ASTEROID EKOSYSTEM

 ‘a perfect blend of Spence's forward-looking piano trio teamed with … Ed Kuepper … music that churns up the mysterious forces of the universe.’ 4 1/2 Stars, Dan McClenaghan, AllAboutJazz, (US).

Alister Spence - piano, percussion
Ed Kuepper - electric guitar and pedals
Lloyd Swanton - double bass
Toby Hall - drum kit, percussion

Asteroid Ekosystem, the brainchild of pianist and composer Alister Spence, is a supergroup for the 21st century bringing together four of the country’s most acclaimed and talented musicians. Spence; the leader of contemporary jazz group, the Alister Spence Trio and touring keyboardist with The Aints! and Laughing Clowns; bassist Lloyd Swanton of jazz giants The Necks (and formerly of The Catholics); world class percussionist Toby Hall on drums; and the legendary and pioneering Ed Kuepper; guitarist and founding member of The Saints, Laughing Clowns, The Aints! and a solo career that has stretched 37 years.

“I first heard Ed Kuepper's music more than thirty years ago. His interest in and skill with sound and improvisation came across so clearly. His songs always unfolded in interesting ways and often opened out to be extended by the players in his bands. Ed was enthusiastic when I asked if he would like to be a part of the next recording that Lloyd, Toby, and myself made, though none of us knew exactly what form that might take.” Alister Spence.

The result is Asteroid Ekosystem the group’s eponymous debut album released in late 2020 - a double length CD that took Spence’s verbal sketches and melodic cells into new and unknown terrain. The album has earned them rave reviews from around the world and saw them shortlisted for the 2021 APRA/AMCOS Art Music Awards under ‘Jazz Work of the Year’. Asteroid Ekosystem Live was released in 2023. “…its music that feels untethered by genre restrictions…” Bob Baker Fish, Cyclic Defrost.

‘What is jazz, what is rock, …, the jingling, crashing brainstorming is LSD-colorful. … Set the controls for the heart of the sun.’ Rigo Dittmann, Bad Alchemy (GDR).