The Idea of North

{{Short description|Australian a cappella ensemble}} {{For|the audio documentary by Glenn Gould|Solitude Trilogy}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}} {{Use Australian English|date=April 2017}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = The Idea of North | image = TION 2025.png | image_size = | image_upright = | landscape = yes | alt = | caption = Luke Thompson, Kaichiro Kitamura, Emma Rule, Nick Begbie, Naomi Crellin | background = group_or_band | alias = | origin = [[Canberra]], Australian Capital Territory, Australia | genre = Jazz | years_active = {{start date|1993}}–present | label = {{flatlist| * Magnetic * [[ABC Music|ABC Jazz]]/[[Universal Music Australia|Universal]] }} | associated_acts = {{flatlist| * Pure Harmony * Jo Lawry }} | website = {{URL|idea.com.au/}} | current_members = * Nick Begbie * Naomi Crellin * Luke Thompson * Emma Rule * Kai Kitamura | past_members = * Trish Delaney-Brown * Andrew Piper * Megan Corson * Sally Cameron * Joy Hague * Jo Lawry }}

'''The Idea of North''' are an Australian [[a cappella]] vocal ensemble founded in [[Canberra]] in 1993, by Nick Begbie ([[tenor]]), Meg Corson ([[alto]]), [[Trish Delaney-Brown]] ([[soprano]]) and Andrew Piper ([[Bass (voice type)|bass]]). Still active in 2025, but touring less frequently since the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], The Idea of North has had a number of personnel changes since their formation, with Nick Begbie the only remaining original member.

The group is the only a cappella outfit ever to have won two [[ARIA Music Awards|ARIAs (Australian Recording Industry Association awards)]],{{cn|date=October 2023}} both in the Best Jazz Album category at the [[ARIA Music Awards of 2010]] for ''[[Feels Like Spring]]'' (collaboration with [[James Morrison (jazz musician)|James Morrison]]) and again in [[ARIA Music Awards of 2013|2013]] for ''[[Smile (The Idea of North album)|Smile]]'', as well as three other [[ARIA Music Awards|ARIA]] nominations.

==History== ===1993–1999: formation and debut album=== The Idea of North was formed in Canberra 1993 by Nick Begbie (tenor), Meg Corson (alto), [[Trish Delaney-Brown]] (soprano) and Andrew Piper (bass).<ref name="Hall">{{cite news | last = Hall | first = Loretta | date = 27 July 2007 | title = Magnetic North | work = [[The Herald Sun]] }}</ref> Three of the members were students at the [[ANU School of Music|Canberra School of Music (CSM)]] of [[Australian National University|Australian National University (ANU)]], while Nick was studying a non-music degree at the [[Australian National University|ANU]] but singing with the other three extra-curricularly in the [[Canberra School of Music|CSM's]] vocal [[jazz]] ensemble, led by performer and jazz vocal educator [[Gery Scott]]. These four formed their own quartet from the larger ensemble, eventually adopting their name from ''[[Solitude Trilogy|The Idea of North]]'' (1967), a radio documentary by Canadian [[European classical music|classical]] pianist [[Glenn Gould]].<ref name="Banks">{{cite news | last = Banks | first = Ron | date = 14 June 2004 | title = Evidence of a distinctive Idea | work = [[The West Australian]] }}</ref> The group is generally described as a jazz quartet,<ref>{{cite news | last = Derdeyn | first = Stuart | date = 5 August 2010 | title = In need of a name, but smart to peel off Banana Four | work = [[The Province|The Vancouver Province]] }}</ref><ref name="Ill Merc">{{cite news | date = 3 July 1998 | title = US May Hear Idea of North | work = [[Illawarra Mercury]] }}</ref> but they also delve regularly into the [[pop music|pop]], [[R&B]], classical, [[folk music|folk]], [[Soul music|soul]] and [[gospel music|gospel]] genres.<ref name="Can Times">{{cite news | date = 24 March 2009 | title = Makes me wanna sing | work = [[The Canberra Times]] }}</ref><ref name="Chroni">{{cite news | date = 24 March 2009 | title = Quartet returns home | work = The Chronicle | location = Canberra}}</ref><ref name="Brotohusodo">{{cite web | url = http://www.hercanberra.com.au/index.php/2011/08/08/the-idea-of-north/indexe4b8.html | title = The Idea of North | last = Brotohusodo | first = Michelle | work = HerCanberra | date = 8 August 2011 | accessdate = 25 April 2017 | url-status = deviated | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20120307142600/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/125182/20120308-0126/www.hercanberra.com.au/index.php/2011/08/08/the-idea-of-north/indexe4b8.html | archivedate = 7 March 2012 | df = dmy-all }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Over the years, the individual members of the group have written, arranged and performed some original music, but largely tackle re-imaginings of jazz standards and other music by a huge variety of artists, including [[The Beatles]], [[Tim Minchin]], [[Sting (musician)|Sting]], [[Stevie Wonder]], [[James Taylor]], [[The Muppets]], [[Joni Mitchell]], [[Randy Newman]], [[ABBA]], the [[Bee Gees]], [[Vulfpeck]] and [[John Mayer]].<ref name="Brotohusodo"/>

