Spirit Wind Derek Jones

• Derek Jones:
• 1 Journey to serenity 08:12
• 2 Violet Rays 07:21
• 3 Meditation 07:31
• 4 To bliss 06:11
• 5 Night sky 07:52
• 6 om namo baghavate 07:10
• 7 The blue star 06:44
• Total Runtime 51:01

Info for Spirit Wind

Flautist Derek Jones presents a collection of improvisations that were inspired by the idea of a universal spirit in all musical cultures.

The keyboard/synthesiser tracks were recorded first with particular soundscapes and ideas in mind, and then flute improvisations were recorded over these. Other percussion and effects were added at the end of the flute recordings. Particularly beautiful are the deep Gamelan bells in “Meditation” and “Distant Bells”.

The aim is to create free flowing and expressive melodic elements over existing sounds which are sometimes a drone, but also interplay melodically with the flute lines.

Inspiration for the improvisations include the response to Derek's father’s death in 2009, whilst others are expressions of places that he has visited and their mystical qualities. “Violet Rays” is a observation of the human condition, the good and dark qualities being played out in the world, based on a Gregorian chant. “Meditation” and “Distant Bells” are in essence visualising a small ensemble of musicians improvising in an ethereal space away from the reality of this world. “Night Sky” endeavours to show the tendency to feel the sense of separation in our human condition, and our need and yearning to find our true place in this world; to be completely on our own in the middle of the night, but to feel our own presence and true nature.

“Journey to Serenity” and “Blue Star” attempt to show the place of arrival where one experiences a great sense of unity and tranquility, lighting up our path towards the final goal and destination.

Derek Jones, flute
Peter Neville, percussion (track 6)

Derek Jones
has enjoyed an extensive performing career throughout Australia, Europe USA, and Asia. His performing career includes solo performances with the Melbourne Symphony, The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, the latter involving solo appearances in Carnegie Hall, New York.

Derek has toured Europe and Asia with recital performances in Manchester, Dublin, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Italy and in 2016 performed in London and Canada. He has also performed as soloist for ABC Radio in live broadcasts and has recorded recitals for ABC Classic FM.

Derek has released his CD “Sun Down Moon Up” in 2008, a collection of his own compositions and improvisations. He has also released CDs with the Australian recording label Move, including the 2015 release of “Flute Perspectives”, a collection of solo Australian contemporary works.

His career includes principal flute positions with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra & Orchestra Victoria. He has made guest teaching appearances at the Paris Conservatoire, the Geneva Conservatoire, Graz Universitat, Trento Conservatorie, Trieste Conservatorio, The Royal College of Music London, The Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester The Royal Irish Academy of Music, Dublin, Boston University, University of British Columbia, Victoria University (Canada), The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts, Jeju Island Festival Korea, ,and the Taiwan Flute School.

Derek is currently the Head of Woodwind at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, University of Melbourne, Australia.

Booklet for Spirit Wind