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.

URBIE GREEN: LOCAL MUSICIANS HOLD THEIR OWN

by Eric Myers

The Australian, June 11, 1987

This performance by the trombonist Urbie Green was an unusual one, in that — for a change — it was not marked by a visiting American's effortless dominance over the accompanying Australian musicians. In fact, the evening should be remembered, not so much for the artistry of Urbie Green but for the inspired piano work of Julian Lee, and the extraordinary rhythm section of Craig Scott (bass) and Alan Turnbull (drums). Lee, Scott and Turnbull were the house rhythm section at the Don Burrows Supper Club until Lee left early this year. Three years of playing together and listening to each other enabled them to build up a razor sharp rhythm section, making them totally familiar with each other's ideas. Behind Green the dividend arrived, as their capacity for an inspired dialogue emerged brilliantly…

MARK ISAACS TRIO: TRAPPINGS OF A CLASSICAL PERFORMANCE

by Eric Myers

The Australian, June 27, 1987

This performance, by a jazz trío which is attempting something new, was a delightful one, leaving the audience with warm feelings about music which, in its own way, is quite complex and advanced. Other than Isaacs on piano, the group included Gary Holgate (double bass) and David Jones (drums and percussion), all of whom are under 30 years of age. In other words, this is a young man’s band and it shows in the music…

JOHN HOFFMAN BIG BAND: A HIP VERSION OF MY FAIR LADY

by Eric Myers

The Australian, July 8, 1987

In a jazz scene that is crying out for something different to bring in new audiences, the John Hoffman Big Band has provided a real triumph: a contemporary big band jazz suite based on the musical My Fair Lady. At The Basement on Monday night it took up half the program. This suite incorporates the most thrilling and musically interesting writing for big band jazz to come along for some time…