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.

DAVE BRUBECK REVISITED

by Eric Myers

Encore Magazine, April, 1981

The American Dave Brubeck, 61, studied composition with the French composer Darius Milhaud in Oakland, California, in the early 1940s. He first emerged in jazz with the octet he formed in 1946. In 1951 he formed the famous Dave Brubeck Quartet which featured the lyrical alto saxophonist Paul Desmond. This group, in the 1950s and 1960s, became probably the most popular and highest paid jazz attraction in the world. On the occasion of his ninth visit to Australia, Brubeck spoke with ERIC MYERS. Photos by Walter Glover…

GAS LANE: JAZZ ELEGANCE

by Eric Myers

Sydney Diary, April, 1981

With the opening of Gas Lane at the beginning of 1980, Sydney gained a splendid new jazz venue which can lay claim to being the most elegant in town. It is reminiscent of the leading jazz club in London, Ronnie Scott's. While I have no expertise as a food critic, I enjoy good food and, to my taste, the meals I’ve had at this venue have been excellent. In the area of music, where I claim a modicum of expertise, I warmly recommend the jazz groups which are appearing this month: the John Hoffman Big Band, Crossfire, and Galapagos Duck…

GALAPAGOS DUCK: FOUR NEW RECRUITS

by Eric Myers

Sydney Morning Herald, April 3, 1981

Galapagos Duck is no longer just a normal local group — it has become an institution in Australian jazz. Four new recruits recently joined the band, and people are beginning to ask whether the new Duck is capable of flight. The survivors Tom Hare (flute, saxophones and trumpet) and Greg Foster (trombone and harmonica) are now joined by Bob Egger (keyboards), Mick Jackman (vibraphone, keyboards and vocals), John Conley (bass and guitar) and Lawrie Thompson (drums). These six musicians are able to present many instrumental combinations, so that the famed multi-instrumental prowess of Galapagos Duck has been retained, if not enhanced…