“Milton Man Gogh brings all these disparate musical elements into a musical whole that not only makes sense but is primarily listenable and thoroughly enjoyable for all who are willing to listen without sticking prejudice plugs in their ears.”
Biography
Milton Man Gogh (MMG), a jazz trio that defies the mantle and force feeds it PCP laced No-Doz, was born in 2016 when Andrew Saragossi, Zac Sakrewski, and Benjamin Shannon came together for their weekly jam sessions in preparation for a one-off gig. Their fusion of contemporary jazz with elements of metal, punk, and folk has propelled them to the forefront of Australian jazz, earning them acclaim and awards. Their unique blend of music is complemented by their innovative use of media, weaving captivating narratives through music videos and comics, depicting the adventures of their fictional namesake.
Milton Man Gogh’s unique sound is an amalgamation of the core influences of each member – jazz and improvised music, contemporary classical, progressive rock and metal. Equally comfortable plundering sounds from Meshuggah and Donny McCaslin to Aphex Twin and Captain Beefheart, Milton Man Gogh seeks to explore personal inquiry through composition, ultimately being brought to life in the studio, through music videos and live performance where they showcase their raw and untamed intensity and energy. “As a collective, we’ve always believed that good Jazz is adventurous and challenges both listener and musician while still retaining that catchiness that keeps people wanting more” says saxophonist Andrew Saragossi. “We’ve eschewed the modern image of Jazz, as it has ironically become a bit of an institutionalised sport. We’re using what we learned from that sometimes rigid tradition and trying our best to breathe our own life into it – taking theoretically advanced concepts and mixing them with unconventional influences while still keeping our music relatable to everyone.”
“I’ve already described their sound as “garage jazz”, or something like that, and this is still true, but with better production, better compositions, and better chops. ”
Drawing inspiration from the complexity of contemporary art and the irreverence of bogan Australiana, Milton Man Gogh's music and aesthetic resonate with audiences worldwide. Their music video "XXXX Bitter Irony" has amassed nearly 50,000 views on YouTube, showcasing their ability to captivate audiences both sonically and visually. With three albums and an EP released on Art as Catharsis, they've earned accolades from prestigious competitions like the APRA Art Music Awards, QLD Music Awards, and the International Songwriting Competition and have shared the stage with International artists of all genres, including jazz/electronica juggernauts KNOWER (USA) at the Brisbane International Jazz Festival.
Despite facing challenges such as the cancellation of a European tour due to COVID-19, Milton Man Gogh has remained resilient, releasing their latest album "The Great Reset" in 2020. Their perseverance and dedication to their craft were further demonstrated when they were invited to the Banff Musicians in Residence Program at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in January 2024. During their residency, they crafted 16 original compositions, a testament to their ongoing innovation and commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz music.
Members of Milton Man Gogh also feature in bands such as, Kodiak Empire, MEATSHELL, Lamborghini Eagleman, Martin Kay's Forage, AHA Trio, Dropbear Lodge, Loose Leaf and Strangely Enough, to list just a few other projects.
“Milton Man Gogh exist. Coincidentally enough The Great Reset also exists... [they] are a highly talented group but what they do is not about technical wizardry. They’re taking what they know and using it to make something that is theirs. It’s something they share and, much like with prior releases, The Great Reset shows that what they do is worth experiencing. ”