EON BEATS PROJECT

Records in Sydney approached Rick Robertson the saxophonist / composer from internationally acclaimed Sydney acid jazz group DIG, with an idea to do a funky jazz record. DIG had decided to take a break and Rick was looking for a new project. He had been working with Lex Wilson on the last DIG album. They had developed a good working relationship so the partnership was forged. Lex Wilson had been producing dance records during the 90's and wanted to work on something that had a bigger live element. The DIG record opened up his ears to the funky jazz scene and the potential production possibilities. Rick and Lex composed and Lex programmed all of the tracks for the first EON album "Spin" in his home studio at Kings Cross in Sydney. The cream of the local funk and jazz scene were recorded to capture the original Sydney sound. Twelve months later ten tracks were ready for mixing. Jeremy Allom (Massive Attack, Incognito) was called in as mix engineer and "Spin" was mixed at Creative Vibes Studio. "Spin" was released in 2000 on Creative Vibes Records.

 

The release of "Spin" resulted in healthy record sales, great reviews and a publishing contract with Universal Music. The success of "Spin" guaranteed a live following and a big demand for the EON sound live. The live band was formed and boasts a formidable core of the funkiest and most accomplished musicians in town. The band has played a range of engagements from jazz festivals to dance clubs and is now performing as a nine piece on the big stage at many events.

 

The second album from EON "The Great Indoors" (released June 2002) was produced in much the same way as the first apart from Rick having his own studio in which much of the live recording was done and files transferred between the two studios. Jim Sherringham was also employed to lend his production expertise to the project and his work is evident on many of the tracks. Jeremy Allom again mixed the project. A vocal element was needed and the exquisite Jade MacRae, who is now a star on the local scene, wrote the lyrics and performed them on three tracks. Rest Your Mind, Bought and Paid and the very soulful Femme Fatale.

 

"The Great Indoors" was immediately seen as a breakthrough in the Australian scene and many tracks have appeared on compilations including, Long Grain, Vibes on a Summers Day, Summer Sojourn, Private Lounge 5 (Apricot Records/EMI France) and the new Petrol Records release Sydney, The Sex, The City The Music. The live band has also maintained momentum playing at Vibes on a Summers Day (Sydney / Perth), the premier dance venue at the Sydney Festival, Aroma Fest and The Basement. Tragically Lex Wilson passed away only two months after "The Great Indoors" was released. Rick is continuing the project releasing a new EON album under the name of Eon Beats Project, "See the Light". Nov 2004.

Eon Beats has been busy gigging live over the past 4 years playing to enthusiastic crowds around Sydney. They have featured at many festivals including Darling Harbour Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Festival and Moore Park festival.

"Blue Rhythm People" the latest release from Eon Beats features the vocals of Evelyn Duprai. Evelyn not only sings but also wrote most of the lyrics on this album, so she's really singing from the heart. Jon Pease also features vocally on "Vinyl Jonny" and plays beautiful guitar on most of the tracks and gets to let loose on Blue Rhythm People. Ricks Saxophone is present on all the tracks and he features on the 2 tracks recorded live at the Basement. Gerard Masters, considered by many to be the master of his art creates darkness and light thoughout with his choice of sounds and textures. All in all a great collaborative effort.