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
LIKE A CHARM
THE SUBTERRANEANS
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Ripper Recordings
Four-and-a-half stars
Published in the Weekend Australian, May 17, 2025
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Like a Charm is built around the virtuosity of veterans James Ryan (tenor saxophone) and Steve Hunter (electric bass), but they are amply supported by Michael Coggins (guitar) and Jack Powell (drums) — musicians who are certainly in a similar class. Hunter, whose distinctive sound is instantly recognisable in Australian jazz, plays so brilliantly that, even at lightning speed, his notes are as clear as a bell. Overall this album is high-energy stuff but I warm to the measured pace of the music, whereby the musicians often play agreeably within themselves, before opening out with blistering, exciting solos. Two guests add quality to the album: Pat Powell, whose great vocal sound is exemplified in an off-the-cuff improvisation in the opening track; and trombonist Dan Barnett, who plays on two of his own compositions, providing not only a biting sound in the written themes, but also star quality as an improviser. Otherwise three tracks are composed by Ryan, and one by Hunter. This is jazz/funk played at the highest level by four musicians who completely understand the genre.
Eric Myers
JAZZ
SONGS FOR DEAD SAILORS
TOBY WREN
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Made Now Music
Four-and-a-half stars
Published in the Weekend Australian, May 24, 2025
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A big substructure of inspiration and preparation underlies this extraordinary album from Brisbane guitarist/composer Toby Wren. Twelve of his compositions are played, revealing eclectic influences, in a work which Wren himself describes as “a psychological exploration of love and loss in the time of tall ships”. The album relies on Wren’s instrumental virtuosity, but importantly he has assembled a quintet of highly talented musicians to perform what is palpably unique music. They include the brilliant Andrew Garton (flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, tenor saxophone), who is probably best-known as a filmmaker. Here his prowess as a musician is distinctive, frequently engendering an ethereal ambience in some compositions, creating a sense of mystery and drama. Other musicians are Sophie Min (piano and keyboards), Andrew Shaw (double bass) and John Parker (drums), plus highly talented vocalist Merinda Dias-Jayasinha. Look out especially for Min’s remarkable short bursts of free improvisation on various tracks. There is a substantial musical vision at work here, and it would take more than a thumbnail review to do justice to its complexities.
Eric Myers
JAZZ
THE SILENT WISH
MICHELLE NICOLLE
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Purple Lead Music
Four-and-a-half stars
Published in the Weekend Australian, May 24, 2025
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This is Melbourne singer Michelle Nicolle’s 11th album and her first US release, in duo with American guitarist Larry Koonse. While Nicolle covers brilliantly all conceivable aspects of jazz singing in the ten, mainly standard, songs performed here, it’s her artistry as a scat singer which is once again simply breathtaking. Over many years, she has developed an extraordinary wordless vocal language, totally unique to herself. Listen closely to her approach. When singing a song’s melody Nicolle is able at will to interpolate brief scat figures and then return immediately to the melody in a way that’s entirely natural and convincing. This sort of virtuosic vocal artistry is palpably a wonder. Koonse plays with humility, effectively leaving the limelight to Nicolle, while together they establish excellent time-feels throughout. An unusual delight of this album is the welcome inclusion of the verses of great tunes such as When Your Lover Has Gone and I’m Glad There Is You. The Silent Wish is an absolute gem which confirms Michelle Nicolle’s pre-eminence in Australian jazz.
Eric Myers