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.

OLD IDIOM RETURNS TO LIFE THE RALPH SUTTON WAY

by Eric Myers

The Australian, June 5, 1986

As most jazz fans know, one of the chief joys of hearing the American Ralph Sutton is the knowledge that one is in the presence of a master pianist who, in his idiom, is probably unrivalled in jazz today. Sutton's first performance at the Supper Club really was a marvelous one, and all those who enjoy the early forms of jazz which predated bebop should not miss the opportunity to hear him. Sutton is, of course, working in an historical idiom: basically the "Harlem stride" style, the dominant school of jazz piano in the 1920s and 1930s...

RICHIE COLE: RIGHT OUT OF THE TOP DRAWER

by Eric Myers

The Australian, June 13, 1986

The American alto saxophonist Richie Cole, at his first Sydney performance of his current Australian tour, drew a very small audience, which may be a blessing in disguise for local jazz artists. There was a time when jazz fans in Sydney flocked to see American stars, but it appears that these days, at least at the Supper Club, the local jazz performers are the real drawcards. There is no reason why Richie Cole should have been greeted with a huge yawn. He is a top-flight saxophonist in a distinguished line of altoists going back to Charlie Parker…

DAVE McKENNA SHOWS HE'S THE MASTER

by Eric Myers

The Australian, July 18, 1986

The American pianist Dave McKenna comes to Australia with an awesome reputation, having been described as the "greatest piano player living" (by trumpeter Bobby Hackett) and "the hardest swinging jazz pianist of all time" (by the distinguished American critic Whitney Balliett). His opening performance at the Supper Club in Sydney did nothing to disturb that reputation, even if he appeared to play within himself. He always threatened to go into overdrive — as we know he can, from his records — but in the end it was a curiously disciplined evening, Even so, it was still a riveting performance…