JAZZ ALBUM REVIEWS IN THE AUSTRALIAN
In September, 2017 Eric Myers commenced reviewing jazz albums in the Review supplement of The Weekend Australian. All reviews in this folder are written by Myers.
JAZZ
LISTENING WITH YOUR EYES
GALAXSTARE
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Independent
Four-and-a-half stars
Published in the Weekend Australian, August 27, 2022
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This third album from Galaxstare features the extraordinary Kristin Berardi, perhaps the most comprehensively gifted female jazz vocalist Australia has produced since the late Kerrie Biddell, with the possible exception of the multi-talented Sharny Russell. More on Berardi below. The splendid Australian saxophonist and composer Richard Maegraith, based in Berlin since 2015, leads Galaxstare, which includes Gary Daley (keyboards), Jonathan Zwartz (double bass), Tim Firth (drums), and Monks (spoken word), undoubtedly an all-star group. As the Uluru Statement is current, it’s fitting that a First Nations hip-hop artist is on board. Monks provides spoken lyrics for four Maegraith compositions, delivering a strong Christian message, his poetic words flying by at a rapid rate. Berardi sings the lyrics of Maegraith’s interesting compositions where required, but otherwise demonstrates a formidable armoury of improvisational skills, whether it be scat singing, or wordless lines in counterpoint with Monks. The fact that Berardi is blessed with a gorgeous voice only makes her artistry more compelling.
Eric Myers
JAZZ
ISOLA
CAMERON DEYELL & LAURENCE PIKE
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Endless Recordings
Four stars
Published in the Weekend Australian, September 17, 2022
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The fascination of Isola lies in the revelation of what original music can be found in the minds of artists Deyell and Pike. Two musicians only, but an amalgam of original textures are available through multi-instrumentalism and overdubbing. Deyell plays 12 string acoustic, nylon string acoustic and electric guitars, while Pike plays drums, percussion, synthesiser, piano and sampler. Recording remotely in their separate home studios, they’ve created music which on first hearing I found problematic. Ultimately however I came to like it very much, constantly discovering more in the music over time. Generally there are three voices competing for the listener’s attention: the crisp, brilliant drum feels of Pike, a lush synthesiser bed, and Deyell’s majestic, highly melodic guitar figures soaring over the top. While that bald summary may not do justice to this complex music, I appreciate the composers’ claim that their music reflects the vastness and geographical isolation of Australia and the influence of the ocean, which has a particular significance for Deyell.
Eric Myers
JAZZ
THE ALL STARS 1973/THE EARLY YEARS 1959-1977
HARRY PRICE
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Australian Jazz Museum
Four-and-a-half stars
Published in the Weekend Australian, October 1, 2022
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This double-CD from the Australian Jazz Museum is a gem. The excellent Melbourne trombonist Harry Price, now 92, played with many bands over a long career, including his All Stars, a pick-up group recorded in 1973. He also played with three highly significant traditional jazz bands, featured here: Len Barnard Jazz Band, Tony Newstead & His Gang and Frank Johnson Jazz Band. Many legendary musicians can be heard over two hours, but it’s the Barnard band, recorded January 10, 1959 which provides most interest. It features the then 26-year-old trumpeter Bob Barnard in top form, shortly before his move to Sydney in 1962. Note his first solo in Duke Ellington’s composition John Hardy’s Wife. Barnard plays with the sort of authority one associates with Louis Armstrong, setting the music alight. His competitors Newstead and Johnson were also celebrated trumpeters in their own right, but Barnard shows clearly why he’s regarded as the most gifted traditionally-based trumpeter Australia has produced. Courtesy of Ken Simpson-Bull’s remastering the sound is superb.
Eric Myers