ESSAYS

This section includes essays on various jazz subjects, written by a number of writers. Contributions are welcome. Writers interested in contributing are welcome to contact the editor by filling out the form in the CONTACT tab. Photographs to illustrate those essays are welcome. Readers can click on the INDEX button for a list of articles in this folder.

A MEMORABLE TRIBUTE TO THE LEGENDARY CHUCK YATES

Compiled by Eric Myers

April 3, 2025

Stella Yates writes: On Sunday, March 16, 2025, we gathered to honour my father Chuck Yates’s memory. His wake was a moving testament to his life and the impact he had on those around him. The evening was filled with laughter, love, respect, and warmth from all who attended. The atmosphere was vibrant, a genuine celebration of his full life, with great music and heartfelt stories. I felt his presence, and it was a truly beautiful and shared evening by all. Lost in the moment, I regret not having captured more of these precious memories with my camera…

FROM THE MOUNTAIN TO THE BASEMENT

by Bruce Viles

Disc & Tape Review, December, 1975

In 1967 while working at the Kosciusko Chalet, I decided that the reason the place was dying was because people came to be entertained, and a squeeze box and a bass were not exactly the ideal combination for a place which boasted a "wild night scene". In the summer of 1968 I used to drink at the Brooklyn Hotel in George Street where the saxophonist Marty Mooney played in the red-hot, beer-swilling, drunken trad outfit that was knocking everyone out. Marty and I became good friends and I offered him the job of getting together a good quartet for the '68 snow season. He jumped at it and the band line-up became Marty Mooney, Tom Hare, Chris Qua and Des Windsor, with occasional sit-ins by the then 14-year-old Willie Qua on drums. We had a great time and promised each other that one day we would get something going again in Sydney. It all seemed like a remote dream in those days…

LISTEN TO THE SPIRIT OF ‘44’

Album review by Paul McNamara

Disc & Tape Review, December, 1975

If there are any doubts about the health of Australian jazz, this record proves that not only is it alive and well, but indeed flourishing. The fact that there now exists a jazz label 44 Records, featuring local players, performing original compositions, is a milestone along the road to achievement of a desirable music environment. This record features virtually the cream of the local bands, who now find that they have an added outlet for their music other than the occasional night at The Basement in Sydney…