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.

THE PATH OF JAZZ FROM THE STRING QUARTET TO THE OPERA

by Ian Muldoon

July 15, 2025

“A rationalisation is more important than sex. I know because I can do without sex for a day” reasons the Jeff Goldblum character in the 1983 film The Big Chill. Perhaps there’s a similar saying about metaphors. Robert Frost wrote about the road not taken, in his iconic and wildly popular eponymous poem.  Metaphors are scattered willy nilly in everyday English. My “path” in the world of music led me to the most important music of the 20th century - jazz - and it was this music which was my gate to completeness. I’m curious now about the path that led me through that gate. Instinctively it must be related to the notion of freedom. Like many if not most of my generation being a “free” child was commonplace…

TESSIE OVERMYER QUINTET AND SEPTET

by Ian Muldoon

July 26, 2025

I sang "Gotta get my old tuxedo pressed, gotta sew a button on my vest 'cause tonight I've gotta look my best, Tessie's back in town” (with apologies to Al Dubin and Harry Warren) as I wheedled my 20-year-old Audi through city traffic, on a rain spattered, 10 degrees celsius winter’s night in Melbourne to hear the Tessie Overmyer Quintet. Taking my place in Jazzlab front and centre at 7pm, I was staring at a water bottle on the stage, a water bottle set there by Tessie recently returned from her sojourn at New York’s Manhattan School Of Music (MSM) with its motto Mace Virtute Sic - Iture Ad Astra (Those Who Excel, Reach the Stars)…

LACHLAN McKENZIE QUINTET LIVE & ALBUM DEPARTURES

by Ian Muldoon

August 1, 2025

What is it about jazz that makes it resonate - emotionally and intellectually - more than any other music? To me a big part is watching players speak as individuals through their chosen instruments. Traditionally classical musicians dress anonymously in black symbolising the composer’s power and their submission to the work of the composer but jazz musicians display the individuality of their character through their mannerisms, personalities, dress and of course through their instruments… And so it came to pass that I was a happy witness to the evidence of five jazz characters on display in a live performance under the leadership of composer and trumpet player Lachlan McKenzie and his quintet…