to find valuable conversations.” – FJH

I went into a self-imposed lockdown for much of the writing to find my creative centre. This exile allowed me to explore what lies deep beneath the surface and is often passed over or suppressed, both personally and in the context of broader community discussion.

The project threw up many obstacles, starting with the need to find another piano on the first day of recording. My plans were plagued with multiple instrument and venue issues, but fortunately, those involved were committed to helping me bring the project to life. My thanks go to Peter Stevenson (Producer), Michael Luchich (Engineer), Wayne Stuart (Piano Maker) and Tony Prince (Piano Tuner).

As I look back, I can laugh at the comedy in all that went wrong: Three broken strings, a “buzz” in A above middle C (A4) caused by a screwdriver left inside the piano, wood-chopping, lawn-mowing, dog barking, council truck (road works), rain (tin roof), building frame expansion/contraction, power outage (for 2 hours), mic connection issues… and that didn’t include the piano player/composer hitting the wall from exhaustion and frustration!

Despite extensive hold-ups, we did it, and I hope you, as the listener, find a work of beauty that holds something of value.

ARIA nominated Australian classically trained Pianist, Composer and Singer, crossing genres from Neoclassical to New Age, Celtic and Jazz.

‘My greatest hope is that my music makes a difference.’ Fiona Joy Hawkins produces original ethereal music to soothe the soul. It is also a passion to make music videos to tell the stories of our lives and the natural world around us.

Living in rural Australia, Fiona has played at New York’s Carnegie Hall, the New Orleans Jazz Museum, Sydney Opera House, Echoes/NPR Radio, Grammy Museum & concert halls of China. Inspired by Chopin & Mendelssohn. Winner of International awards, including: ‘Grace’ on Grammy-winning album, and ARIA Finalist, IMA Winner.

“Anyone who can write music that transcends genre and moves into the realm of self-examination is a person to follow and enjoy. Wonderful!” – John M. Crossett, Aural Musings

“For me, she is a modern female Beethoven. I know that is very high praise, but I think many folks will be looking back many years from now, and she will still be current. That is what makes her music stand the test of time. Her albums play smooth, like a good book you just can’t put down, and yet before you know it is over.” – Dave Wilson AudioAficionado.org.

Spotify Album Link

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Gareth Koch and All India Radio Release ‘Song For Philip Glass’

Philip Glass looms large as a pioneer & exponent of the minimalist movement in 20th century music. In ‘Song for Philip Glass’ Gareth recorded a series of repeated sequences to emulate the Glass style, gradually adding layers of classical guitar, acoustic guitar & bass. Each of the sequences is preserved throughout the track & the layering of new motifs, or ‘riffs’, generates the evolution of the track. ‘Song for Philip Glass’ seeks to evoke the spirit of the composer’s work, while integrating pop, folk & ambient music styles.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

All India Radio have created shimmering aural edifices that cross genres across 30+ releases since the late 1990s. All India Radio albums have featured cameos from many of Kennedy’s favourites: Steve Kilbey (The Church), prog metal legend Devin Townsend, Ed Kuepper (The Saints), Graham Lee (The Triffids), and David Bridie (Not Drowning Waving).  Martin’s music has featured in CSI, One Tree Hill, The Lying Game, Emmerdale, Bondi Rescue and many more.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘La Rumba Flamenca’

 The joyous flamenco rumba is an immensely popular style, stemming from Cuba by way of the port of Cadiz in Spain. There are many types of Rumba which often share the characteristic of incorporating popular musical themes within their structure.       In ‘La Rumba Flamenca’ the traditional melody Spanish Romance is integrated into the opening measures.

Set in the traditional format of three repeated sections, ‘La Rumba Flamenca’ can be described as an erotic, mischievous and salsified dance.  Rumba is closely related to the flamenco tango and is one of the most accessible flamenco styles, danceable and lighthearted.

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About Gareth

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Gareth began his musical studies on piano and clarinet, and at age 12 was accepted into the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He received his Bachelor of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before winning  scholarships for advanced guitar study at The Royal Madrid Conservatorium & the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music & has lectured in music across Australian & European universities.

 In 2002 Gareth formed the first guitar supergroup with Karin Schaupp & The Grigoryan Brothers, Slava & Leonard.  Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to #1 on the Classical Music Charts and even featured on ARIA  pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums & was Australia’s biggest selling classical act for several years.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & has released a succession of collaborative albums with Martin Kennedy & with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). His recent release ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 star review from The Sydney Morning Herald. Gareth’s current output has a strong rock bias with classical overtones & his writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music.

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