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.
Carlos Montoya
CARLOS MONTOYA: FLAMENCO IS IN HIS BLOOD
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, September 12, 1980
Known as the Grand Old Man of Flamenco Guitar, the distinguished Spanish musician Carlos Montoya is in Australia again for a national tour. In his career Montoya, 76, has converted the traditional music of the Spanish gypsy into high art, and taken it with great success to the concert halls of the world. In Sydney this week Montoya, who speaks English hesitantly, was accompanied by his American wife Sally, who acted as interpreter…
Oregon
OREGON: MESMERISING
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, September 15, 1980
An audience large enough to only half fill the Sydney Town Hall attended an exquisite performance by the American quartet Oregon on Friday night. The group consisted of Paul McCandless (reeds), Ralph Towner (guitar and piano), Glen Moore (bass) and Collin Walcott (percussion). With the ability to play over 60 instruments between them these four virtuosos adhered very much to their standard instruments, although Towner also played flugelhorn, Walcott played sitar, and Moore played the violin upright, like a miniature double bass…
Michael Franks
MICHAEL FRANKS & CROSSFIRE: DON'T MISS THEM
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, September 16, 1980
The Sunday night concert featuring the American singer Michael Franks and the Australian jazz/rock group Crossfire was a lovely experience and a triumph for all concerned. It is often said unthinkingly that, while Michael Franks is a great songwriter, his singing leaves something to be desired. At this concert he showed that, by any standards, he is a highly accomplished and musical singer in live performance. While his gentle voice does not have a great range, he sings beautifully in tune…