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.

KEITH STIRLING, THE LESMANAS, BOB BARNARD/DON ANDREWS QUARTET

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, August 12, 1980

On Sunday afternoon an audience of some 200 enjoyed the first anniversary performance of the Sunday At The Museum series, produced by Horst Liepolt. On the second Sunday of each month the Australian Museum has been providing Sydney with one of the more pleasant and civilised Sunday afternoon diversions for the whole family, including finger painting, films and other activities for children, as well as live jazz. This concert was an opportunity to compare the contrasting styles of two of Australia's greatest trumpeters, Keith Stirling and Bob Barnard...

STORYVILLE ALL-STARS: GIANTS WITH ROOM TO GROW

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, August 16, 1980

Any musicians who allow themselves to be billed as the Jazz Giants of Australia are either outstanding players or devoid of a sense of humour. The Storyville All-Stars also describe themselves as Australia's top mainstream jazz group, and say they are "acknowledged as Australia's most versatile ensemble in traditional and mainstream jazz." These are ambitious claims, and a capacity crowd at Red Ned's on Thursday night could be forgiven if they expected more than this Melbourne band was able to deliver…

HERB ELLIS & BARNEY KESSEL: BASEMENT SWINGS TO POST-BOP

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, August 22, 1980

The guitarists Herb Ellis and Barney Kessel are the latest in a stream of American jazz and blues artists being brought to Australia by Peter Noble's International Concert Connection. At The Basement on Monday night Ellis and Kessel gave a delightful performance of jazz standards and ballads, working with the Australian musicians Jack Thorncraft (double bass) and Willie Qua (drums). Intent on playing swinging and accessible music, these two artists revelled unselfconsciously in music that some modern jazz fans now regard as passé…