James Macauley and the Happy Hoppy Orchestra - Today Will Be Another Day

‘Today Will be Another Day’, is the second album from Melbourne based trombonist-composer James Macaulay, winner of the 2017 National Jazz Awards for brass.

With a collection of Macaulay originals that draw from his experiences touring Japan with pianist Aaron Choulai and performing with his trad-jazz group the Lagerphones, the Tokyo recorded album with his “dream project” is a whimsical exploration of diverse jazz styles and moods. Performed by a stellar band of some of his generations’ most creative talents pooled from both Melbourne and Tokyo, the album showcases James in a new light both as performer and composer.

The title of the album refers to the cheerful and colourful advertising of ‘Hoppy Happy’ – an ostensibly beer flavoured, though non-alcoholic brand of soda often used as a mixer for cheap Shochu, a light Japanese spirit. James recorded his dream project in Tokyo

The recording features pianist Aaron Choulai, a great influence on Macaulay over the past number of years both musically and gastronomically. Invited to perform with Choulai’s band, the two have toured Japan a number of times. "I can't think of a better way to see Japan than by touring with Aaron's quintet” says James. Choulai’s band also features Macaulay’s bandmate Marty Holoubek, alongside Shun Ishiwaka and Akihiro Yoshimoto, who would also record with Macaulay. Aaron’s music has also left an impression on Macaulay’s musical vision: “Aaron’s music is so much fun to play and the band always has this strangely effortless, freewheeling energy about it, which might have reflected all the amazing food and drink we have."