Mace Francis Orchestra: “No Postcode” (2024) CD Review

Mace Francis is a composer, trombone player and conductor based in Perth, Australia. In addition to writing his own material, he has created his own arrangements of standards, as he did on his 2019 release Love Songs I Love. His new album, No Postcode, features all original material. The group is made up of Ben Collins on saxophone, Jayden Blockley on saxophone, Sean Little on saxophone, Mark Sprogowski on saxophone, Ricki Malet on trumpet, Matt Smith on trumpet, Dusan Cuculoski on trumpet, Steve Bickley on trombone, Catherine Noblet on trombone, Rob Coleman on trombone, Dan Garner on guitar, Alistair Peel on bass, and Greg Brenton on drums.

The album’s title track, “No Postcode,” opens in a rather dark place, where it seems something is ready to explode upon us, the guitar hinting at some menace. And then the horns come in, providing splashes of color. The drums begin to take us forward, and suddenly we are inside a whirling and exciting space where a lot is happening. Interestingly, there is a pause then, giving us a chance to look around, get our bearings. Soon everything is set in motion again, but now we are prepared for it and perhaps a part of it. At one point, it seems the track is ready to fade out, a pause that is breath or two longer than might be expected, and then the horns gently wrap themselves around us and carry us forward, before the drums lead into another whirlwind of action, and that strong bass line keeps things moving. This is an exciting piece, with different voices at times howling at the raging elements. The bass then sets the initial tone for “Empty Landscape.” As the drums are added, a good groove is created with both instruments. I am particularly fond of the drum work on this track, which does not focus on the usual time-keeping devices of the hi-hat or ride cymbal. And the saxophone lead takes us into seriously cool territory, backed by some delicious touches on guitar. The excitement builds here, as that solid rhythm continues, and it has a wonderfully mesmerizing effect.

“Sleepy Duke” has a more relaxed vibe as it begins, and for a time after those opening moments the brass section is on its own, having a lonesome quality at first and growing from there. This one moves at a slow pace, never hurries, and features some really nice work on trumpet. I love how the music swells at times, though never rushes forward, but rather maintains that pace throughout. Then “An Ocean Seen” comes on strong with a great burst of action, grabbing our attention. This is a dramatic piece that feels like it could be part of the soundtrack to a classic adventure film, taking us on a journey into a world and story of its own making. This track features some wonderful work on drums. And then suddenly, a little more than halfway through, we’re in this seriously cool territory as the bass struts about and the saxophone takes us into its own piece of the world, dancing and singing and making the whole thing feel like a swinging party. The world has become an even more interesting place, and there is still more great work on drums as the tune progresses from there.

“Squint Your Eyes” begins in a place of melancholy, an uncertain voice in an uncertain time, seeming to look around and lament what it sees, what it experiences. Other voices join soon it, and there is power in number, as well as solace, as the music grows and finds its own beauty. At moments, it is soothing. Interestingly, this is a composition that Mace Francis also delivered on his previous album, 2021’s Isolation Emancipation. That earlier version is quite a bit different. For one thing, it features vocals. But also it has a somewhat different vibe, particularly at the beginning. As on that album, here it is the penultimate track. The album then ends with “S.M.S.,” which starts with a strong, insistent drum beat, and features some wonderful stuff from the brass section. Check out that work on trumpet. There is an exciting conclusion to this piece, and thus to the album.

CD Track List

1. No Postcode
2. Empty Landscape
3. Sleepy Duke
4. An Ocean Seen
5. Squint Your Eyes
6. S.M.S.

No Postcode was released on April 12, 2024.