In 1997 they recorded their debut album, ''The Idea of North'', with Ra Khan in the recording booth at the CSM recording studios.<ref name="NLA Idea">{{cite web | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/34017729?q=%22idea+of+north%22&c=music&sort=holdings+desc&_=1493067350971&versionId=41877010 | title = ''The Idea of North'' [sound recording] – Version details | work = Trove | via = [[National Library of Australia]] | date = | accessdate = 25 April 2017 }}</ref> The group members arranged [[cover version]]s of jazz standards, gospel music, traditional songs and more contemporary material.<ref name="NLA Idea"/><ref name="Idea debut"/> Instrumentation was provided by Greg Stott on congas and percussion, Duncan Brown on bass and Piper on [[flugelhorn]] on "[[My Funny Valentine]]",<ref name="Idea debut">{{cite AV media notes | title = The Idea of North | others = The Idea of North (performers) | year = 1997 | type = liner notes | publisher = The Idea of North | id = ION 97007-2 }}</ref> although the album was majority a cappella.

===2000–2005: ''The Sum of Us'', ''Here & Now'' and ''Evidence''=== The Idea of North's second album, ''The Sum of Us'', was released in October 2001. Its track "[[Mas Que Nada]]" features Morrison on trombone, and "Fragile" showcases [[Don Burrows]] on flute.<ref name="AMO Sum">{{cite web | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080816024052/http://www.amo.org.au/release.asp?id=60 | url = http://www.amo.org.au/release.asp?id=60 | title = Releases :: ''The Sum of Us'' | work = [[Australian Music Online]] | archivedate = 16 August 2008 | accessdate = 25 April 2017 }}</ref> Delaney-Brown wrote two tracks, "Neat Surprise" and "Gotta Move On", while "Singin' a Cappella" was co-written by Begbie and Piper and "Two Sides to the Story" was written by Piper.<ref name="AMO Sum"/><ref name="Sum Us">{{cite AV media notes | title = The Sum of Us | others = The Idea of North (performers) | year = 1997 | type = liner notes | publisher = Magnetic Records | id = 934 002-2 }}</ref> It was co-produced by the group's members and recorded by David Hemming at Tiger Studios, Sydney for Magnetic Records.<ref name="Sum Us"/> It reached No. 15 on the [[ARIA Charts|ARIA Jazz & Blues Albums]] chart.<ref name="ARIA Report 621">{{cite journal | date = 21 January 2002 | archiveurl =https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20020220130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20020221-0000/www.aria.com.au/issue621.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 21st January 2002 ~ Issue #621 | last = Kellaghan | first = Ronan | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = [[Australian Recording Industry Association]] (ARIA) | issue = 621 | page = 18 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue621.pdf | archivedate = 20 February 2002 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

In March 2002 Corson was replaced as alto in the group by Naomi Crellin (ex-Pure Harmony and ex-Jelelah), an Adelaide Girl's Choir alumna and a graduate from University of Adelaide's [[Elder Conservatorium]].<ref name="Eliezer">{{cite news | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20030204130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/10761/20030205-0000/www.themusic.com.au/im_m/archive/2002/020227-296/eliezer.html | url = http://www.themusic.com.au/im_m/archive/2002/020227-296/eliezer.html | title = Changes to the North | last = Eliezer | first = Christie | work = Music & Media Business News | publisher = TheMusic | archivedate = 4 February 2003 | date = 27 February 2002 | accessdate = 26 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Crellin's previous group, Pure Harmony, was an a cappella quartet formed in 1992 at [[Marryatville High School]], Adelaide with fellow students Sally Cameron, Joy Hague and Kate Boumelha.<ref name="Hague Bio">{{cite web | url = http://www.idea.com.au/biography/joy-hague | title = Joy Hague | publisher = The Idea of North Official Website | accessdate = 28 April 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Marryat">{{cite web | url = http://www.marryatvillehs.sa.edu.au/newsviews/newsletter/pdf_newsletter/2010/issue05_10.pdf | title = Music News: Generations in Jazz | work = Marryatville High School Newsletter | publisher = [[Marryatville High School]] | issue = 5 | date = June 2010 | page = 10 | accessdate = 28 April 2017 | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110927210020/http://www.marryatvillehs.sa.edu.au/newsviews/newsletter/pdf_newsletter/2010/issue05_10.pdf | archivedate = 27 September 2011 | df = dmy-all }}</ref>

