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.

THE MJQ: A TONIC OF PRISTINE BEAUTY

by Eric Myers

The Australian, February 21, 1983

With performances in Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend, the Modern Jazz Quartet (MJQ) gave Australian audiences a welcome reminder of its immortal contributions to jazz. In Sydney on Friday night, their music was a tonic, producing a tantalising experience even if not a totally satisfying one. The average age in the group is now around 60 so there is a good deal of grey around the temples of the four Americans, John Lewis (piano), Milt "Bags" Jackson (vibes), Percy Heath (bass) and Connie Kay (drums). Before the concert, many wondered if they would be able to produce the goods after a seven-year lay-off…

VINCE JONES TO PERFORM AT THE BASEMENT

by Eric Myers

Magazine, May 19-26, 1983

Australia has produced many outstanding female jazz vocalists but, strangely, very few male ones other than the evergreens Edwin Duff and Johnny Nicol. Vince Jones, an outstanding young singer from Melbourne, therefore fills quite a void. On May 23, 24 and 25 Vince Jones and his sextet will be performing at The Basement, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay. This will be an interest-packed event, for a number of reasons. Jones has performed before in Sydney. He worked in soul bands at the old Whisky-A-Go-Go in William Street some years ago…

VINCE JONES: A HIGHLY IMPRESSIVE JAZZ SHOW

by Eric Myers

The Australian, May 25, 1983

The Melbourne singer Vince Jones had a successful opening night at the Basement on Monday, showing that he has enormous appeal to the middle-of-the-road jazz audience. As a swinging singer, with a modest ability to improvise, Jones was measured and compact — always in control, never putting a foot wrong. His handling of the big ballad, reduced to a dead-slow tempo, was the most arresting aspect of his performance. Everything Happens to Me, Crazy She Calls Me and I Put a Spell on You were well thought out, and delivered convincingly…