REVIEW: STONNINGTON JAZZ 2012 Tim Firth Trio/James Muller Quartet, Chapel Off Chapel, May 22, 2012 This was a chance to catch two recent recipients of awards in two line-ups. Drummer Tim Firth won the 2012 National Jazz Awards competition in Wangaratta and Alex Boneham was recently chosen as Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year in the Jazz Bell Awards. Firth — who not so … Continue reading AWARD WINNERS CONFIRM THE JUDGES’ VERDICTS
Mary Halvorson Trio, Bennetts Lane, 11pm, June 10 Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2011 Mary Halvorson guitar, John Hebert bass, Ches Smith drums It was late at night when Halvorson’s trio was setting up. Bennetts Lane Megan Evans introduced the trio and could have murdered “that man at the bar talking on his mobile phone” … but she didn’t. It probably says something about my lack … Continue reading MARY HALVORSON LETS HER HAIR DOWN
CD REVIEW 3.5 stars AS composer, arranger, producer and bandleader, Isaacs is considered and meticulous, which is a good description of this studio album. Compared with the previous, more visceral live album, Tell It Like It Is, which comes as a bonus DVD in this release, Aurora has a decorative, almost embroidered feel that reflects Isaacs’ nurture. He has James Muller play electric and acoustic … Continue reading AURORA — MARK ISAACS RESURGENCE BAND