The Idea of North's third album, ''Here & Now'', was released in October 2003 via [[ABC Music|ABC Jazz]], which contained re-recordings of their previous material plus two new tracks.<ref name="NLA Here">{{Citation | author1 = Idea of North | title = Here & Now | date = 2003 | publisher = [[ABC Music|ABC Jazz]], Universal Classics & Jazz | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/8255840 | accessdate = 26 April 2017 }}</ref><ref name="AMO Here">{{cite web | url = http://www.amo.org.au/release.asp?id=6604 | title = Releases :: ''Here & Now'' | work = Australian Music Online | accessdate = 26 April 2017 | url-status = deviated | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080810184231/http://www.amo.org.au/release.asp?id=6604 | archivedate = 10 August 2008 | df = dmy-all }}</ref> Recorded by the line-up of Begbie, Crellin, Delaney-Brown and Piper at [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]]'s studio 227, Sydney,<ref name="NLA Here"/><ref name="AMO Here"/> it reached No. 13 on the [[ARIA Charts|ARIA Hitseekers Albums Chart]] and No. 8 on the ARIA Jazz & Blues Albums chart.<ref name="ARIA Report 722">{{cite journal | date = 22 December 2003 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20040106130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20040107-0000/Issue722.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 22nd December 2003 ~ Issue #722 | last = Ditton | first = Lynette | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 722 | pages = 17, 20 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue722.pdf | archivedate = 6 January 2004 | accessdate = 26 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

San Francisco-based [[Contemporary A Cappella Society]] present the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards.<ref name="CASA">{{cite web | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080619215308/http://www.barbershop.org/web/groups/public/documents/pages/pub_id_063817.hcsp | url = http://www.barbershop.org/web/groups/public/documents/pages/pub_id_063817.hcsp | title = Contemporary A cappella Recording Awards | publisher = Barbershop Harmony Foundation | archivedate = 19 June 2008 | accessdate = 26 April 2017 }}</ref> In 2004 the Idea of North were runners-up for Artist of the Year.<ref name="CASA 2004">{{cite web | url = http://www.casa.org/cara2004w | title = 2004 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award Winners | publisher = A Cappella Music – [[Contemporary A Cappella Society|The Contemporary A Cappella Society]] | accessdate = 27 April 2017 }}</ref>

In May 2004, The Idea of North released ''Evidence'', featuring original songs from Delaney-Brown and arrangements by Crellin, Delaney-Brown, Morrison and Piper, as well as guest appearances by Morrison and Melbourne-based Australian drummer David Jones. The group also recorded and included on ''Evidence'' an arrangement of [[Horace Silver]]'s "[[Sister Sadie]]", written especially for them by longtime fan and renowned Swedish-Australian [[Musicology|musicologist]] and music theorist [[Bengt-Olov Palmqvist]]. ''Evidence'' peaked at No. 12 on the ARIA Jazz & Blues Albums chart.<ref name="ARIA Report 750">{{cite journal | date = 12 July 2004 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20040806140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20040807-0000/issue750.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 12th July 2004 ~ Issue #750 | last = Thomas | first = Tara | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 750 | page = 19 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue750.pdf | archivedate = 6 August 2004 | accessdate = 27 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> At the 2005 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards they won best jazz album and best jazz song for "Rachel".<ref name="CASA 2005">{{cite web | url = http://www.casa.org/cara2005w | title = 2005 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Award Winners | publisher = A Cappella Music – The Contemporary A Cappella Society | accessdate = 26 April 2017 }}</ref><ref name="Eriksson">{{cite news | last = Eriksson | first = Boel | date = 17 December 2008 | title = Jazz vocals define Idea of North | work = [[Northern District Times]] }}</ref>

===2006–2009: ''The Gospel Project'' and ''Live at the Powerhouse''=== In April 2006, The Idea of North released ''The Gospel Project'', and featured prayers and three tracks, "Let It Ring", "Help Us" and "The Truth" co-written by Begbie and [[Michael Leunig]].<ref name="NLA Gospel"/> Aside from vocals by Begbie, Crellin, Delaney-Brown and Piper, four of the recordings included instruments: Duncan Brown on bass guitar, Bill Risby on keyboards and Gordon Rytmeister on drums.<ref name="NLA Gospel">{{Citation | author1 = Idea of North | author2 = Risby, Bill (instrumentalist) | author3 = Brown, Duncan (instrumentalist) | author4 = Rytmeister, Gordon (instrumentalist) | title = The Gospel Project | date = 2006 | publisher = The Idea of North | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/157478385 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}</ref> During 2006 they had appeared at festivals in Germany, Japan, Malaysia and South Korea.<ref name="Gospel Tour">{{cite web | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20060830140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/20683/20060831-0000/www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/lifestyle/chapel/calendar/16330.html | url = http://www.stonnington.vic.gov.au/lifestyle/chapel/calendar/16330.html | title = The Idea Of North - The Gospel Project Tour | work = Lifestyle and Recreation | publisher = [[City of Stonnington]] | archivedate = 30 August 2006 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In October they toured Australia to promote the album with the Gospel Project Band.<ref name="Gospel Tour"/>

