The Burden of Memory: Oehlers, Grabowsky, Rogers, Harland

CD REVIEW The Burden of Memory: Jamie Oehlers, Paul Grabowsky, Reuben Rogers, Eric Harland How much do we need to analyse music and how much to just listen? To what extent can we escape our expectations of music from musicians who we’ve heard many times and yet not nearly enough? To the first question, the answer is probably that to listen is sufficient, and that … Continue reading The Burden of Memory: Oehlers, Grabowsky, Rogers, Harland

LIFE’S UNDERTOW — TIM STEVENS

CD review 4 stars Rufus Records Stevens did not prepare or plan his second solo piano album, but used one session in a Sydney studio for “spontaneous improvisation”, trusting the creative process. The risk pays off, in spades. Life’s Undertow is a compelling, declarative and inspired example of music shaped on the run. Apart from nimbly complex The Line’s Tension, these 10 pieces lean more … Continue reading LIFE’S UNDERTOW — TIM STEVENS

KELLER, LACEY, TALIA — THREE LANES

CD review 4 stars Self-released (AK001) Genevieve Lacey (recorders), Joe Talia (Revox B77, electronics & percussion) and Andrea Keller (piano) A sizeable dollop of gratitude is due to the two-year Australia Council Fellowship program that has allowed composer Keller to create what she describes as “new music” with two “broad-minded” musical colleagues. It’s not surprising that this foray out of Keller’s comfort zone works so … Continue reading KELLER, LACEY, TALIA — THREE LANES