Eric Myers Jazz

sydney arts guide

This folder contains reviews written by Eric Myers for the Sydney Arts Guide, edited by David Kary. Readers can click on the INDEX button for a list of reviews or articles in this folder.

ZELA MARGOSSIAN QUINTET AT THE LOUNGE IN CHATSWOOD

Reviewed by Eric Myers

Sydney Arts Guide, March 31, 2026

Looking back at the various concerts presented at The Lounge in Chatswood, which I’ve reviewed, it’s noteworthy that the music presented has generally been what one might call mainstream jazz. That is to say, as Google tells us, jazz that emphasises melodic, accessible improvisation rooted in swing, blues, and popular standards.  More innovative music has not been much featured at this great venue - until this splendid concert which took place on March 26, 2026, featuring the Zela Margossian Quintet. This music was totally original from start to finish, consisting of impressive works written by Margossian, one of the most talented composers in Australian jazz…

FAREWELL GREGG ARTHUR AT AVALON BOWLO

Reviewed by Eric Myers

Sydney Arts Guide, April 4, 2026

This was only the second time I’ve been present at a jazz concert at Avalon Bowlo, following the Joy Yates/Dave MacRae gig on Wed Jan 7, and it confirmed in spades what I’d discovered on that memorable night – that what has been created in Avalon by a community of jazz enthusiasts is truly a phenomenon. On this occasion it featured singer Gregg Arthur on the eve of his flight to Berlin, where he and his fiancée Lucy Scott intend to live for six months. So in many ways this was a farewell performance, which invested the gig with unique significance; one might expect everyone on stage to give their all, in the light of this special occasion. This turned out to be the case…

PETER LOCKE: JAZZ PIANIST, ACCOMPANIST, MUSICAL DIRECTOR & SONGWRITER

Interviewed by Eric Myers

Sydney Arts Guide, March 1, 2026

Peter Locke is one of Australia's most highly respected jazz pianists, musical directors, accompanists, and songwriters. Based out of Sydney and the NSW South Coast, he is in demand in many musical settings owing to the depth of the jazz tradition in his playing. Peter studied with, and is a protege of, the late piano master Chuck Yates. In addition to his own Peter Locke Trio, he performs regularly with the Dan Barnett Big Band, Brad Child's Swing Era Big Band, John Morrison's Swing City Big Band, Society Syncopators (Melbourne), Andrew Dickeson's Blue Rhythm Band, Jazz Quartet (Bowral), the Mell-o-Tones and the New Wolverine Jazz Orchestra…