On 2 July 2007 they issued their first live album, ''Live at the Powerhouse'', both on CD and as a DVD.<ref name="AMG Live">''Live at the Powerhouse'' at [[AllMusic]] * CD version:{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-the-powerhouse-mw0001141505 | title = Idea of the North – ''Live at the Powerhouse'' | publisher = AllMusic | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }} * DVD version:{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/live-at-the-powerhouse-dvd-mw0001558692 | title = Idea of the North – ''Live at the Powerhouse'' | publisher = AllMusic | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}</ref> Barry O'Sullivan of ''All About Jazz'' described how the "a capella {{sic}} vocal ensemble just swings and swings with impeccable harmonies and an understanding of each others' {{sic}} vocal parts. The breadth of the group's performance is its most remarkable characteristic, never stopping in offering something new with tracks."<ref name="O'Sullivan">{{cite news | url = https://www.allaboutjazz.com/live-at-the-powerhouse-the-idea-of-north-abc-jazz-review-by-barry-osullivan.php | title = The Idea of North: ''Live at the Powerhouse'' | last = O'Sullivan | first = Barry | work = All About Jazz | date = 23 November 2007 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}</ref> The album was recorded at the [[Brisbane Powerhouse]] on 4 June 2006 with the DVD directed and edited by Adam Sébire,<ref name="NLA Live">{{Citation | author1 = Idea of North | author2 = Sebire, Adam | title = Idea of North: Live at the Powerhouse | date = 2007 | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation/The Idea of North | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/7920406 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}</ref> while the audio was recorded by David Hemming and produced by the group.<ref name="Live Powerhouse">{{cite AV media notes | title = The Idea of North: Live at the Powerhouse | others = The Idea of North (performers) | year = 1997 | type = booklet | publisher = The Idea of North. Australian Broadcasting Corporation/ABC Jazz | id = 4766153 }}</ref>

Sally Cameron (ex-Pure Harmony, South Australian Police Band) joined as soprano in February 2007 to replace Delaney-Brown, who left to start her family.<ref name="Delaney-Brown farewell">{{cite web | url = https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-idea-of-north-farewell-concert-to-trish-delaney-brown/18469 | title = The Idea of North – Farewell Concert to Trish Delaney-Brown | publisher = Moshtix | date = 4 June 2008 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}</ref> The group farewelled Delaney-Brown, formally, in a one-off concert at The Basement, Sydney in June 2008.<ref name="Delaney-Brown farewell"/> She later became a member of Sonic Mayhem Orchestra and then [[James Valentine (journalist)|James Valentine Quartet]] before establishing the Trish Delaney-Brown Quintet, and then in 2021 debuting with her new female vocal trio, Lhyra.<ref name="JazzSyd">{{cite web | url = http://jazzinsydney.com/gig/trish-delaney-brown-quintet-3/ | title = Trish Delaney-Brown Quintet | publisher = Jazz in Sydney | date = 21 December 2016 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}</ref>

===2010–2011: ''Feels Like Spring'' and ''Extraordinary Tale''=== On 10 April 2010, the group released their sixth studio album, ''[[Feels Like Spring]]'' which, another collaboration with Australian jazz icon [[James Morrison (jazz musician)|James Morrison]], peaked at No. 3 on the ARIA Jazz & Blues Albums chart and spent 33 weeks (non-consecutive) in the top 20 until February 2011.<ref name="ARIA Report 1052">{{cite journal | date = 26 April 2010 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20100511012400/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20100511-1124/Issue1052.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 26th April 2010 ~ Issue #1052 | last = Wallace | first = Ian | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 1052 | page = 22 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue1052.pdf | archivedate = 11 May 2010 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="ARIA Report 1096">{{cite journal | date = 28 February 2011 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20110530060600/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20110530-1606/Issue1096.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 28th February 2011 ~ Issue #1096 | last = Wallace | first = Ian | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 1096 | page = 22 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue1096.pdf | archivedate = 30 May 2011 | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In the studio, non-vocal instrumentation was supplied by [[Ian Cooper (violinist)|Ian Cooper]] on strings; Sandro Constatino on viola; Alexandra D'ella on violin; Phillip Hartl on violin; Morrison on double bass, flugelhorn, horn arrangements, piano, saxophone, trombone and trumpet; James Muller on guitar; Gordon Rytmeister on drums; Sunil de Silva on percussion; Adrian Wallis on cello; Duncan Brown on electric bass; and [[Jonathan Zwartz]] on double bass.<ref name="AMG Feels">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/feels-like-spring-mw0001982647/credits | title = ''Feels Like Spring'' – The Idea of Spring, James Morrison | Credits | publisher = AllMusic | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}</ref> It was recorded at James Morrison Studios and co-produced by the group and Morrison.<ref name="AMG Feels"/>

