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.
Dave Brubeck
JAZZ ENTERS ITS AGE OF NOSTALGIA
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, February 28, 1981
This week the Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson performs at the Sydney Opera House. Later in the month, the American Dave Brubeck returns to Australia for his ninth visit and will appear at the Regent Theatre. Most who listened to jazz in the 1950s would be aware of Peterson and Brubeck. In the 1960s, however, with the emergence of the Beatles and more sophisticated rock music, jazz fell out of favour with a whole generation of young people so that now, 20 years later, with many turning back to jazz, interest in its major developments is growing. So, what has happened in jazz since the 1950s?...
Oscar Peterson
OSCAR PETERSON STUNS THE CRITICS
by Eric Myers
Sydney Morning Herald, March 5, 1981
The two concerts given last night at the Opera House by the Oscar Peterson Quartet effectively checkmated his critics. The Canadian pianist Peterson was surrounded by splendid players: Niels-Henning Orsted Pedersen, who may well be the best bassist in jazz, as he is described by Peterson; the celebrated American guitarist Joe Pass; and the fine English drummer Martin Drew. Yet, throughout both concerts, Peterson had little difficulty in dominating the surrounding company…
Serge Ermoll
RECORD REVIEWS
by Eric Myers
Serge Ermoll Concert Ensemble, Dedication To Horst Liepolt, (Janda Jazz JJ 1004); Eberhard Weber Colours, Little Movements, (ECM 1186)
Sydney Morning Herald, March 6, 1981
This album consists of a jazz suite in seven movements written by the Sydney pianist Serge Ermoll. Ermoll's Concert Ensemble consists of two trumpets, two tenor saxophones, trombone, a four-strong rhythm section including acoustic bass and electric bass, and a string quartet. The written themes are strong and attractive, voiced with biting modern harmonies. This is hard-swinging urban jazz played in a spirit not unlike that of hard-bop…