(Independent) THE name McAll is usually associated with New York-based pianist/composer Barney, but this is the first time his elder brother, John, pianist on 40-plus albums, has been bandleader and composer. The less-known McAll has waited a long time, but his breadth of experience shows in eight originals, each with a story to impart. Imbued with dark references (Axe Dig Gun), black humour (Behind the … Continue reading BLACK MONEY — JOHN McALL
Monday, June 1, 2009 Adam Simmons on clarinet It was the second night of Adam Simmons’s first solo Australian tour and my train was late — 15 minutes late. At the Old Drouin Butter Factory two nights earlier, Simmons had launched his month-long tour, fielding questions from the audience as he took them on a tour of instruments selected from a grab-bag so extensive it … Continue reading Adam Simmons solo at fortyfivedownstairs
Howard Cairns It was great, on May 28, to have bassist Howard Cairns — who has played with (among others) Yarra Yarra Jazz Band, Ross Hannaford, Allan Browne’s Red Onions and New Rascals, the Dancehall Racketeers, Michelle Nicole, Igor Oskolkov’s Gypsy Swing, Andy Cowan and the internationally acclaimed Way Out West, as well as touring widely in Australia, Europe and America — leading his group … Continue reading Howard Cairns Quintet at Paris Cat