At the [[ARIA Music Awards of 2010]] Idea of North and James Morrison won the [[ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album]] for ''[[Feels Like Spring]]''.<ref name="ARIA2010Noms">{{Cite web | url = http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/year/2010?view=list | title = 2010 ARIA Awards Winners by Year | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | accessdate = 29 April 2017 }}</ref>

In July 2011, the group released ''Extraordinary Tale''. At the [[ARIA Music Awards of 2011]] the recording was nominated for Best Jazz Album.<ref name="ARIA2011Noms">{{Cite web | url = http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/year/2011?view=list | title = 2011 ARIA Awards Winners by Year | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}</ref> For this entirely a cappella recording Begbie, Cameron, Crellin and Piper provided their usual four part harmony with Piper adding some [[vocal percussion]].<ref name="Brotohusodo"/><ref name="AMG Extra">{{cite web | url = https://www.allmusic.com/album/extraordinary-tale-mw0002201477/credits | title = ''Extraordinary Tale'' – The Idea of Spring | Credits | publisher = AllMusic | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}</ref> ''Extraordinary Tale'' peaked at No. 1 on the ARIA Jazz & Blues Albums, No. 5 on the Hitseekers Albums and No. 93 on the Top 100 Physical Albums charts.<ref name="ARIA Report 1124">{{cite journal | date = 12 September 2011 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20110929140100/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20110930-0001/Issue1124.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 12th September 2011 ~ Issue #1124 | last = Wallace | first = Ian | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 1124 | pages = 8, 20–21 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue1124.pdf | archivedate = 29 September 2011 | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Also in late 2011 Crellin took maternity leave, her alto role covered by Joy Hague (ex-Pure Harmony) with Crellin returning in early 2012. Hague resumed her work as a high school music teacher although she filled in as deputy alto in the Idea of North as required thereafter.

===2012–2014: ''This Christmas'' and ''Smile''=== The quartet recorded their eighth studio album, ''This Christmas'', which was released on 29 October 2012. The album includes Morrison guesting on trombone on two tracks and Hague as alto on three tracks.<ref name="NLA This">{{Citation | author1 = Idea of North | title = This Christmas | date = 2012 | publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Universal Music Group [distributor] | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/173399125 | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}</ref> It was rumoured to have been recorded in several locations, including the James Morrison Studios in Warriewood, Sydney, the home studio of Sydney drummer Gordon Rytmeister (who also appears on the album), and a friend's single-car garage. The album peaked at No. 80 on the ARIA Albums, No. 2 on the Hitseekers Albums and No. 2 on the Jazz & Blues Albums charts.<ref name="ARIA Report 1190">{{cite journal | date = 17 December 2012 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20130103130100/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20130104-0001/Issue1190.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 17th December 2012 ~ Issue #1190 | last = Wallace | first = Ian | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 1190 | pages = 2, 6, 8, 15, 21, 23 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue1190.pdf | archivedate = 3 January 2013 | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

The quartet's ninth studio album, ''[[Smile (The Idea of North album)|Smile]]'', was released on 12 August 2013 which peaked at No. 86 on the ARIA Albums, No. 4 on the Hitseekers Albums and No. 2 on the Jazz & Blues Albums charts.<ref name="ARIA Report 1227">{{cite journal | date = 2 September 2013 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20130918140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20130919-0000/Issue1227.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 2nd September 2013 ~ Issue #1227 | last = Wallace | first = Ian | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 1227 | pages = 6, 8, 21, 23 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue1227.pdf | archivedate = 18 September 2013 | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref name="ARIA Report 1235">{{cite journal | date = 28 October 2013 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20131123130000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20131124-0000/Issue1235.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 28th October 2013 ~ Issue #1235 | last = Wallace | first = Ian | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 1235 | pages = 21, 23 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue1235.pdf | archivedate = 23 November 2013 | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

At the [[ARIA Music Awards of 2013]] the Idea of North won the ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album for a second time with ''Smile''.<ref name="ARIA2013Noms">{{Cite web | url = http://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/year/2013?view=list | title = 2013 ARIA Awards Winners by Year | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}</ref>

In November 2014, the Idea of North released a compilation album, ''Anthology'', which peaked at No. 5 on the Jazz & Blues Albums charts.<ref name="ARIA Report 1297">{{cite journal | date = 5 January 2015 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20150107230900/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20150108-1009/Issue1297.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 5th January 2015 ~ Issue #1297 | last = Wallace | first = Ian | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 1297 | page = 22 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue1297.pdf | archivedate = 7 January 2015 | accessdate = 30 April 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

===2015–2019: ''Ballads'', ''Hush 16'', ''A World of Christmas'' and ''Brick By Brick''=== In 2015, due to some vocal health issues, a replacement tenor was sourced to cover Nick's part for The Idea of North's 2015 Australian Christmas Tour. Ed Fairlie, a jazz trumpeter, singer and educator from Melbourne, auditioned and was taken on for the tour. However, because the adverse effects of Nick's health issues only affected his upper register, Naomi rearranged the tour repertoire to include a new baritone part that Nick learnt alongside Ed's inclusion, and it became the first five-part (quintet) tour The Idea of North had ever undertaken.

