Shannon Barnett
GALLERY: Tuesday, November 12, 8.30pm: SHANNON BARNETT QUARTET & STEPHEN MAGNUSSON
Melbourne Jazz C0-operative
What a treat to hear New York-based trombonist Shannon Barnett at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club last night, in a first set with guitarist Steve Magnusson.
It’s comparing apples and oranges, but I was struck by what a contrast there was between Barnett’s warm, resonant tones and the amplified, electronic sound of Eric Vloeimans‘ horn in Gatecrash recently at Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues. This is absolutely not a criticism of Vloeimans’ ability or technique, but merely an observation that, while both could be described as enveloping in a “warm blanket” sense, I think there is more texture and sometimes gravelly roughness or guts to the fat tones of Barnett’s ‘bone. Of course they are different instruments and the contexts and intentions are much different. It’s just that one appeals to me much more than the other.
If I wanted a trumpet sound to illustrate the depth and texture that can be achieved with that instrument without the electrified tone of Vloeimans’ instrument, I’d suggest Gianni Marinucci as an example, on his album A Tender Caress.
But I digress. The other appeal of Tuesday night’s duo set was the level of understanding between Barnett and Magnusson. I felt that they really appreciated the chance to explore some great tunes together and that the audience picked up on that vibe. I have previously described gigs as therapy for the soul. This was one of those.
I was unable to stay for Barnett’s second set, in a quartet with Nash Lee (guitar), Chris Hale (bass), and Chris Port (drums).
Trombonist and composer Barnett returns next week to New York.
Here are some images from the first set:
Shannon Barnett and Steve Magnusson
Shannon Barnett
Shannon Barnett
Steve Magnusson
Steve Magnusson
ROGER MITCHELL
Larger versions of these images can be viewed in this GALLERY
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