contributions

Jazz writers are invited to contribute to this section of the website. All interested in contributing are welcome to contact the editor by filling out the form in the CONTACT tab. Photographs are welcome and should be attached. Readers can click on the INDEX button for a list of articles in this folder.

STEWIE SPEER: LIVING LEGEND

by Bob Bertles

Jazz Down Under, September/October 1976

It's easy to say about someone, "he's the greatest person, drummer, etc," but in Stewart's case, old cliche that it may be, it is true. It's impossible in so many words to even touch on Stewart's influence, not only in my life, but in the lives of all the people fortunate enough to have had the opportunity of being associated with him…

SAM ANNING SEPTET: PIONEERING A NEW ROLE FOR ELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB

Reviewed by Garry Lee

Posted July 2, 2024

On Friday June 7, 2024 the Sam Anning Septet arrived in Perth to launch their third album Earthen (assisted by a grant from Creative Australia). This album is a tribute to Archie Roach. Sam played bass for Uncle Archie for the last three years of Archie’s life and I know that his passing has had a profound effect on Sam. Obviously Archie was not a jazz musician but his character, dignity and presence will continue to have an enduring legacy for all those who, like Sam, had a personal musical relationship with him as well as all those who followed and loved the truthfulness of the music of Archie Roach. The actual launch was a sold-out performance at Ellington on the following Sunday June 9, but on the Friday there was a workshop commencing at 3pm with the general public invited…

OPINIONS: COFFEE, MUSIC, AND THE VALUE OF A FAIR GO

by Loretta Barnard

“Australia Explained” website. January 27, 2025

How often do you go out for a coffee? These days, with climate change adversely affecting coffee plantations, the cost of your daily coffee is steadily increasing. A basic cappuccino or flat white is around $5.00 for a regular cup. One cup of coffee each day adds up to $35.00 a week, quite an outlay for some, although many people feel this is a small price to pay for one of life’s simple pleasures. Now how often do you listen to music? Every day? And how much do you pay for it? If you’re one of the world’s 640 million active Spotify users, then the cost to you is negligible, perhaps a few dollars a week if you’re one of the more than 252 million paid subscribers, or literally nothing if you use the free version, although the free version subjects you to advertisements at regular intervals…