Eric Myers Jazz

ERIC MYERS REVIEWS 1980-87

Eric Myers was the Sydney Morning Herald’s inaugural jazz critic, his first review appearing on February 2, 1980. This folder contains reviews and articles written by Myers up to his resignation in 1982. Text published in the newspaper is reproduced here, with the addition of photographs which may or may not have appeared in the newspaper. In 1983 Myers moved to The Australian, where he was that paper’s jazz critic, until he resigned towards the end of 1987.  His reviews for that newspaper appear also in this folder. Articles which appeared in other publications are included here, if they serve to document the performances of Australian jazz musicians. Readers can click on the INDEX button for a list of reviews or articles in this folder.

DUTCH SWING COLLEGE: STILL PLENTY OF LIFE IN DIXIELAND

by Eric Myers

The Australian, February 12, 1986

This concert was a splendid opportunity to compare the work of two great bands playing New Orleans jazz (or Dixieland as it is sometimes called), but with the straightforward, swinging style in the rhythm section that gives the music of the 1920s a more contemporary sound. The driving approach adopted by Wally Wickham (bass) and Alan Geddes (drums) in the case of the Port Jackson Band was really very similar to that taken by Adrianos Braat (bass) and Huub Janssen (drums) for the visitors. The interest in both performances lay in how much individuality could be expressed by the soloists as they were propelled along by these powerful rhythm sections…

THE UK’S GEORGE MELLY: A BAWDY BELTER

by Eric Myers

The Australian, April 4, 1986

In today's music there are many musicians and entertainers involved in keeping jazz from the 1920s and '30s alive. But few of them approach their work with the individuality and the sense of fun of George Melly. Melly's opening night at Kinsela's was fast-moving and very entertaining, as he ran through a mixture of jazz standards and the bawdy, suggestive tunes which he delivers so well. It is the latter which gives his performance special appeal…

THE BENDERS SET TO BOW OUT ON A HIGH NOTE

by Eric Myers

The Australian, May 28, 1986

The Benders, now arguably the finest acoustic quartet in Australian jazz, give their farewell performance at The Basement tonight, following the decision of their bassist, Lloyd Swanton, to leave the group. This is ironic in view of the return of saxophonist Dale Barlow after nearly four years overseas. With Barlow back, the group has fulfilled its early promise and its music is setting a standard that few other Australian groups can emulate. The group is now back to its original line-up of the early 1980s, with Barlow, Swanton, Chris Abrahams (piano) and Andrew Gander (drums)…