From 2016, Japanese [[Vocal percussion|vocal percussionist]] [[Kaichiro Kitamura]] was a session and touring member and featured on three tracks on their tenth studio album, ''Ballads'', which was released on 18 April 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://brisbanepowerhouse.org/events/2016/05/28/groove-sessions/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611235333/http://brisbanepowerhouse.org/events/2016/05/28/groove-sessions/ |archive-date=11 June 2016 |title=Groove Sessions {{!}} Brisbane Powerhouse Brisbane Powerhouse}}</ref> The album was a collaborative affair, not only with Kai's involvement, but Ed Fairlie also arranged a song ("[[My One and Only Love]]") for ''Ballads'' and sang with the group on the recording of that song. ''Ballads'' has a fifth quintet track in a song featuring Australia jazz vocalist [[Kristin Berardi]] on a Naomi Crellin-arranged track that Kristin wrote called 'Ode to Ollie'. The album reached No. 3 on the Hitseekers Albums and No. 2 on the Jazz & Blues Albums charts.<ref name="ARIA Report 1367">{{cite journal | date = 9 May 2016 | archiveurl = https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20160509140000/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20160510-0000/Issue1367.pdf | title = Week Commencing ~ 9th May 2016 ~ Issue #1367 | last = Wallace | first = Ian | journal = The ARIA Report | publisher = Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) | issue = 1367 | page = 22 | url = http://www.aria.com.au/pages/documents/issue1367.pdf | archivedate = 9 May 2016 | accessdate = 1 May 2017 }}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Several years prior to 2016, [https://www.hush.org.au The Hush Foundation] (a Melbourne health-care charity) had asked The Idea of North to record an album of original music for the HUSH program – but the group had been too busy. It was suggested that the album go ahead, but with collaborators. ''HUSH 16: A Piece Of Quiet'' was born, through collaborations between The Idea of North, Israeli-Australian singer-songwriter [[Lior]] and Australian composer and pianist [[Elena Kats-Chernin]]. The tracks on the album were based on conversations with kids{{snd}}about their views of the world, family life, school life, illness, health and well-being{{snd}}and the kids' stories and views were used as a basis for the lyrics and themes on many of the album's tracks. It was The Idea of North's first kids' album, and was nominated for 'Best Children's Album' at the 2017 [[ARIA Awards]].

2016 was a busy year for The Idea of North, who were also approached by longtime collaborator and label [[ABC Music]] in 2016 and asked to record a Christmas Album with the [[Melbourne Symphony Orchestra]] for the [[ABC Classics]] label (''A World of Christmas''). The songs were almost all arranged by Naomi Crellin and much of the orchestration was by Australian composer and orchestrator [[Joseph Twist]]. The album was recorded live in Melbourne in late 2016, and with his specialty in jazz percussion, [[Kaichiro Kitamura]] was the official drummer (vocally) in the included jazz rhythm section. Andrew Piper was transitioning away from the group at this stage and the bass part on this performance (and album) was performed by Ed Fairlie, a Melbourne jazz vocalist, trumpeter and educator.

In February 2017, Cameron and Piper both formally left the group; Piper was replaced on bass by Adelaide jazz vocalist, saxophonist and educator Luke Thompson, while Cameron's temporary replacements were Delaney-Brown and [[Jo Lawry]] prior to Emma Rule becoming the group's new permanent soprano in September 2017. Kaichiro Kitamura became a permanent member of the group in May 2017, and for the first time in its history, The Idea of North was officially a quintet.

In November 2018, the group self-recorded and self-released its 14th and first fully five-part album ''Brick By Brick'', with the same lineup that has persisted since then: Nick Begbie, Naomi Crellin, Kaichiro Kitamura, Emma Rule and Luke Thompson.<ref name="BBB">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/TheIdeaofNorth/videos/b-r-i-c-k-b-y-b-r-i-c-k/208139696759051/|title=Here's just a little snippet of what awaits you on our brand new album|website=Facebook|date=14 December 2018|access-date=7 March 2021}}</ref>

=== 2020–2023: the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] === Before the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] set in worldwide, The Idea of North played their last show to a full house at the [[Adelaide Fringe|Adelaide Fringe Festival]], Australia. Due to the increasing concern over the pandemic, growing rates of infection and escalating frequency of lockdowns, The Idea of North went on hiatus. With members living in three different states of Australia and one member in Japan, rehearsing became unviable, and the pandemic saw live presentation of the arts in Australia grind to a halt. For periods throughout 2020 to 2022, singing in groups was deemed illegal (in Australia), so the viability of working as a singing group was severely diminished. In 2023, following a significant decrease in infections worldwide, as well as the post-pandemic re-opening of Japan in Oct 2022, The Idea of North re-formed to begin touring again.

