TURNING UNKNOWNS INTO KNOWNS

REFLECTION: Three concerts at The Malthouse on Friday 6 June 2014 for Melbourne International Jazz Festival 7pm: Django Bates Beloved with Monash Art Ensemble celebrate Charlie Parker It was going to be an evening of new experiences — I was familiar with only two of the four ensembles and had heard only one musical performance in the Merlyn Theatre at The Malthouse. It is a similar … Continue reading TURNING UNKNOWNS INTO KNOWNS

SLIP OUT OF THOSE COMFORT ZONES

PREVIEW PART 2: Melbourne International Jazz Festival, May 30 to June 8, 2014 An earlier post mentioned some of the gigs that will attract the big crowds at this year’s festival, which artistic director Michael Tortoni has described it as “the broadest, most inclusive ever”. Before mentioning some concerts that are a little less mainstream, it’s important to highlight the successor to a major hit … Continue reading SLIP OUT OF THOSE COMFORT ZONES

SHREVEPORT STOMP — BROWNE, HANNAFORD, ANNING

CD REVIEW 4 stars ON July 12 last year three patrons left Bennetts Lane jazz club in Melbourne grumbling that they “didn’t pay to hear three drunk blokes wearing flannel … miss every third note”. Yet that night these blokes, none of whom had touched a drop, began recording a live album that dips its lid to Monk, Parker, Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton and Ornette … Continue reading SHREVEPORT STOMP — BROWNE, HANNAFORD, ANNING