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.

SYDNEY IS FACING A JAZZ EXPLOSION IN JANUARY

by Eric Myers

Sydney City Monthly, December, 1980

Now 61 years old, Anita O'Day is making her first visit to Australia in January to headline the Qantas International Jazz Festival, which runs from January 14 to 24. She first came to notice in the latter years of the Swing Era when, in 1941, she joined the orchestra led by the drummer Gene Krupa. With her novel, husky voice, she established a large following among jazz fans. She later worked with Stan Kenton, and again with Krupa, before going on to a solo career as a nightclub performer. She has been recognised as one of the definitive female jazz vocalists, and has been a strong influence on many younger singers…

SYDNEY WILL ABOUND IN JAZZ IN JANUARY

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, December 4, 1980

Yet again, Sydney is in for a plethora of jazz in January. In January almost a year ago, bitter rivalry between the Festival of Sydney and the Sydney International Music Festival created an extraordinary situation, with the two festivals being staged simultaneously in opposition to each other. While there remains fierce competition between the two sets of festival promoters, they have this year avoided a head-on clash. The 11-day Qantas International Jazz Festival, part of the Festival of Sydney, will take place at the Capitol Theatre from January 14. Two days after it ends, the six-day Sydney International Music Festival starts at the Regent Theatre…

JAM SESSION CONDUCTED BY LAURIE BENNETT

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, December 5, 1980

The Jazz Action Society concluded its 1980 series of concerts with a delightful evening of mainstream jazz, packed with interest throughout. The concert was notable for the appearance of two fine jazz musicians who now rarely perform: Alan Nash (trumpet), who is secretary of the NSW branch of the Musicians' Union, and Dave Rutledge (tenor saxophone)…