=== 2023–present: ''Live, Actually'' === With no guarantee their 2023 tour would be a re-boot of the group's touring career, The Idea of North recorded every performance of this tour, both for posterity and because the only other live recording produced by the group had been in 2007. The album 'Live, Actually' was then produced by Begbie & Crellin and released in late 2024 to fans on that tour.

The 2023 tour was such a great success it inspired The Idea of North to continue performing indefinitely, albeit more sporadically. Since this tour, they have committed to one tour of Australian capital cities each year, and some smaller tours appearances from time to time.

== Members ==

===Current=== *[[Tenor]]: Nick Begbie (1993–present) *[[Alto]]: Naomi Crellin (2002–present) *[[Soprano]]: Emma Rule (2018–present) *[[Bass (voice type)|Bass]]: Luke Thompson (2017–present) *[[Baritone]] and [[vocal percussion]]: [[Kaichiro Kitamura]] (2017–present) *[[Audio engineer|Sound engineer]]: Grant Whitehead (2016–present)

===Touring, studio and session=== *[[Tenor]]: Ed Fairlie (2015–2016) *[[Vocal percussion]]: [[Kaichiro Kitamura]] (2016)

*[[Audio engineer|Live sound]]: David O'Rourke (1994–2007), Tod Deeley (2007–2016), Michael Honey (casual 2018–present), Kath Burrows (casual 2015–present), Grant Whitehead (2016–present) *[[Audio engineer|Studio sound]]: Ra Khan (1996), David Hemming (2001–2007), Tod Deeley (2007–2016), Kath Burrows (2017–2019), Grant Whitehead (2016–present)

===Former=== *[[Alto]]: Meg Corson (1993–2002) *[[Bass (voice type)|Bass]]: Andrew Piper (1993–2017) *[[Alto]]: Joy Hague (2011 & 2014 - maternity leave replacement for Crellin) *[[Soprano]]: Sally Cameron (2007–2017), Trish Delaney-Brown (1993–2007, 2017), Jo Lawry (2017)

==Discography== ===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:20em;"| Details !colspan="2"| Peak chart positions |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]] <ref name="ARIA Report 1190"/><ref name="ARIA Report 1227"/> ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]] Jazz and Blues <ref name="ARIA Report 621"/><ref name="ARIA Report 722"/><ref name="ARIA Report 750"/><ref name="ARIA Report 1052"/><ref name="ARIA Report 1124"/><ref name="ARIA Report 1190"/><ref name="ARIA Report 1235"/><ref name="ARIA Report 1367"/> |- ! scope="row"| ''The Idea of North'' | * Released: 1997<ref name="Idea debut"/> * Label: The Idea of North (97007-2) * Format: CD | - || - |- ! scope="row"| ''The Sum of Us'' | * Released: October 2001<ref name="AMO Sum"/> * Label: Magnetic Records (934002-2) * Format: CD | - || 15 |- ! scope="row"| ''Here & Now'' | * Released: 20 October 2003<ref name="NLA Here"/> * Label: [[ABC Music|ABC Jazz]]/[[Universal Music Australia]] (9810913) * Format: CD | - || 8 |- ! scope="row"| ''Evidence'' | * Released: 17 May 2004<ref name="NLA Here"/> * Label: ABC Jazz/Universal Music Australia (9818674) * Format: CD | - || 12 |- ! scope="row"| ''The Gospel Project'' | * Released: April 2006<ref name="NLA Gospel"/> * Label: Magnetic Records (934128-4) * Format: CD | - || - |- ! scope="row"| ''[[Feels Like Spring]]'' (with [[James Morrison (jazz musician)|James Morrison]]) | * Released: 10 April 2010<ref name="AMG Feels"/> * Label: ABC Jazz/Universal Music Australia (2735660) * Format: CD, DD | - || 3 |- ! scope="row"| ''Extraordinary Tale'' | * Released: 29 July 2011<ref name="AMG Extra"/> * Label: ABC Jazz/Universal Music Australia (4764524) * Format: CD, DD | - || 1 |-

! scope="row"| ''This Christmas'' | * Released: 29 October 2012<ref name="NLA This"/> * Label: ABC Jazz/Universal Music Australia (4765169) * Format: CD, DD | 80 || 2 |- ! scope="row"| ''[[Smile (The Idea of North album)|Smile]]'' | * Released: 12 August 2013<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/smile/1443833992|title=Smile (DD)|website=Apple Music|date=16 August 2013|access-date=7 March 2021}}</ref> * Label: ABC Jazz/Universal Music Australia (4810503) * Format: CD, DD | 86 || 2 |- ! scope="row"| ''Ballads'' | * Released: 18 April 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/ballads/1442281905|title=Ballads (DD)|website=Apple Music|date=April 2016|access-date=7 March 2021}}</ref> * Label: ABC Jazz/Universal Music Australia (4782693) * Format: CD, DD | - || 2 |- ! scope="row"| ''Brick By Brick'' | * Released: 28 November 2018<ref name="BBB"/> * Label: The Idea of North * Format: CD, DD | - || - |- |}

