The five musicians on this recording have known and worked with each other in many ensembles over a period of 8 years: Paul, Niko and Stephen play together in the 'Australian Art Orchestra' and the 'Paul Grabowsky Sextet' Niko, Ren and Chris in 'Tip'. Chris also played in Niko's 'Tibetan Dixie', 'Papa Carlo' and 'Night Music' projects; Chris and Niko can also be heard on many of Paul's scores for film and TV.
In the early 90's, Niko, Chris and guitarist SteveMagnusson, formed the rhythm section of 'Tibetan Dixie'. When performing as a trio they called themselves 'PapaCarlo'. A CD of this ensemble with the Italian trumpeter, Enrico Rava, as guest musician was released under the title 'Night Music'.
In absence of Enrico, Melbourne musician, Stephen Grant, joined the trio. In 1996 Steve Magnusson left for Europe and his place was taken by Paul Grabowsky on piano: ON THE OTHER HAND was born.
Niko Schäuble was born 1962 in Germany (nephew of bass virtuoso Eberhard Weber). He worked professionally as a musician and composer in Europe before migrating to Australia in 1989. After his arrival he toured for two years with singer/trumpeter Vince Jones, before joining Paul Grabowsky 'Groovematics', the band of 'Tonight Live with Steve Vizard' Channel 7. During this period Niko continued to perform with his own ensembles 'Tibetan Dixie', 'Papa Carlo' and 'Night Music' as well as playing with 'Tip', the 'Paul Grabowsky Sextet' and visiting overseas artists.
In 1992 Niko was awarded the 'Australian Jazz Award/Best Drummer'.
The following years saw Niko re-establishing his links with Europe and he has been travelling back and forth since 1994, working in Europe with Enrico Rava, Ed Schuller, Billy Jenkins, the Berlin Fun Horns and many others.
Niko is also a prolific composer, writing for his own bands, as well as receiving commissions from Australian and European ensembles and composing for TV. Awards received for his compositions include 'Franz-Josef Reinl Stiftung', Austria, 'Neue Salonmusik', Germany and 'Julius Hemphill Awards', New York.
Paul Grabowsky was born in 1958 in Lae, New Guinea and grew up in Melbourne. He studied with Australian composer George Dreyfuss and at the Julliard School of Music in New York. He lived and worked in Munich 1981-86. Paul is one of Australia’s foremost pianists and has received many awards, including the prize of the German Radio Academy, first prize at the European Jazz Competition and was voted jazz artist of the year 1988-89 in 'Rolling Stone' magazine.
As a composer Paul writes for the 'Australian Art Orchestra', his own sextet and trio as well as for film and TV. Among the many works nominated for major awards are his compositions for international productions, such as 'The last days of Chez Nous', 'Georgia', 'The Bite', 'Lift-Off' and the TV-series 'Phoenix'.
Paul has appeared as soloist with the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra and the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra. He is also the founder and musical director of the 'Australian Art Orchestra'.
Chris Bekker was born in South Africa in 1964, the son of one of the country’s foremost musicians, Hennie Bekker. Chris started playing the bass at the age of 7 and was heavily influenced by the Fusion-Music of that time (Mahavishnu, Weather Report, etc.)
Chris immigrated to Australia in 1989 and soon established his career playing with some of Australia's finest musicians. He met Ren and Niko soon after his arrival and the three have been playing together ever since in various ensembles, most recently 'Tip'. Chris is one of the most called upon session players in Australia and he also works within the Rock and Pop scene (Ian Moss, Boom Crash Opera, Gyan, and many others).
Stephen Grant was born 1970 in England. He moved to Melbourne in 1981 and it was there that he formed his first band, playing in traditional New Orleans style. Stephen tours extensively with traditional bands (Steve Waddell 'Creole Bells' and the 'Cairo Club Orchestra' as well as pop bands such as 'Frente' and Kate Ceberano's 'Ministry of Fun'.
As a true multi-instrumentalist Stephen appears on stage as trumpeter, pianist (including solo concerts as Ragtime and Stride player), bassist, accordionist and guitarist. Each time not only fulfilling his role competently, but playing with passion and inspiration.
Guest musician Ren Walters is the only musician on this CD who was born in Australia. Born 1954 in Melbourne he is one of Australia’s true individualists on electric guitar and has played his music uncompromisingly in various ensembles, most notably with 'Tip'.
The list of artists the musicians of ON THE OTHER HAND have worked with include: Chet Baker, Art Farmer, Johnny Griffin, Sam Rivers, Arthur Blythe, Steve Lacy, Enrico Rava, Lee Konitz, Mike Nock, James Morrison, Ray Brown, Buddy Guy, Wilson Pickett, Boom Crash Opera, Crowded House, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Karaikudi S. Mani, Trilok Gurtu, Glen Moore, Michael Kieran Harvey and Jerry Goldsmith among many others.
