Springwood composer Gary Daley wanted his CD Sanctuary to completely embody the meaning of a sanctuary, so he recorded it in a church.
The work plays between traditional folk elements and contemporary jazz improvisation and was recorded in the Cerretti Chapel in Manly.
"It was like in Europe going into a huge Catholic cathedral. A huge space and a very beautiful space to record in," Daley said.
He and eight other musicians, including locals Brett Hirst and Bruce Reid, completed the surround sound recording in one take only, using a special type of microphone set back from the instruments so the sound of each instrument could fully develop, much like what a person listening to a concert would hear.
"I don't use studio effects like reverbs. We use the natural acoustics of the space," Daley explained. "The space was part of the sound, it was like another instrument."
Sanctuary was inspired by Daley's journey with his mother when she suffered from Alzheimer's disease, while simultaneously experiencing overwhelming joy at the birth of his first grandchild, now five.
"You had the two extremes of life occurring at the same time. It [music] was a sanctuary for Mum, a way to protect her and look after her," Daley said.
The music has been described as a mesmerising dreamscape; at times sounding almost like a chamber music ensemble, the unusual combination of cello, sax, accordion, clarinet, electric and lap steel guitars, piano, mandolin and bass achieving the sonic embodiment of a sanctuary.
Daley teaches piano at St Paul's Grammar School, plays in jazz/world band The catholics, and plays accordion in the ABC TV children's series Lah Lah's Adventures.
He will launch Sanctuary during a concert at Riverside Theatres in Parramatta on Sunday, March 15 at 3pm. To book phone 8839 3399 or online at www.riversideparramatta.com.au.
