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.

ANDREW FIRTH: YOUNG MUSICIAN WITH THE AUTHORITY OF A VETERAN

by Eric Myers

The Australian, March 17, 1987

Although precocious talent is by no means unusual in jazz, there is always something refreshing about a young man, not long out of short pants, who plays his instruments with the sort of authority one expects from a veteran. So it is with Andrew Firth, who arrived recently in Sydney from South Australia. He has already landed a plum job as a teacher in the Jazz Studies Department at the NSW Conservatorium and looks set to be a regular performer at the Don Burrows Supper Club. Not bad for a youngster who has just turned 21. However, Sydney is the Big League where the jazz scene is relentlessly competitive. How will Andrew Firth fare and what has he to offer as a jazz musician?

PACIFIC EARDRUM: LIGHTING AN IMPROVISED FIRE BELOW STREET LEVEL

by Eric Myers

The Australian, March 18, 1987

Since pianist Dave MacRae and vocalist Joy Yates returned to Australia two years ago they’ve not had the impact in Australian contemporary jazz that one might have expected, given their distinguished musical achievements in the UK. Still, this is not wholly surprising, given the deep trough in which contemporary jazz finds itself, at least in Sydney. There have been few venues where original music such as Dave MacRae’s might be presented. So, bouquets to The Basement for presenting, for the first time, three nights of Pacific Eardrum, an Australian version of the band which MacRae formed in Britain as the vehicle for his fusion compositions...

RED HOLLOWAY: A LESSON FROM AN OLD MASTER

by Eric Myers

The Australian, March 23, 1987

This performance by the 60-year-old US saxophonist Red Holloway was something of a revelation. It was more than just an excellent performance: along the way, Holloway was able to demonstrate what professional jazz is all about for many American musicians. Firing from the first note of the composition Bags Groove, Holloway played with an energy that few men half his age could match. At the end of three sets, around 1 am, the rhythm section appeared exhausted, while Holloway gave the impression that he could have played through until dawn...