AIM by Michael Jordan

AIM is the third independent album release organised by Australian drummer and composer Michael Jordan. This album features two distinctly different musical line-ups – both lead by Jordan at the melodic drum-set.

First, a non-traditional bassless jazz trio format with internationally celebrated improvisers and leading Australian jazz figure Barney McAll on Piano, and equally prolific and exemplary Julien Wilson featured on saxophone, bass clarinet, clarinet and electronics.

Second, a sharp departure from the traditional jazz sextet – the melodic drum-set, accompanied by a string quintet. Arranged by the acclaimed Greg Riddell and featuring Nathen Scerri on 1st violin, Sarina Walter on 2nd violin, Derek Hawkins on viola, Stephanie MacArthur on cello, and Darren Steel on the acoustic bass.

A profound and vast exploration of melodic drumming by Jordan has led him to create this album – a lifetime’s work and particularly the last three years’ work has resulted in this collection of distinctive compositions – each with individual identity.

Jordan’s unique approach to contemporary drumming features a fixed-pitch tuned drum-set, and carefully selected cymbals that - when combined - create a sympathetic resonance that define the compositions melodic shape and contour.

The sextet portions of this recording are inspired by Pulitzer Prize winner and co-creator of the roto-toms, Michael Colgrass. The string quintet was carefully chosen as an alternative setting for the tuned drums and cymbals to ascertain how the percussive combination would respond in a specific sonic environment.


AIM was recorded at Ginger Studios, Melbourne. Engineered by Jimmy Wyatt, mixed and mastered by Anthony “ToK” Norris. The album artwork is an original painting by Michael Jordan.