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.
Sidney Bechet
RECORD REVIEW: SIDNEY BECHET
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, November 24, 1980
The Complete Sidney Bechet, Volumes 1 and 2, 1932-1941 (RCA VIL20281)
It is somewhat anomalous to entitle an album The Complete Sidney Bechet when it does not include any of his early-1920s sessions with Clarence Williams' Blue Five, nor his classic Cake Walkin' Babies of 1924. But, this two-record set is still a fine collection, capturing the essence of the musician whom Duke Ellington described as "the most unique man ever to be in jazz"…
George Benson
GEORGE BENSON LOSES NOTHING IN CHANGE
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, November 27, 1980
At the Hordern Pavilion last night, the American singer and guitarist George Benson showed that a great jazz musician can make the transition to popular entertainment, while simultaneously retaining those musical values inherent in jazz as an art form. While Mr Benson's music is basically African-American "funk" music, for want of a better term, it does not have the deadening impact of most electric rock music…
Wayne Harris
RECORD REVIEWS
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, December 1, 1980
Empty Glass, Wayne Harris (Backwater Tracks YPRX 1656); Emergence, The Australian Jazz Orchestra (Alte, YPRX 1690 A/B)