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.

RICKY MAY AND FRIENDS: NEW VENUE OPENS

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, May 19, 1980

As winner of the 1979 Mo Award for Entertainer of the Year, Ricky May is regarded by his colleagues as the best performer in Australian show business. His performance at the opening of The St James this week confirmed the widely held belief that, in addition to his prowess as a cabaret entertainer, he could be a great jazz singer if he ever wished to concentrate on that particular art. May's superb phrasing, his ability to swing at the drop of a hat and his sensitivity in the reading of ballads are all qualities which any specialist jazz singer would be proud to possess...

FIFTY FINGERS: FUSING ROCK INTO THE MAINSTREAM

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, June 13, 1980

Should jazz "rock" or shouldn't it? Despite the increasing integration of rock music into the mainstream of professional jazz, many still consider jazz/rock "fusion" as the lowest common denominator of jazz. While the critics argue over the merits and demerits of this issue, the players themselves go on unselfconsciously - freely incorporating into their music whatever elements they feel at home with. Such a group is Fifty Fingers, consisting of Jeff Oakes (tenor saxophone), Ned Sutherland (guitar), Tony Esterman (piano), Dave Ellis (bass) and Alan Turnbull (drums)…

MERCER ELLINGTON: FROM THE SHADOW OF THE DUKE

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, June 14, 1980

Duke Ellington was not only one of the most celebrated figures in jazz for nearly 50 years, until his death in 1974, but also one of the great composers of the twentieth century. His son Mercer Ellington, 61, who is bringing the Duke Ellington Orchestra to Australia this coming week has spent most of his life living in the shadow of his famous father. The relationship between Duke and Mercer was an ambivalent one, and has fascinated Ellington students for years. It appears that Duke Ellington did not much like his only son…