===Live albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:20em;"| Details ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]] Jazz and Blues |- ! scope="row"| ''Live at the Powerhouse'' | * Released: 2 July 2007<ref name="AMG Live"/> * Label: ABC Jazz (4766153 / 0762710) * Format: CD+DVD, digital download * Recorded: Brisbane Powerhouse on 4 June 2006. | |- ! scope="row"| ''A World of Christmas'' (with [[Melbourne Symphony Orchestra]]) | * Released: 10 November 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/world-christmas-live-at-hamer-hall-arts-centre-melbourne/1440661903|title=A World of Christmas (DD)|website=Apple Music|date=10 November 2017|access-date=7 March 2021}}</ref> * Label: ABC Jazz (4816474) * Format: CD, digital download, streaming * Recorded: [[Hamer Hall, Melbourne]], in 2016. | |}

===As featured albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:20em;"| Details ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]] Jazz and Blues |- ! scope="row"| ''The Gospel According to Groove'' ([[James Morrison (jazz musician)|James Morrison]], Con Campbell & The Idea of North) | * Released: 2001 * Label: Emu Music (EMU8JA-2) * Format: CD, digital download * Note: Contributed two songs to the album | |- ! scope="row"| ''Hush Volume 16: A Piece of Quiet'' (with [[Elena Kats-Chernin]] & [[Lior]]) | * Released: 7 October 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/au/album/a-piece-of-quiet-the-hush-collection-vol-16/1440749039|title=Hush Volume 16: A Piece of Quiet|website=Apple Music|date=7 October 2016|access-date=7 March 2021}}</ref> * Label: ABC Music (4814581) * Format: CD, digital download * Note: Contributed eight songs to the album | |}

===Compilation albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:10em;"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:20em;"| Details ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:90%;"| [[ARIA Charts|AUS]] Jazz and Blues <ref name="ARIA Report 1297"/> |- ! scope="row"| ''Anthology'' | * Released: 17 November 2014 * Label: ABC Jazz/Universal Music Australia (4704196) * Format: CD, digital download | 5 |}

==Awards and nominations== ===ARIA Awards=== The [[ARIA Music Awards]] are presented annually since 1987 by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). The Idea of North has won one award from four nominations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/award/best-jazz-album?view=list#|title=ARIA Awards Best Jazz Album|website=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)|access-date=7 March 2021}}</ref>

{{awards table}} {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}} |- | [[ARIA Music Awards of 2010|2010]] | ''Feels Like Spring'' {{small|(with James Morrison)}} | rowspan="4"| [[ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album|Best Jazz Album]]<ref name="JazzAlbum">ARIA Award previous winners. {{cite web|url=https://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/award/best-jazz-album?view=list#|title=ARIA Awards Best Jazz Album|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)|access-date=26 June 2022}}</ref> | {{won}} |- | [[ARIA Music Awards of 2011|2011]] | ''Extraordinary Tale'' | {{nom}} |- | [[ARIA Music Awards of 2013|2013]] | ''Smile'' | {{won}} |- | [[ARIA Music Awards of 2016|2016]] | ''Ballads'' | {{nom}} |- | [[ARIA Music Awards of 2017|2017]] | ''A Piece of Quiet (The Hush Collection, Vol. 16)'' {{small|(with Lior and Elena Kats-Chernin)}} | [[ARIA Award for Best Children's Album|Best Children's Album]]<ref>ARIA Award previous winners. {{cite web|url=https://www.ariaawards.com.au/history/award/best-children's-album?view=list#|title=ARIA Awards Best Children's Album|publisher=Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA)|access-date=13 July 2022}}</ref> | {{nom}} |}

===CARA Awards=== Since 1992, the annual [[Contemporary A Cappella Society|Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards]] (CARAs) recognise the best recorded a cappella.

{{awards table}} |- | rowspan="2"| 2005 | ''Evidence'' | Best Jazz Album | {{won}} |- | "Rachel" | Best Jazz Song | {{won}} |- | 2010 | rowspan="3" | The Idea of North | rowspan="3" | Favourite Oceanic Group | {{won}} |- | 2011 | {{won}} |- | 2013 | {{won}} |}

*Note:wins only

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== *[http://www.idea.com.au Official website] *[http://www.casa.org Contemporary A Cappella Society]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Idea of North, The}} [[Category:ARIA Award winners]] [[Category:Musical groups from the Australian Capital Territory]] [[Category:Australian vocal groups]] [[Category:Australian jazz ensembles]] [[Category:Professional a cappella groups]] [[Category:Vocal quartets]] [[Category:Vocal jazz ensembles]] [[Category:1993 establishments in Australia]] [[Category:Musical groups established in 1993]]