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.
Jim Kelly
RECORD REVIEWS
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, September 8, 1980
East Of Where, Crossfire (WEA 600072)
This is a very good album from Australia's top jazz/rock fusion group of the 1970s, Crossfire, which re-formed recently with three new players. The compositions of Michael J Kenny (keyboards) and Jim Kelly (guitar) have always given the band its characteristic sound and flavour. Their continued presence, along with the percussionist Ian Bloxsom, means that the new Crossfire is heavily reminiscent of the former outstanding group…
Stewie Speer
BEBOP REVIVAL NIGHT FEATURING STEWART SPEER
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, September 10, 1980
The appearance of drummer Stewart Speer at The Basement on Monday night was a special event for Australian jazz. One of the genuine living legends of Australian music, Speer is now 52. He emerged in Melbourne jazz during the mid-1950s, and was active in various groups, including the famous Brian Brown Quintet, which came under the influence of American hard-bop…
Art Van Damme
ART VAN DAMME: FORMIDABLE ACCORDION TECHNIQUE
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, September 11, 1980
In an unheralded performance at The Basement on Tuesday, the American jazz accordionist Art Van Damme treated a sizable audience to an evening of sustained brilliance. Playing with him were the Australian musicians Dave Ellis (acoustic bass) and Alan Turnbull (drums). Van Damme's opening solo, on the Ellington tune Satin Doll, characterised by an avalanche of notes in lightning fashion, revealed immediately his general approach…